Looking for an authoritative summary of the recent mitochondrial disease/autism case.

[moc]

Hello all. Sorry that I just post when I need something. :-) I do lurk often and enjoy your discussions.

I teach an on-line course for graduate students of public health on maternal and child health. One activity is a weeklong online debate on the immunizations/autism controversy. The mitochondrial disease case occurred since the last time I taught the course, and I'd like to include a relevant reading or commentary in the list of available readings if I can find something. I tried googling, but I just pulled up a bunch of woo woo junk. The CDC had a press release, but they've moved all their media stuff around on their website and I can't find it. Does anyone know of a good source? It doesn't have to be long. Actually shorter is probably better. I already have them reading two of Fombonne's papers, the NEJM paper on the Danish study, a critical review paper from Pediatrics on thimerosol, and an 2005 article from the NYT.

Thanks in advance!
:hi:

[LeftishBrit]

1. I think this is what you may be looking for

www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/mitochondrial.htm

Also this report may be useful:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24097185/

Research does indeed show a link between mitochondrial disorders and some cases of autism:

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/162/11/2182

but it is very speculative whether autism is linked to vaccines even in this group.

I think the following report - providing evidence that the 'autism epidemic' is indeed likely to be largely due to diagnostic changes may be of interest to your students:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/wt-sst040808.php

Good luck!

[moc]

2. Thanks! This is very helpful!