David Kirby on HuffPo: NIH Agency Head Backs Vaccine-Autism Research on Friday; Resigns from Federal Autism Panel on Saturday
By David Kirby
Story Landis, PhD, director of the National Institute of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), an NIH agency, surprised many parents on Friday by stating that autism researchers should study "the children who have been most profoundly affected" by adverse reactions to vaccination.
On Saturday, Dr. Landis abruptly resigned from the powerful Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which helps direct hundreds of millions in federal tax dollars to autism research, treatment, care and services.
In her letter of resignation, Dr. Landis cited embarrassing notes she had left behind after a recent meeting of the IACC that "triggered frustration and anger" among many autism parents; and for having "inadvertently introduced a distraction" from autism research. She did not mention her newfound support for vaccine-autism investigations in the letter.
Over the weekend, Dr. Landis wrote to IACC committee members:
I am very sorry that I passed notes to a colleague during the September 30 IACC meeting. It was unprofessional of me and I should not have done it. These notes were recovered after the meeting and posted on the Age of Autism blog. I understand how my comments triggered frustration and anger. Further, I inadvertently introduced a distraction from focusing on the important questions at hand. Therefore, I have decided to resign from the IACC effectively immediately. Again, my apologies to the other members of the IACC and to the autism community. I regret that my actions have eroded trust at a time when we need to build stronger ties across government and the community. Although I will no longer be a member of the IACC, I remain committed to finding the causes of and effective treatments for autism.
David Kirby is author of Evidence of Harm, a founding contributor to Huffington Post and a contributor to Age of Autism. His next book, Animal Factory: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy, and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment will be released within the year and is available now for pre-order at Amazon.
"Although I will no longer be a member of the IACC, I remain committed to finding the causes of and effective treatments for autism."
How come I just don't believe her?
Sorry Story, my kid just doesn't have time for you right now. We don't need your help. You can just crawl down into your little hole with your tail between your legs. Good riddance! Please bring in someone who is TRULY interested in studying the REAL reasons of autism.
Posted by: Jacey | October 20, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Crissy, I reposted the note on AoA last night, scroll down a bit and you'll see it. Click (HERE) to see the PDF of the entire note. KIM
Posted by: Kim for Crissy | October 19, 2009 at 10:47 AM
what did the note say
Posted by: crissy | October 19, 2009 at 10:34 AM
If many of those working for the government agencies, (some of which are IACC, NIH, CDC, AAP) that are tasked with protecting the public from disease and finding root cause of disease and cure, believe deep down as Dr. Story Landis, and continue to play act as though they trying to do a proper job of solving the problems, are the ones that stand in the way of solving these complicated problems. These dishonest bastards are crooks in the real sense of the word for they collect their salaries knowing that the WILL NOT DO THE JOB THEY WERE HIRED FOR. But worst of they will misdirect the research funds.
Story Landis true feelings and beliefs were accidental uncovered. I am sure she has many friends working at these agencies with the same beliefs.
I’ll tell ya’ I believe it impossible to separate those believing as Dr Landis from those that are honestly working for solutions, that everyone working for these agencies must be let ago and complete new staff be hired.
We have been deceived much to long. It is no wonder that so little progress has been made. Have a nice day!
Posted by: Paul Shapiro | October 19, 2009 at 01:33 AM
Cristen wrote: "I want the dr who was offended that my child is sick to resign too. In fact, I'd rather SHE resign. I'm very angry about that."
That would be Dr. Yvette Janvier. Perhaps she could be our next project?
Posted by: Kristina | October 19, 2009 at 12:43 AM
The EPA, CDC and, FDA are established by our government and paid by us to prevent such disorders as Autism. They have failed miserably and should be held accountable. For example, mercury was pulled from the shelves years ago because it was found to be neurotoxic yet, it is still used in vaccines. Why? Who is responsible for that?
Posted by: Ann Benson | October 18, 2009 at 10:27 PM
And I do not accept her apology. She had those thoughts and you cannot apologize for being ignorant. It reminds me of when Obama said his bowling was like "special olympics"- you can apologize all you want, but the words were said- the thoughts you have were shown to us- you cannot take it back.
Posted by: Cristen | October 18, 2009 at 10:25 PM
One less :)
Posted by: deb in il | October 18, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I am so confused. She said what on friday? She said that our vax-injured kids should be studied? After she was out-ed for passing inappropriate notes? Then she just resigned? I need a clear timeline of events.
I want the dr who was offended that my child is sick to resign too. In fact, I'd rather SHE resign. I'm very angry about that.
Posted by: Cristen | October 18, 2009 at 09:49 PM