Tavris on Autism

* I object to the distortion of fact and the condescending attitude expressed by Carol Tavris (“And Babies Don’t Come From Storks, Either,” Commentary, May 7). I hold a graduate degree in a technical field, so I am not “scientifically illiterate.” I am deeply offended that she resorts to name-calling in an important scientific discussion. Research teams in three countries (Japan, Ireland and the United Kingdom), using state-of-the-art technology, have found vaccine-strain measles virus to be present in some autistic children. These data urgently require further investigation.

Diagnosis at state Department of Developmental Services-funded regional centers is made by a clinical psychologist funded by the center, not by school districts. The rate of increase in autism preceded the change of diagnostic criteria in 1994.

Also, well after Tavris’ purported “broadening” of diagnostic criteria, the regional center autistic intake increased 16% for the year 1998. Similar increases occurred in the preceding years and in 1999.

HAL ROUNDS

Torrance