Autism Diagnosis For Both Boys After Their Routine Vaccines

Our family has been on the autism journey since 2014. To our surprise and heartache, we found out when our firstborn son – Jace – was two years old that he was on the spectrum (now 12 years old). During my pregnancy, I took tests to rule out any birth defects, and everything came back normal. But by 2014, we began noticing that he was not meeting his milestones or talking.

When Jace was administered his first series of vaccines when he was 8 weeks old, he had a fever of 104. One night he just started screaming in the middle of the night. To this day he still stims and repeats. My youngest son didn’t have a fever, but he slept extremely long, and he did have that blank stare shortly after the vaccines were administered when he was 8 weeks old.

He was evaluated by a child psychologist and diagnosed with autism. We sought a second opinion, and the diagnosis was confirmed. We were immediately told about all the therapies he would need. Doctors told us he would never talk, read, write, or live what they considered a normal life. As parents, hearing that was devastating because we had so many hopes and dreams for his future.

Both of our sons received all the recommended vaccines. Despite my concerns and conversations with doctors, they assured me the vaccines were safe. Later, both of our sons were diagnosed on the spectrum. They are high functioning and have gone through countless hours of ABA, speech therapy, physical therapy, and social skills sessions.

They currently attend special education classes in school and are doing well. Both have opportunities to mainstream from time to time. We do face challenges with our younger son, especially in public places such as restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters, or family events. The sensory overload and long waits are overwhelming for him, even though accommodations are often provided.

If vaccines did play a role in their autism, I wish I had known beforehand. I would never want another parent to face this without being fully informed or given alternative options.

At the end of the day, we do our best to make the most of our situation. We are blessed with two amazing sons who continue to overcome obstacles and make progress every day. As I always remind myself, it’s not how you start it’s how you finish.

Sincerely,

Jeroime Brantley