Are Vaccines The Cause of Autism?

By: Miriam Crinion

Facts About Autism

Condition that affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact socially

1.5 million children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism

Cases of autism has risen by10-17% in the last number of years

Autism vs. Vaccines

In 1998, Dr. Andrew Wakefield proposed that vaccines could contribute to the cause, especially the MMR vaccine

Case was dismissed in 2011

Others thought that the thimerosal in vaccines caused mental disorders

Autism vs. Vaccines

Thimirosal has been taken out of many vaccines but autism rates have stayed the same

Scientists believe that mutations in genes more likely cause autism

Environmental factors such as exposure to mercury, lead or polychlorinated biphenyls may cause autism

Bibliography

http://www.everydayhealth.com/autism/vaccines-autism.aspx

http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/autism/autism.htm