New research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry-- one of the most exhaustive studies yet-- should put a nail in the coffin of the hypothesis that vaccines cause autism. Cleverly sub-titled Mercury in Retrograde, the study looked at all the diagnoses of autism in the state of California reported to the Department of Developmental Services. It is especially informative because prior analyses of earlier data in that system had suggested some correlation.
But looking at the trend between 1995 and 2007-- a period during which mercury-containing thimerosal was removed from vaccines-- autism continued to rise as thimerosal exposure dropped. In 1999, children under two were estimated to be exposed to a maximum dose of 237.5 micrograms of thimerosal-- but by 2004, this had dropped to 40 micrograms. In 1990, maximum exposure through vaccines was estimated at 100 micrograms. The rise in dose was believed to coincide with the increased prevalence of autism.
Unfortunately, like true believers in astrology, fervent supporters of the vaccine/autism connection aren't ready to revise their views. Although the Vice President of Scientific Affairs for Autism Speaks conceded that the new study was “robust,” he nonetheless told US News and World Report that the “jury is still out.”
Note: Just noticed that the neurodiversity blog (which I highly recommend for original investigative reporting on this subject) has posted a decision in the big federal mercury/vaccine liability case that also bodes ill for those who think vaccines cause autism. The judge disqualified most of the "experts" who believe in the link, most notably, Mark Geier of the father/son Geier team. These are the folks who claim autism can be treated by chemical castration, amongst other dangerous treatments.
Add a comment