What do you think about the highlighted part of this letter?

[Guest guest]

On March 6, 2008, the major news networks reported on a National

Vaccine Injury Compensation Program case in which liability was

conceded based on circumstances surrounding Dr. and Mrs. Poling's

9-year-old daughter's autism. Medical personnel at the Division of

Vaccine Injury Compensation, Department of Health and Human Services

concluded that the facts of this case met the statutory criteria for

demonstrating that the vaccinations Hannah Poling received on July 19,

2000, significantly aggravated an underlying mitochondrial disorder,

which predisposed her to deficits in cellular energy metabolism, and

manifested as a regressive encephalopathy with features of autism

spectrum disorder.

Individuals living with autism need help today, and this case

illustrates the need for the medical community to probe further into

environmental causes of autism. The Polings, like all families affected

by autism, deserve to be heard and supported in their journey raising

their daughter. While we don't know the cause for autism, or its

interaction with other conditions or environmental aggrevators, we need

to focus today on what works to maximize the potential of people with

autism to help them live meaningful, productive lives. This has always

been ASA's mission and we will continue to advocate for research,

family and individual support, and lifespan services for people across

the autism spectrum.

ASA believes that the science of autism causes and treatments need to

be more vigorously researched. We hope that primary decisions will be

reached through thoughtful dialog by parents and professionals on

medical research and comprehensive treatment and services, not court

rulings.

Sincerely,

Lee Grossman

President and CEO

ASA Member since 1991

Parent of a son with autism