The rise of autism spectrum disorders amongst children has led the parents of young lings to worry about immunisations and the existence of metals such as mercury in them. The immunisation vaccines administered for the prevention of mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) were feared by many to cause side-effects and in particular autism.
So, is there any relation between autism and immunisations?
Autism and Immunisations: The reason for the link between autism and immunisations can be attributed to a paper published in London in 1998. The paper in reality suggested that there was a connection between measles and autism. This statement was misinterpreted by the media and linked immunisations to autism.
The media reports were as follows-
- MMR vaccines have increased the rate of autism in children.
- MMR vaccines hinder developmental milestones in children.
- MMR vaccines led to autism and associated bowel disorders.
But, all the above reports were false and there is no evidence that immunisations lead to autism. A possible reason for the fear of vaccines could also be the diagnosis of autism which usually is found out in the second year after birth. It is in the second year that the MMR vaccines are also given to a child.
But, there is absolutely no connection between vaccines and they causing autism. A child might be equally prone to autism disorders even if he is not administered MMR vaccines.
Studies and Results: Studies of tens of thousands of children have revealed that immunisations in no way are either connected to autism related disorders or developmental inabilities or bowel syndromes.
- Also, in no way the immunisations provided cause an obstruction to the natural immune system of the child.
- Even the existence of mercury (thimerosal vaccine in America) would not lead to autism (though, mercury constituent thimerosal is not in use any more).
So for parents who have been wondering about any relation between autism and immunisations, you can breath a sigh of relief. As no such evidence exists that links immunisations to the cause of autism and it can be re-iterated that the non-administration of vaccines does not guarantee autism.
