Debunking an Autism Theory

This is a very interesting editorial piece on the meta analysis of the data mapping a possible correlation between a childhood vaccine and autism. Ten years ago, a research paper triggered fears that a vaccine which prevents measles, mumps and rubella (called the MMR vaccine) caused autism in children. I know I have heard plenty about this debated link since joining SustainLane and since my aunt got pregnant. I am generally pretty slow to come to a definitive conclusion on debates like this when there is evidence on both sides. Based upon what I read in this article though, I think I am finally ready to make the call – it really appears that there is no evidence whatsoever for this supposed link.

According to this article, the theory that there is any link between MMR and autism has been soundly refuted by a variety of other research over the years, and now a new study that tried to replicate the original study completely failed to do so. Replication is one of the most important proofs for any theory. If a finding can’t be replicated, it is almost always considered to be disproven.

The initial paper, published in The Lancet, drew an inferential link (the most dangerous of all links when it comes to science) between the vaccine, gastrointestinal problems found in many autistic children, and autism. As previously stated, The most recent study conducted by a team of researchers failed to replicate these earlier findings:

“These researchers studied a group of 38 children with gastrointestinal problems, of whom 25 were autistic and 13 were not. All had received the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. The scientists found no evidence that it had caused harm. Only 5 of the 25 autistic children had been vaccinated before they developed gastrointestinal problems — and subsequently autism. Genetic tests found remnants of the measles virus in only two children, one of whom was autistic, the other not.

The new study adds weight to a growing body of epidemiological studies and reviews that have debunked the notion that childhood vaccines cause autism. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the C.D.C. and the World Health Organization have found no evidence of a causal link between vaccines and autism.”

Now get this. To make matters worse, in 2004 The Lancet complained that the lead author of the original paper had concealed a conflict of interest, leading ten of his co-authors to retract the paper’s implication that the vaccine might be linked to autism. Three of the others are now defending themselves before a fitness-to-practice panel in London on charges related to their autism research.

Hopefully, this latest study will put the debate to rest. I know people can be very defensive when it comes to their beliefs, and even more defensive when it comes to their beliefs about children. If anyone knows of any scientific evidence which refutes these claims, please let me know. I won’t be able to debate you on them as I am no expert on children, autism, or vaccines, but I would certainly like to be educated. If not, please please please start vaccinating your children again! The last thing we need is something ridiculous like mumps to make a comeback!