Autism and Down Syndrome in the News

Two special needs populations have been in the news over the last few weeks, each for a different reason. The never ending question of the link between autism and vaccines has still not been resolved despite the inability of scientists to duplicate results of the initial study published in the Lancet. More than six months after Andrew Wakefield's name was struck from the register of accredited physicians in the UK, there are still large numbers of people who stand behind his claim that MMR vaccines cause autism.

Extensive investigations undertaken by journalist Brian Deer reveal the whole truth behind the autism vaccine controversy, and the British Medical Journal is now publishing a series of articles written by Deer. This is much recommended reading, no matter what your stance on the role of vaccines in autism. This brief timeline of the autism vaccine controversy will help put things into perspective.

A blood test to screen for Down syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy has been announced with much fanfare. Study authors claim the screening test could eliminate up to 98% of amniocentesis. The test has not yet been approved for clinical use, and is significantly more expensive than existing screening methods. It is also limited to detecting Down syndrome at the moment, though it seems logical the same technology could potentially be used to screen for other conditions in the future.

The test could mean earlier and safer screening for all pregnant women, not just those at higher risk. Universal screening, however, is not without its drawbacks. Some people fear doctors will take less care when it comes to informing women about their options, because a non-invasive screening is seen as routine compared to a procedure that could potentially cause miscarriage. Advocates for special needs populations also worry that earlier, safer testing could result in more women being pressured to abort fetuses found to have conditions such as Down syndrome.

There is no cure for either Down syndrome or autism, but people affected with these conditions can live long, happy, productive lives if given adequate support and education.

Do Your Kids Wear Too Many Silly Bandz?

Silly Bandz warning not a hoax

Those of us who spend a good deal of time on the internet tend to be wary of all the warnings that get passed around by email or through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Many times the messages are out of date or ill-informed, though the intention of the original poster was to help. Sometimes, the original poster intentionally created a hoax. In the case of the current warnings about Silly Bandz injuries, the warnings are authentic. This is not a hoax.

What are Silly Bandz?

Silly Bandz are silicone bands that come in a variety of different colours and shapes. The original bands are worn around the wrist as bracelets, but there are now Silly Ringz, as well as Silly Necklaces and Silly Bandz Carabinerz that allow kids to show off their collections.

Silly Bandz are a huge fashion fad with kids, and according to the product's official blog they are a hit with certain professional athletes too. They are now so popular that Canadian teen sensation Justin Bieber has teamed up with the manufacturer. A new Justin Bieber theme pack is currently available for pre-order on the BCP Imports web site.

Read more...