Autism is a disorder that is rooted in the brain. Difficulty communicating and relating with others are some observations of an individual with autism. Some symptoms of autism are delays in talking or not speaking at all, and repetitious behaviors, play, and interests that are overused. Autism is frightening and frustrating in that there is no "typical" autism diagnosis . It presents in many different ways and therefore the treatments are individual based and what works for one person may not work for the next. So what causes autism? It is this question that is a pretty hot topic for many parents, physicians, and scientists. A popular viewpoint is that there is a link between childhood vaccines and autism, particularly the MMR vaccine and an ingredient that has been used in vaccines, a mercury based preservative called thimerosal.
The viewpoint that vaccines have no bearing on autism cases is shared by professionals and parents alike. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is firmly established in their belief that there is no link between autism and vaccines. The CDC states that evidence from several studies examining trends in vaccine use and changes in autism frequency fail to support an association between thimerosal and autism. It is worth noting that in 2001 thimerosal was removed or reduced to trace amounts in vaccines. When reading up on the causes of autism, thimerosal was consistently discussed as a possible cause. After thimerosal was removed from vaccines there was not a decrease in autism cases, which one would expect.
There are a number of parents and groups who share the viewpoint that there is a link between vaccines and autism. Some information out there that may support this viewpoint is that children that develop autism often do so after childhood vaccinations and also that vaccinations contained thimerosal at one time. Another type of mercury, methyl mercury found in nature and in fish that we eat has been shown to have harmful side effects resulting in intellectual and mental health problems. Methyl Mercury is not the same mercury that was used in vaccines but it is believed that some doctors and researchers drew the conclusion that thimerosal must also cause a similar side effect and may result in autism. There is so much fear surrounding autism because it is not known exactly what the cause is. I think it is safe to say until they are able to find the cause and there is no doubt the debate will continue. With so much information available at our fingertips it's not hard to understand where the fear comes from.
My personal feeling is that vaccines do not cause autism. With so much research showing the contrary I find it hard to believe the reasons that are presented by those who believe there is a link, the supporting information seems outdated and unproven. I realize that autism cases are on the rise but I just can't fathom if vaccinations are causing autism, how are so many children receiving the same vaccines with no resulting autism? I did my own research and my children have received their vaccines to protect them and the other members of our community. I can understand the fear that surrounds the unknown and I do not judge parents who decide against vaccination.
Interestingly enough with the differences that exist between the viewpoints they all seem to come back to science. Those that believe there is no link rely on the results of studies disproving that vaccines cause autism while on the other side it is a lack of a cause or proof beyond a doubt that vaccines do not cause autism that drives their thoughts and decisions. With so much information available at our fingertips I think it can be really hard to make an educated decision without having any doubts or fears. A well known celebrity Jenny McCarthy has been very vocal in her belief that her son's autism was caused by his vaccinations. With information coming at us from so many sources, I think the ultimate answer is for each parent to do their own research and make their decisions to the best of their ability. For myself the information against vaccines is not strong enough to sway my decision.
Sources
Concerns about Autism. CDC.
Autism-Vaccine Link: Evidence Doesn't Dispel Doubts. Martin Downs, MPH.
Do Vaccines Cause Autism? Christine Gorman.
Autism- Topic Overview. WebMD.
Beautifully done! Your paper is well-organized and clear. Thank you! (Be sure to add retrieval dates on your sources next time :-)
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