Vaccines and Autism: Is there a direct link?

A lot of individuals believe that vaccines have a direct link with Autism. This is one reason why several people do not get their children vaccinated or delay it. Whether vaccines cause Autism or not is a fact that would be discussed later, but it is imperative to understand what gave rise to this perception in the minds of people.

MMR Vaccination Controversy

Since the year 1998, vaccines have been associated with the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children. In this year, a team of researchers from Britain published their paper, which stated that Measles-Mumps-Rubella, commonly known as the MMR vaccine was the reason behind ASD development in children. In this study, 12 children were considered as the sample set, the results of which gained huge publicity. The mean age of children was 6 years, ranging from 3-10 years.

This group of children was further referred to the paediatric gastroenterology department that had a history in standard development, later followed by a loss of developmental acquired skills like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, language, etc. In this study, children were seen to have undergone developmental, neurological, and gastroenterological assessment. Under sedatives, lumbar puncture, EEG, MRI, biopsy sampling, ileocolonoscopy were conducted.

As per the findings of this study, the specific behavioural symptoms onset was related to Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccination by parents of 8 out of 12 children. All the twelve children who were considered as a sample set for this study were found to have intestinal abnormalities. The behavioural disorders witnessed in those children consisted of Autism in 9 out of 12 children, disintegrative psychosis in 1, and post viral in 2 children. The interpretation of this report was as follows- “We identified associated gastrointestinal disease and developmental regression in a group of previously normal children, which was generally associated in time with possible environmental triggers.”

Andrew Wakefield, this study’s author who was known to spark the storm through this study was stripped of all academic and clinic credentials.

Also, during this time it was found that there was a sudden surge in the number of cases of Autism Spectrum disorder diagnosis. Subsequent to this research, approximately 12 studies took place as a follow-up, however, no evidence could be found that stated Autism as a cause of MMR vaccinations. Although this study was retracted by the medical journal which published this paper, still a lot of people still believe in this myth. Due to this, many parents and caregivers choose not to vaccinate their child or delay their vaccination from the age that is prescribed to them by their child’s paediatrician. However, consequently delaying or not getting their child vaccinated against MMR can put them at a high risk of getting Measles, Mumps, or Rubella.

Some children get a rash or mild fever as a reaction to their vaccination; however, it is evident that vaccinations have no connection with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Also, the risk of having reactions to an MMR vaccination, in terms of a rash or mild fever, is comparatively less as compared to the risk of getting Measles, Mumps or Rubella, on getting the child vaccinated.

Final revelations

To check whether a relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and MMR vaccination could be established in children, another study was conducted. In this study, 6,57,461 children, who took birth in Denmark during the period of 1999- 31st December 2010 were considered as a sample set for the research. In this study, through the follow-up, ASD took place in 6517 children out of the entire sample set.

Further, the study revealed that the probability of the development of Autism Spectrum disorder in those who got MMR vaccinated was the same as compared to those who did not get the vaccination. Thus, the study implied that the risk of ASD in a child was not different for those who received MMR vaccination as compared to those who didn’t. This revelation remains true even for those children who have an older father or a sibling who was diagnosed with ASD.

In essence, there exists no direct link between vaccines and Autism. While the exact cause of ASD is still unknown to us, a lot of Autism treatment strategies and ways are being practiced all around the world to treat those having the disorder. With the help of Occupational therapy, special education, speech and language therapy, and others, customized as per the child’s developmental needs, much difference can be brought to the child’s life. One can reach out to an Autism treatment centre for detailed guidance about the same.

Also, Autism treatment in Ayurveda has been into much news for quite long. Ayurveda claims to offer Autism treatment using a variety of Ayurvedic powders and herbs that are natural and thus have no side effects. In case you see a child lagging in achieving their developmental milestones, or shows behavioural disturbances, inappropriate or absent social interaction, etc, then consider getting an appointment with the nearest Autism treatment centre. Early intervention can bring a lot of difference and can help the child thrive in their life.