MMr and link to Autism

[Lakette]

I know this is a topic that has been discussed probably lots before, but just wanted to hear your views - Not really sure where to start - My dd (13 months) is massively behind developmentally (both motor skills and cognitively) which I picked up as having something ' a bit different' from when she was tiny (literally when she was about 6 weeks old)
We are now undergoing tests for epilepsy (as she seems to sometimes blank out very slightly), neurology (as she has a definite shake) and also the geneticist but to add to the list apparently she is showing 'red flag' signs of autism (although I was told they are not supposed to be able to diagnose this until a child is at least 2!)
We have now been asked to make an appointment for her to have her MMR injection and just feel like it is just another thing to add to the list and worried as there were all those concerns about link to autism - I know if I was feeling more rational then wouldnt even think twice but feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all at the moment - Would appreciate any views as would hate to think that we would do anything to encourage anything to develop

Hi Lakette,
It is such a personal decision, and it is so difficult to decide. My DS, who is now 21 months, was also behind developmentally and was diagnosed at 12 months as having a brain atrophy. He has received therapy (physical and cognitive) since then, and has made amazing improvement.
I am really really sure he is not autistic, he is pointing, he is communicating, eye contact, interested in other children, nevertheless, we have decided to delay the MMR until he is at least 2 years old. I just don't want to take any chances.
Good luck with your decision.

I think you have every reason to delay it, in view of potential epilepsy if nothing else. You could also consider not only delaying it but going for singles. Don't do anything you are not comfortable with.

DS3 was in hospital last week- they were asking about his complete lack of immunisation (against anything). I said we had decided to delay until we were sure he was developing normally and was past a critical period, and no-one criticised that (and I had to go through it with a LOT of doctors).

I started a thread in Health yesterday about absences btw- some of it may be of interest to you (lots of experts replied )