Is it true that vaccinations are linked to autism?

Question

If so which vaccines might cause this? If not does anyone know if your born with autism or does something cause it?

Answer 1

They are STILL doing research to determine the link, it isn't conclusive yet that there is no link, so don't listen to people who adamantly say No, because they really don't know yet. No, it's not THE SOLE SOURCE of autism, but it IS a contributor. Please go the following websites, and they will explain more about it, or look at my other answers in regards to immunizations. My son was born with autism, and he's never received a single immunization, so I know they weren't to blame for his, but I do know that it can cause autism. Here's a link to a suppressed study that was done by the CDC that said that yes, they DID KNOW the risks of putting thimerosal in the immunizations, but chose not to tell us because of the ramifications of admitting wrong-doing.
http://www.thinktwice.com/Kennedy.pdf
What they're understanding now about autism is that they are born with a tendency to develop it, but it usually takes environmental effects, such as mercury exposure and toxins in our homes and the air, to trigger it. That's why it doesn't change the amount of kids diagnosed simply to remove the mercury, because it's not the only cause. But, it sure doesn't hurt to eliminate any and all triggers possible, does it? There's other things in immunizations that are harmful to our bodies, such as formaldehyde, so do some more research. Here's some sites for you to start with.
http:www.gval.com
http:www.909shots.org
http:www.thinktwice.com
http:www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html

The truth is, they're still learning exactly what causes autism. Now they're also looking into mutated genes, specifically on chromosomes #2,5,7,11, and 17. If you can, get a copy of Time Magazine's May articl entitled "Inside the Autistic Mind". It's one of the best articles, from a scientific point of view, that I've ran across.

Answer 2

It is real easy for people to say "don't worry about it go ahead and vaccinate em". They don't have the same level of interest in your child as you do. I honestly don't know what a degree in psychology would have to do with potential adverse reactions to vaccines. Check the following http://www.vaccineinfo.net/

Also be advised that some vaccines still have Thimerisol, the mercury based preservative that is a potential factor. I have never heard anyone promote a theory that vaccines were the only cause of autism, so the fact that non-vaccinated children can still develop autism is not surprising. Nor is it surprising that the vast majority of kids are not harmed by vaccines. The likely problem may have something to do with the way some children have problems expelling heavy metals. The toxins are absorbed into the tissue, so even a blood or hair test may not show abnormal levels.
One thing that is beyond debate is that mercury kills brain cells. At the very least find out which vaccines contain mercury.

Answer 3

See, the problem with the vaccine/autism link is this. By the time that a child has already had many vaccinations is about at the same age that signs of autism will begin to show up. It is a major coincidence that needs further study before freaking out about vaccines. After all, the vaccines serve a purpose and the child is still better off by having them.

Answer 4

This is a theory floating around out there, however, after working with children with autism for 15 years, I do not believe in the validity of it. Unfortunately, although a variety of signs of autism are seen early on (such as a delayed or absent social smile), it isn't until around 2 that a majority of parents begin to worry and seek out help. This is also the age that closely follows the MMR vaccine. I have worked with a variety of families that did not vaccinate their children and had kids with autism, and families that had one child with autism, then didn't vaccinate their next child and that child also had autism. Nothing is known to definitively cause autism, so it is currently believed to occur prior to birth. In NJ, COSAC is an organization that can help families with information and services related to autism. Even if you are not in NJ, you can get a wealth of information from the site. The web address is:

http://www.njcosac.org/

Answer 5

No, it is not true. It is true that there is a *theory* that vaccines are linked to autism, but it has never been proven. In fact, even if the theory *is* correct, it will probably never be proven because nobody has a financial interest in proving it, and it costs a lot of money to do the research.

If you are concerned, read all the information you can. I would suggest you start with _Mothering_ magazine (see sources section below); they have a lot of information on the subject. Read critically--think about what you read rather than just believing everything that is in print.

Answer 6

I have a masters degree in clinical psychology...please believe me when I say it is an urban legend that vaccinations are linked to autism..there have been numerous studies conducted on this and there is NO link whatsoever. However, there are risks to vaccinations (but none outweigh the risks of not vaccinating!)... the use of Ethyl Mercury in vaccinations is the source of most allergic reactions and problems as a result of vaccines. Ethyl Mercury is added to many vaccines because then they dont have to be refrigerated. I would ask my doctor to ONLY use vaccines that do not contain Ethyl Mercury if you are concerned about it. You should be in the clear if you do this. Keep in mind, not all doctors have vaccines without it, so you may have to use another pediatrician if it is important to you. Good luck!

Answer 7

People thought that vaccines that had mercury were causing autism. However Canada stopped making vaccines with mercury and the number of children diagnosed wtih austim is increasing.

Answer 8

I guess there is no way to tell for sure. I have two children and neither have ever had any vaccinations. I was torn on what to do while deciding on wether or not to have them done. I'm happy with my decision. I did ALOT of reading on the debate...I figured there are just as many risks in not getting them done then in getting them done. Plus getting a vaccination does not make you immune to the disease, just lessens your chance of getting it. Whatever you decide, its a personal decision, don't let anyone tell you its wrong...not even your doctors. Your child will be able to get into daycare and school with no problem...don't let anyone try to scare you into getting them done if your not 100% comfortable with it.

Answer 9

I had an MMR shot before I knew that I was pregnant with my son. They told me that he would probably be retarded.

Today, he is 13, in gifted & talented curriculums, highly advanced in intelligence - voted most handsome, and most popular by his peers.

And definitely not retarded, nor does he have any disabilities.

Whatever studies were done, I think that they didn't research other reasons for autism or retardation. But I still wouldn't chance anything being wrong with a baby by having an immunization - ever again!

Answer 10

It is a theory that I happen to believe in. I have done some reading on it. It is believed that the mercury based preservative that has lengthened the shelf life of most vaccines is responsible. I think the name of the preservative is Vioxx. There is a lot of reading out there. I suggest any books by Temple Grandin.