Autism and Vaccines
by A lively debate on a connection between autism and vaccines. I decided to see what the evidence said. Here is what I found.
Society claims we have an epidemic on our hands. In the last decade the number of reported children living with Autism has risen to 1:150. What is Autism? Why the sudden rise in cases? To begin Autismspeaks.org, describes autism as a “neurobiological” spectrum disorder that affects a child’s communication and social skills. In addition the children are distinguished as having a tendency towards “repetitive” or at times obsessive behaviors. No concrete cause of autism has been identified, but researchers as well as the public continue to explore different theories. The theory that Vaccines containing Thimerosal cause Autism received mainstream attention in 1999. This idea is incorrect. Autism is not caused by Vaccines. The questionable data and experts stating there is a link, the history of the diagnostic criteria, and the numerous peer reviewed scientific studies proving there is no link supports this statement.
Some background
To begin, many link the early nineties and the rise in Autism to Vaccines. The evolution of Autism and its diagnostic criteria is important when exploring this. Jeffrey Baker identifies in his article “”Mercury, Vaccines, and Autism: One Controversy, Three Histories. ”that Dr. Leo Kanner of the John Hopkins University first formally recognized Autism in 1943. Dr. Kanner identified what he called “infantile autism.” The characterizations he observed of social withdrawal, language delay and “obsessive desire for the maintenance of sameness.” are similar to those we still use today. In this early part Of history Autism was thought to stem from lack of parental interaction. The term “refrigerator mother” was used to paint an inaccurate portrait and cast blame on parents of these children.
In 1965, Psychologist Bernard Rimland disgrarded the idea of “refrigerator mothers”, and theorized a biological root was the cause of this disorder. The previous theory that autism was a result of neglectful parenting was put to rest as new ideas came into play.
Modern day research classifies Autism as a spectrum disorder. This “spectrum” includes five disorders with varying degrees of impairment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM IV) names these as: Autism disorder, Aspergers disorder, Pervasive Developmental disorder not otherwise specified, Retts Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Diagnostic criteria vary. The DSM IV classifies these disorders as similar in that they affect normal development of communication, social, and/or “imaginary” play.
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