Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 | 2:01 a.m.
Another view?
View more of the Las Vegas Sun's opinion section:
• Editorials - the Sun's viewpoint.
• Columnists - local and syndicated writers.
• Letters to the editor - readers' views.
Have your own opinion? Write a letter to the editor.
Parents and teachers search for solutions to autism. Childhood developmental problems associated with autism typically affect how children think, speak, listen and move.
Although experts have concluded that excess childhood exposure to lead causes severe learning problems and significantly reduced intelligence levels, they will not go as far as to confirm an absolute link of lead poisoning and childhood autism.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum level of 40 parts per million of lead be allowed in children’s products.
However, 17 percent of children’s products were found to have had much higher lead levels. Furthermore, 35 percent of Chinese-imported toys had levels of lead above 600 parts per million.
When it comes to children’s toys and jewelry, U.S. authorities admit that just 23 percent of our youngsters’ toys manufactured in China are inspected.
No human being can be expected to develop normally or act rationally if they ingest high levels of toxins at their most vulnerable stages of life.
The United States should begin holding our business and political sectors legally and financially responsible for failing to protect the safety and best interests of our most precious possession — our children.
I'm curious to see which direction the discussion on this topic will take, or if there will be any commentating at all on this subject.
In one sense, I expect there might be the typical partisan political finger-pointing. There could be some valid reasons for this. Corporate executives were well aware of the dangers of high lead content that Chinese manufacturing posed to America's most vulnerable, our children. Made no difference to them, making an extra buck comes first above all else.
President's, present and former are responsible too. However, I will give Obama credit for a half-hearted attempt in saving our children. Originally, as a candidate, Obama pledged to ban Chinese imports of children's toys and jewelry manufactured in China. However, once Obama was elected President he backed away from this pledge. To Obama's credit, he did promise to double the budget of the Consumer Products Safety Commission. However, House Republicans not only squashed the proposed budget increase, they slashed tens of millions of dollars from their existing budget.
There will be those who say, "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced an agreement with Chinese officials aimed at stopping the use of lead paint on Chinese-made toys that are exported to the United States." This would be true. However, we no longer have the available inspectors to ensure China lives by this pledge. But, the rate of autism in our children continues to skyrocket.
When it comes to our children, I would not be one to trust China. In fact, I don't even trust our own business sector and elected politicians to do the right thing for our children.
I have to wonder at this moment, while the two main political parties continously bicker about partisan politics, who is looking out for our children? In my eyes, apparently, no one.
As a parent, citizen, and teacher, I have been appalled by the vast numbers that corrolate to those affected by autism and other health associated issues, by the exponential number of dollar stores and blanket marketing of products from China. Products that are plastic based are the MOST suspect, going to items coated with plastic and/or paints, and metals. UGH. Just check the labels: from toys, jewelry, electronics, car parts, even housing building items. Even canned food products are coming from China. When you have lived long enough on this planet, you do notice the change. I grew up during the days of lead pipes, lead paint, asbestos tiles, and never saw the devastation and levels of autism, as I do in the last 20 years. And this all started with dollar stores and big chain stores using mostly products from China!
This is about health and safety, for NOW and FUTURE generations. Pressure needs to be continued to enforce laws and fund enforcement. This problem affects us all, whether directly, or indirectly. Thanks Bradley, for bringing this issue up. Our nation has a lot of problems, but this one is hitting the homes of millions of People of the USA. It is next to impossible to avoid these contaminated products anymore as they are EVERYWHERE in our lives.
Blessings and Peace,
Star
BChap:
I'm not sure the incidence of autism is rising and/or we are doing a better job identifying infants and youngsters who have autism. In any event, children with autism are God's gift to us and they are owed all the same love and tenderness as are all God's children.
CarmineD
BChap:
I don't pretend to know what causes autism, but let me offer some ideas and observations.
I grew up in an era where lead-based paint was everywhere, lead pipes were in use and every gallon of gasoline we burned contained up to 3mg of tetraethyl lead. The latter left measurable lead concentrations along roadsides. Yet autism was not nearly as prevalent as today. That said, you can't rule out some genetic alteration that didn't manifest until subsequent generations.
For lead to have an effect on humans it must be ingested. Most cars have a lead-acid battery and except for some aberrant freeway behavior, doesn't seem to affect drivers or auto mechanics.
Most evidence I've seen indicates a genetic cause or very early onset in infants. This tends to make me doubtful that lead in Chinese toys is a factor due to limited exposure of infants to toys and whether the lead present is in an ingestible form. Blood tests can answer that question.
As another thought, if you believe in evolution, you have to wonder why natural selection seems to be selecting autism.
If autism has a genetic cause, it could source from anything . Radio, television, and cell phone
transmissions expose us to wavelengths of energy not previously experienced just as one idea.
As I said at the start, I don't know, but I have a nephew with autism and I would certainly like to know more.
Totally agree with Bradley, CarmineD, and Jim. Let us hope and pray that research and good thinking prevail to uncover the causes of autism and bring forward the very needed ways to fix this ever growing problem. Certainly, our hearts go out to those with autism and their families.
Blessings and Peace,
Star
Are there any other reasons to stop doing business with China? With the increase in Autism in our children from Chinese made products, that should be reason enough. Wake up America cheap chinese made toys etc.are not worth the risk for our future generations of children.
In reply to; "Star", "Carmine" and "Jim Weber". I thank each of you much for your comments.
I'm sure each of you has been aware of my past comments that have clearly spelled out that I grew up in a wealthy Republican family that I despised then, and later completely disowned for life.
My cousin, whom I will call for purposes of this discussion, "Rae-Rae" has a more severe case of autism. My uncle, Rae-Rae's father, was the richest of all in my family tree. Although Rae-Rae was provided the basics of care for her condition, apparently neither my aunt nor uncle was engaged in the mannerisms of treatment that medical personnel and researchers in autism provided her.
In time, although still decades ago, I came to learn that Rae-Rae's autism was treated back in those days as if she was a "crazy person", or in more formal terms, a "schizophrenic". I was stunned and deeply angered. And then when I discovered that treatments back during the 1960's for the more severe cases of autism were medications such as "LSD" and electric shock, this brought me to a tirade against my entire family. This proved to me why on occasion when I would see Rae-Rae she would periodically act like she was being stuck with "pins and needles". I learned with Rae-Rae that these times, that I would personally see her, each of these outbursts were soon after Rae-Rae had been to scheduled medical appointments. That just threw me over the emotional cliff. My harangue against family resulted in being banned from ever seeing Rae-Rae again. It holds true to this day, as all I know is, Rae-Rae is institutionalized.
For Rae-Rae and I, there were no more walks along the bay, hand in hand. There was no more times where I could look into Rae-Rae's eyes and know what she really wanted to say to me if she could. It was all over. Now, I don't know for sure how Rae-Rae became autistic, but I do know my uncle was a wealthy businessman who had a large conglomeration of chemicals and lead based solvents in his "basement shop" where he conducted a lot of experiments and practices that made him very wealthy in his business.
Now, had I known then what I know now, the question would have always been, was all this worth it? I'm sure my uncle, just like the majority of businessmen and politicians see it, sure it has all been worth it. They crunch numbers; autism only afflicts one out of eighty-eight children here in America. Maybe this is a number they can live with, but I CANNOT!!!
In reply to "Sam", and thank you also for your comments that I just read. You're absolutely right, it's not worth it. However, Corporate America and most politicians from both political parties will never see it our way.
I have only one thing in common with all these people. We will both continue to mutually despise each each other. While many Americans wave the flag in support of their political party, my thoughts rest with what should be our greatest treasure, and that's our children.
But, the voters of America have made it clear in reelecting the "status quo", one autistic child out of every 88 born is not so bad. And people in this discussion room wonder why I detest voting and both political parties?
Wonderful comments from all. I enjoyed reading each and every comment and agreed with all of them. Some comments I said "That is exactly right," or "That is very sad," or "That is an interesting idea," and finally I told myself "Every child matters!" I don't know what direction to take my comment because I just have a moment, except excellent letter Bradley. Thank you for sharing your life experiences with us once again.
Carmine & Star, lovely comments
Sam, I agree with you 100%!!!!!!
Jim, interesting observation; very insightful.
I also grew up in an era where lead-based paint was used everywhere.
I try very hard not to buy anything Made in China; this year I decided not to buy the grandchildren gifts for Christmas and will send money instead. It is very difficult to find products that are not Made in China, but not impossible.
Very nice letter and enjoyed all of the comments.
Have a nice day to everyone :)
"As another thought, if you believe in evolution, you have to wonder why natural selection seems to be selecting autism." - PIESCES4
This will sound cruel, but if in fact there is a genetic shift that is at the root of this then the reason the incidence of autism (if it is being correctly diagnosed) is increasing is because modern medicine has its thumb on the evolutionary scales. That is, many more people are surviving childhood to reproduce that was the case even 100 years ago.
It should come as no surprise that as we improve our ability to save lives that we will see problems that might always have existed show up in larger numbers since they were masked by an earlier death and/or a shorter life expectancy before.
As for CarmineD's comment: it is precisely that belief that was the downfall of more than a few candidates who said the same of pregnancy resulting from rape.
I can not disagree more strongly with the notion that birth defects or other problems are a "gift from God..." It is absolutely impossible for me to reconcile the concept of a just and loving God with one who would allow a child to be born deaf, and then as if that is not enough, to allow that same child to suffer a devastating stroke at age 11! That most definitely is NOT a "gift" as CarmineD puts it.
Yes, this is personal for me. And I know there are some religious people who would say these so-called "gifts" are a punishment on the parent for turning away or not having faith. BULL!!!!
Back to the main point, it may or may not be lead that is the culprit, just like it may or may not be the battery of immunizations that some with to point to. But I think it is reasonable to take a good look at imports from places that do not have the same attitude towards protection of the population that we have.
There have already been several notable examples of lax quality control on some imports. There is probably many others waiting to be found.
In reply to "Kepi", yes, thank you too for your comments.
You know when my son was younger, I think he kept some hard feelings towards me, as a parent, for keeping him inside of protected shell for as long as I possibly could. It wasn't unreasonable for him, at his age, at that point in time to think that he had missed out on so much.
However, now that he is a dedicated father of my two precious grandchildren, he's even more protective of them than I was of him.
Hopefully, sooner or later we will all come to learn that trusting our businessmen and elected political leaders can only go so far when it comes to the best interests of our children.
Bradley-
I was just checking out the NBC.com news and there is an article that autism may have some correlation to pregnant mothers having contracted the flu or maintaining a high fever.
Just an FYI
Doc T.
In reply to Jim Bacon, "boftx". I know Jim; sometimes I can get very angry on both political and religious ideology issues that I relate to "Rae-Rae". As with you, and Jim Weber, this issue is also extremely personal to me.
We should all work hard in protecting our children from any source of danger, which obviously includes more controls over dangerous imports from any country.
Corporate America and our elected officials of both parties have not acted with caring and common sense when it comes to the well-being of our children. Rational solutions for our children lay inside the parameters where integrity trumps impunity.
In reply to dilligaf; yes, I saw that. Thank you, Doc.
My God!!! Another extreme danger to our children.
BChap your son is a testament to his father. A job well done and you should be very proud.
A quick browse indicates that there is only one sure fact about autism: nobody has a clear, provable theory about causes it. And one relatively sure fact: the rate of autism diagnoses is increasing, at least in the industrialized world.
Lead - now that's a different matter. Lead is, in fact, a biological poison, with no known safe threshold for exposure. It is cumulative - it's stored in the body. Symptoms are varied, from confusion to death. It's EVERYWHERE! And you may well not know you are exposed to it. For example - live in, work in, or visit an older building (1978 or older)? It's probably in the paint on the walls.
Can exposure be controlled? That gets us into the middle of the recent election. Yes, it can. BUT it will be expensive, require bunches of new government regulations and even more intrusive government inspections. Can you sue if your child is poisoned by lead? Most certainly, in theory. BUT you will have to prove by at least the preponderance of the evidence that the lead responsible came specifically from a toy made by Jake's Toys, Inc. instead of one from John's Toy Co., or from the paint on the walls of your cousin's home and you'll need the will and the cash to pursue a years-long (or decades-long...) court action. Again, can you sue? In practice, no way.
Solution? Two extremes: ban totally and pay the monetary price for strict enforcement or allow totally and pay the price in damaged or dead people. Current compromise? Ban after a fashion, pay for some inspection and control, trust for-profit companies to pursue the general health and welfare of the population, and accept a degree of dead and damaged people - all the time hoping that I or my family are not among those. My personal preference? As close to a total ban as possible - and accept the money cost. But then people stopped calling me a conservative during the 2000 election.
I can't help but wonder if some of what is being diagnosed as autism today was (rightly?) attributed to in-breeding in bygone days.
I read one very compelling article that argued that over stimulation of the young brain due primarily to television and other forms of media were a cause.
I don't have enough information to really form an informed opinion, but I thought it was an interesting theory and one that makes logical sense to me.
If you think about it, those of us who are over 40 didn't have that much to watch on TV. Cartoons were in the morning on Saturday (no 24 hr Cartoon Network), there were no VCRs, etc.
If the upsurge in autism is mainly in first world countries, it could be due to many factors (food additives, simple better awareness / publicity of the problem, etc) but I found this article interesting
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/addi...
I'm inclined to agree with the thread of boftx's posts, that there are genetic anomolies that, in earlier generations, simply would not manifested themselves. Why do we see more and more cancers? Because people aren't dying young from infection, plague, smallpox, diptheria, etc, so cancers, especially those which develop with cellular breakdown, have time to take hold and develop. I have lupus. How in the hell did I get that? Lupus hits primarily women, young women. If it hits men they are predominantly black men, young black men. I'm an old white guy so why? The doc says look, its probably genetic but we really don't know. You were exposed to lots of petrochemicals as a kid and a young man plus agent orange plus you survived cholera and two bouts of malaria. You probably outta be dead by now so a little lupus won't kill you.
I apologize for not getting back sooner to those who have commented this afternoon and evening. I was having a wonderful visit with my grandchildren.
Some very insightful commentaries. Thank you all very much.
Chuck 333; thank you for your kind words;however the truth is, my son is a much better husband and father than I would have ever thought of being. I always hoped he would do better, and he certainly has.
By the way, to the Las Vegas Sun; Sometimes emotions get in the way of a good explanation and or description. I want to thank whomever edited my letter for a job well done. We have certainly had an informative discussion on this topic. Sincerely, BChap
"I can not disagree more strongly with the notion that birth defects or other problems are a "gift from God..." It is absolutely impossible for me to reconcile the concept of a just and loving God with one who would allow a child to be born deaf, and then as if that is not enough, to allow that same child to suffer a devastating stroke at age 11! That most definitely is NOT a "gift" as CarmineD puts it." boftx
God doesn't make mistakes.
CarmineD
boftx:
You may have already, but if not, and perhaps even again: Read the Book of Job.
CarmineD
Jim said:
"I can not disagree more strongly with the notion that birth defects or other problems are a "gift from God..." It is absolutely impossible for me to reconcile the concept of a just and loving God with one who would allow a child to be born deaf, and then as if that is not enough, to allow that same child to suffer a devastating stroke at age 11! That most definitely is NOT a "gift" as CarmineD puts it.
Yes, this is personal for me. And I know there are some religious people who would say these so-called "gifts" are a punishment on the parent for turning away or not having faith. BULL!!!!"
I Say:
I am inclined to agree with you that there seems to be a level of inconsistency in God's allowing of birth defects and lifelong disabilities. I also know some of the greatest human beings I have known are people with disabilities.
I think God at times lets us be, and shows the sacredness of being born "normal". This is an area where faith plays an important, necessary role. I can say I see the spirit of God in most, if not all of these people. I will wait and see what my Lord in heaven has in store for these very special people when I enter the gates of heaven. Until then, I will reserve judgment.
You said this was personal, I think we all know someone...
...I will never forget the gift of holding Daniel, a beautiful baby that was deaf, blind, mute and was not supposed to be alive. His real parents and foster parents bonded in tears at his funeral. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit all over that child when we would hold him at church and the one time we were allowed to babysit him. I feel honored still to have touched his face.
Sometimes, you just have to have faith.
In reply to "Carmine" and "Boftx"; peace brothers!!! This should be the one subject that all of us stand united on.
My wife and I discussed Jim's portion of his commentary that had related to your post on God. Even though both of us agreed that Jim misunderstood your post, my wife and I were both understanding that this subject of autism is very personal to him, just like "Rae-Rae" is to me.
Case in point is, if one reads back on my most recent posts there were a lot of harsh words exchanged when I revoked my support in voting for Barack Obama. It was all linked to "Rae-Rae". Some of my points were logical, others were not. However, at this point, most likely every reader can understand why I have very stern feelings about President Obama not repealing NAFTA, and not banning Chinese imports of children's toys and jewelry. But, when I clear my mind, I do see that there is no way Barack Obama intentionally put America's children at risk by allowing dangerous and unhealthy imports of goods from foreign countries. President Obama had other essential considerations in making his final decision on these issues. He was honorable in trying to increase the budget of the Consumer Products Safety Commission for inspections of these imports, but the funding was taken away. I should understand that the Republicans in the House are only trying to bring spending under control, as I understand President Obama believed inspections of imports were both best for the children of our country and our economy that such imports do generate in the overall economic spectrum.
When it comes to "Rae-Rae" and children as a whole, I stumble in being logical and reasonable in religion and politics. I had, as usual, the time of my life playing with my two grandchildren yesterday. I want them protected at all costs. No exceptions. I don't care about excuses on religious or political grounds. Either our children are protected, or they are not. Those are the blinders that I wear, so I ask Carmine that you be a little more sensitive to "boftx", because we are both very delicate on this issue. Thanks for understanding partner, that there was no harm intended towards you. Sincerely, BChap
In reply to "Jeff From Vegas"; superb commentary, Jeff.
Where you said, "Sometimes, you just have to have faith." You are so right. I am a Christian, but oh, how I stumble at times on issues that are so so personal to me!!!
Has the causation of Autism been found?
From last week:
"Researchers said Thursday they had discovered a genetic mutation in people with autism that cuts communication between brain cells to about one-tenth of normal levels.
The study found a protein which helps brain cells transfer data through neurological pathways called synapses was mutated in autism sufferers, offering a likely explanation for their cognitive and behavioural difficulties.
Principal investigator Johanna Montgomery, from Auckland University's Centre for Brain Research, said the mutated protein, called Shank3, provided exciting possibilities in the search for autism treatments.
"(A treatment) is years away," she told AFP. "But we now know how it works, we know what goes wrong, so let's try to figure out a way to fix it.
"Now we've got a focus for how we actually rescue this protein, to make it work appropriately again so that brain cells can communicate at the right levels."
The two-year study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, was carried out by the Centre for Brain Research and Stanford University in the United States.
Montgomery said researchers were beginning to understand the complex factors behind so-called autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which typically result in learning difficulties, lack of socialisation and repetitive behaviours.
She said the condition was becoming more prevalent, partly due to more efficient diagnosis, with studies estimating it affects about one-in-82 children.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/he...
http://www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/faculty/n...
In reply to "Jeff From Vegas"; absolutely superb work in the links you provided in your above post. Those are astounding developments in autism research and development.
So, if I understand correctly the information you provided, would it be true that an autistic child who suffered from the effects of lead poisoning can be saved and brought forth to live a mostly natural life? Amazing!!!
I very much understand that to reach heights of medical research such as in autism, there must have been past subjects such as my "Rae-Rae" to have ever even come close to the possible cures for autism that these researchers seem to be on the threshold of today.
Again, although I think this is a fantastic development, it does not ease my suspicions and anger that back in the 60's the "Rae-Rae's" of the world were probably used as subjects in this long road to reaching a possible cure for autism.
I guess the inner-conflicts that life provides many of us just never subside.
Bradley,
The ability to use this research to affect a cure is likely years away. The primary problem is, as usual, finding test subjects, or human guinea pigs. The ethics are just horrific no matter which side you stand on.
After reading the University's press release on the study, if they find a way to "un-mutate" or rescue this protein it remains to be seen if an adult would have a non existent response to the "fixed" protein, where an infant may be jump started into "normalcy", whatever that is!
There was a movie out a few years back detailing a temporary return to consciousnesses for people, the title of the movie escapes me, but it we could get a brief glimpse into what an autistic person truly needs that would be its own miracle.
There are too many unknown unknowns at this point, but our knowledge about this condition is greatly enhanced in the past couple of years.
There are baby steps and giant leaps, this discovery, IMHO is closer to a giant leap than a baby step.
In reply to "Jeff from Vegas"; I must say, you once again pointed to the core of the problem where you provided information on a possible cure for autism, but wrote, "The primary problem is, as usual, is finding test subjects, or human guinea pigs. The ethics are just horrific no matter which side you stand on."
Jeff, when it came to "Rae-Rae", I've never had confirmation that she was ever used as a human "guinea pig" back in the 1960's. However, there were very strong indications that she was used in this manner. No one adult in the family had ever denied that "Rae-Rae" was being used as a "test subject". Although I was a kid myself at the time all this was going on, a "family war" of epic proportions took root. With the exception of a few others, it was me versus the entire family tree. Not ever being allowed to see "Rae-Rae" again only fueled my fires of mistrust, hate and even common occurrences of violence among family members. Looking back at everything, yes, it is sad. But, in my eyes, someone needed to defend and somehow speak in some form on behalf of "Rae-Rae".
Many times, over the past five decades, peace offerings to calm hatred between me and family members that I grew up with were presented. But, at best, they were all short-lived. If there was no "Rae-Rae" as a part of my life, and no absolute confirmations that "Rae-Rae's" autism has been medically treated in ethical mannerisms, then, within me, there shall be no family forgiveness or reconciliation of any kind.
Only a year and a half ago contact was made with me for a final "last ditch" offer of peace within the family. Of course, I brought up the issue of "Rae-Rae". Once again, my conditions were ignored. That spelled out the final episode.
So, in the end Jeff, whether it is the family I grew up with, our business executives and or politicians, they have always known that lead is an extremely harmful toxin. To some degree, they have all ignored the wellbeing and best interests of our children. I will compromise on a lot, however on this, where our children are involved, NEVER!!!
Jeff, I know you put a lot of effort into your posts here, as well as every other commentator has put forth their "heartfelt" words. I've greatly appreciated everyone's comments. Thank you. Sincerely, BChap