Story Outline

Links between Child Vaccines and Autism? From a news story by CNN San Francisco Reporter Rusty Dornin July 2003

I. Russell Rollin's life changed dramatically at 15 months

A. He was a perfect, happy, healthy baby.
B. Then he got a mumps, measles, rubella vaccination.
C. He screamed for days.
D. After that, he had low energy and very little interest in things.
E. He was diagnosed as having a brain development disorder called autism.

II. Autism is very difficult and painful (a living hell) for everyone involved.

A. It is hard for parents, like Russell's father, Rick.
B. It is hard for the person with autism.
C. It is hard at school.

III. The percentage of autistic children is increasing

A. The ABC School for Autistic Children has 15 more students this year.
B. More kids also need home services

IV. Many parents want to know the causes of the disorder

A. Rick Rollins says one third of the families he has talked to think the vaccine played a role in causing the disorder.
B. A recent Danish study found no link to the vaccine.

V. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't think the vaccine is the problem.

A. But he believes concern about what is in some vaccines is justified.
B. He thinks it is good that the vaccine makers stopped using mercury as a preservative.

VI. Byrd believes that California's increased percentage of autistic kids reflects a national trend.

A. His study ruled out population increases and better testing as causes for the increase.
B. California has the only system for registering autistic children.

VII. There are no answers yet, but plenty of questions.

A. Researchers are exploring connections between genetics and environment.
B. Rick Rollins knows vaccinations are only one possibility.
C. Rick wonders who will provide care for his son when Rick no longer can.

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