Wouldn't it be great to have an easy way to look for answers that directly relate to your specific issue? You can plug issues into the computer all day long and still not find what you need. Especially if you don't have at least some idea of what to call what you're looking for. In the world of autism there are so many different issues that can be linked to a particular situation, but they are largely scattered when you try to look for them. Autism sites are great with the information they provide, but they don't always get right to the topic you need. For instance, look up hyper instead of ADHD; or unable to concentrate or focus, instead of ADD. You will find so much information, but unless you direct your search to a specific topic, you won't usually find the topic you want very quickly.
One of the greatest debates regarding autism began on February 28, 1998 when a Andrew Wakefield published a paper in a general Medical Journal. The Lancet printed an article in which they linked immunizations and autism. The article said that there was a study done which showed a link between the MMR immunization and autism. This study / article was found to be fraudulent, the data had been faked. Every aspect of the "study" was a lie. The doctor who headed the study was discredited. The journal even printed a retraction, but the damage was done.
Since the controversial article, unfortunately and not surprisingly, thousands have avoided the vaccine out of fear. Studies are continually being done which are disproving any link between any immunizations and autism. The next question about vaccines and autism that has come up is whether too many vaccines at one time could cause autism. So far the answer to that question is: there is no evidence at this time that this is true. A question arose about Thimerosal (a mercury containing compound) which had been included in some vaccines to protect against bacteria and fungus growth. There has been nothing that proves this as a link to autism at this time.
Since the article first came out, many countries have done their own research to determine if this could, in fact, be true. Studies done in the United States and Europe have found no link between MMR and autism. Many independent scientists have been organized by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Institute of Medicine – "they all concluded that there is no association between MMR and autism".
It is believed that since the MMR vaccine is given between 12 - 15 months and for many with ASD the first signs of autism seem to appear between 15 - 18 months, there may be a connection. Still, there has not been a scientific evidence that there is any link between the two.
The National Autism Association believes there may be a link between the two. Since we still don't know the cause of autism and it is believed that genetics, environmental and other factors play a part, they also think that more research needs to be done.
http://nationalautismassociation.org/about-autism/causes-of-autism/
The bottom line: it is and should remain up to the parent to educate themselves and decide what is right for their family. It is a touchy subject for many parents out there. I believe there is still a lot more studies that need to be done. We need to support one another in any way we can not try to make other people believe what we believe.
From a mother's heart - share information and encourage research. That way we can make informed decisions and hopefully one day we will see a world without autism.
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