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A new study has been published indicating that Measles vaccinations are not related to the onset of autism.  Some issues arise with this notion in that we are not entirely sure what the sample size of the test subjects were as well as the ongoing debatable effectiveness of vaccines.

The new study examined children, average age of five, suffering from both autism and GI problems (associated with measles).  Scientific American was able to get a quote:

Researchers examined cells in biopsies (from 25 children with both autism and GI problems and 13 with just GI disturbances) to determine whether they contained genetic sequences of the measles virus. They only found a detectable amount of the virus remnants in one child in each group (4 percent of the autism and GI kids, 8 percent of the GI-only tykes). This indicates that autism is not related to the MMR vaccine or to the presence of measles sequences in the intestinal tract, says Columbia epidemiologist Mady Hornig, adding that the results were replicated in three different labs.

CNN states that the study used 38 children (25 of whom had autism), and found only one instance where a subject had both the bowel disorder and autism.

The Autism Society of America cautioned that “the cause autism is complex and more research is needed to fully understand the role, if any, of the vaccine.”

That’s a prudent and responsible response as this study seems to raise more wuesitons than answers.  What do you think?

Are you having a hard time finding peers for your child to play with over the summer? I recently came across a pamphlet for a playgroup in the area.

Rene Hackney is a graduate of the doctorate program at GMU. Before graduate school she worked as a preschool teacher at the Country Day School in McLean. Rene also completed an internship at the Developmental Clinic at Children’s National Medical Center. She is now the facilitator of Parenting Playgroups, Inc.

Parenting Playgroups, Inc. offers play groups, parenting classes, teacher trainings and a book club. Listed below are playgroups that meet during the summer months.

Drop-In Play
This program is available year-round, every Friday morning from 9:00am-12:00 noon. No reservations are needed.  Just bring your child and/or siblings to play in a preschool classroom for up to two hours with other children. The play space has a housekeeping area, science shelf, sand table, art area, reading corner, manipulatives, blocks and play-doh. Cost: $8 per single child per hour, $2 per hour for additional siblings over 16 months. Under 16 month siblings are free. Your initial hour in this program is a free trial.

Drop-Off Play
A weekly program for 3 and 4 year olds that is available over the summer on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30 and Thursdays from 10:45-12:15. The class offers 90 minutes of play, an art project, story, snack and sing-along. Cost: $24 per class.

Location and Contact Information:

6161 Fuller Court
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 922-0044
e-mail: rene@parentingplaygroups.com

Directions:

495 South towards Richmond
95 South, exit 57A towards Richmond
Exit 169A towards Franconia
R on Grovedale
L on Fuller Court

Both you and your child need to be ready for toilet training to work. You know when you are ready to let go of the handy diapers, but how do you know if your child is?

Children show interest in potty training between the ages of 2 and 3. Suddenly they seem interested in the toilet or in wearing underwear. They begin to ask your questions about using the toilet or even ask for Bob the Builder underwear when you are shopping at Target. If your child shows interest, is able to ask simple questions, follow directions and stays dry for periods of two hours or longer, they just might be ready!

When you decide that the diapers must go and your child is showing signs that they are ready, you must purchase a few things. Take your child to the store with you. Show the child how excited you are that they want to buy their own underwear and are going to use the toilet. You need to make this experience fun and exciting for the child. Have them pick out any underwear they want, the decorative ones are usually the most desired. Then pick out a potty chair. You can even get some stickers that they can use to decorate the chair. Have your child use your money to pay at the registrar. This will give them a sense of control and confidence.

When you get home, put the underwear away with your child in their “own” drawer. Then, together, put the potty chair in the bathroom. Let them pick a spot where it should go. Decorate the chair and talk to your child about how to sit on the seat. Practice pulling their pants up and down with them. Make sure they participate.

In the beginning, try to schedule potty breaks about every hour, on the hour. Have them sit on the potty chair for a few minutes while you talk, read a book or sing with them. If they do not go, applaud them for trying. When they do go, show your excitement by enthusiastically saying “good job,” possibly giving them a treat and/or a hug. Make a big deal. This is a huge accomplishment!

Your child will need to wear diapers when they sleep for the first several weeks of successful potty training. You can try throwing them away when the child begins to tell you that they need to us the toilet on their own. There will probably be some accidents in the beginning but be patient. Never show the child if you are upset. This will only sway them from using the toilet.

If your child does not have success using the potty chair after a few weeks and are having anxiety, try creating a sticker chart. Every time they go, they get a sticker. After a certain amount of stickers, they get to go to the store and pick out a toy. Another option is to have them roam the house naked. Chances are, they will seek a toilet when they need to go.

Good luck and remember, this is a fun and exciting experience for both you and your child.