Do Vaccines Cause Autism?

Vaccination is an important step to keep your child safe and healthy. Childhood vaccination protects infants from severe and potentially fatal diseases, including influenza, tetanus, mumps, measles, and diphtheria.

Many of the above conditions are uncommon credit to the effectiveness of vaccination. Some parents are concerned about the risks and the benefits of vaccination. There are many myths related to vaccination, including a potential risk of autism.

Considering autism is a severe condition in the brain that makes it difficult for affected kids to communicate and interact with others, it is crucial to understand any link between vaccination and autism.

Fortunately, research suggests there is no link between autism and vaccination.

Consider speaking to a skilled vaccine injury attorney if you’ve sustained an injury or a complication related to a vaccine.

The MMR Vaccine and Autism

Concerns of a potential link between autism and the MMR vaccine were first raised in the late 1990s. The reports of a possible link occurred following the publication of studies claiming an association between natural and vaccine strains of measles virus and inflammatory bowel disease.

The reports also created links between MMR vaccine, autism, and bowel disease. A British physician not trained in vaccine sciences claimed to have found the measles vaccine lingering in the intestines of 12 autistic children, which is why he believed MMR vaccines were the cause of their autism.

The question of a possible link between autism and the MMR vaccine has been extensively reviewed by a group of experts in the United States, with scientific evidence confirming no link between MMR and autism.

In addition, over 25 articles invalidate a connection between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism.

Does the Rubella Virus Cause Autism?

Vaccine manufacturers include the rubella vaccine in the (MMR) measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, issued to most children as part of the immunization program. While extensive research by numerous experts suggests no link between, a question remains on a potential link between the rubella virus and autism.

The idea that rubella may cause autism is based on a few factors. First, rubella is credited with causing damage to developing nerve cells in the brain, which could potentially lead to neurological conditions or developmental delays.

Secondly, several studies over the years have created a link between maternal rubella infection and an increased risk of autism. For instance, studies published in 2015 found that infants born to mothers who had rubella during pregnancy were at a higher risk of developing autism.

Unfortunately, those findings do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between rubella and autism. In addition, researchers have identified many factors as potential contributors to autism, including genetics, prenatal care, and environmental exposure.

The Evidence Against a Link Between MMR Vaccination and Autism in Children

Various studies refute a possible link between MMR vaccination and autism, including:

Fombonne E et al. Pediatrics 2001;108(4):E58

The objective of the study was to investigate a link between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and a type of autism with a combination of developmental regression and gastrointestinal symptoms that occur shortly after vaccination.

The study concluded there was no evidence to support a distinct syndrome of MMR-induced autism.

The National Academies Press: 2004. Consensus Report

Among its roles, the Immunization Safety Review Committee investigated the hypothesis that vaccines, specifically measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and thimerosal-containing vaccines, were associated with autism.

The committee concluded that the body of epidemiological evidence was against a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Smeeth L et al. Lancet 2004; 364(9438): 963-9. Subjects:1294 cases and 4469 controls.

The study’s objective was to address concerns that measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) may cause autism, leading to decreased vaccine uptake. The study also investigated whether MMR vaccination is associated with an increased risk of autism and pervasive developmental disorders.

Its findings suggest that MMR vaccination is not linked to an increased risk of pervasive developmental disorders.

Lingam R et al. Arch Dis Child 2003; 88(8):666- 70

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autism and evaluate any changes in parental perception concerning the onset and causes of autism.

Conclusion

The prevalence of autism, which was rising from 1979 to 1992, reached a plateau from 1992 to 1996 at the rate of 2.6 per 1000 live births. The stagnation, together with the reduced age of diagnosis, suggested the earlier recorded increase was not an actual increase but due to factors such as better recording systems and increased recognition.

The proportion of parents who attributed MMR to autism seems to have increased since August 1997.

What Are the 3 Main Causes of Autism?

There is no single factor attributed to autism. Researchers have identified many factors that make a child more likely to have Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD), including biological, environmental, and genetic.

For instance, many studies have shown that parents with autistic family members are more likely to have autistic children. When the first child receives an autistic diagnosis, the next child is 20% at a greater risk of developing autism than usual.

In some instances, autism is associated with issues with the immune system. Usually, autistic people have physical problems related to the immune system. Even so, the National Institute of Health states no solid evidence exists to display a casual relationship.

Although autistic children are more prone to allergies, gastrointestinal problems, and food intolerance than other children, there is no evidence to suggest them as a cause of autism.

Additional risk factors include:

• Boys are at a higher risk of autism than girls
• Experiencing complications at birth
• Being born to older parents

Get in Touch With an Experienced Vaccine Injury Attorney

Although rare, a vaccine shot can cause an adverse reaction, including injuries, necessitating compensation to victims. This includes cases like that of Hannah Poling, where a vaccine exacerbated an underlying condition, leading to a landmark $1.5M+ compensation for vaccine-autism claims. Working with a vaccine injury attorney can help you prove the extent of your injury and enhance your chances of obtaining a fair settlement value.

Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates is a team of experienced legal professionals representing injured victims.

Contact us online or at (888) 921-3995 for a free case evaluation.