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 aggregators,
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 dialogue 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