Do Vaccines Cause Autism? The Evidence Says No

Understanding the Concern

As a parent in New Jersey, you want nothing more than to keep your child safe and healthy. When you hear questions about vaccines and autism, it is natural to feel concerned. You might have seen posts on social media or heard from other parents. This article will walk you through the evidence, clearly and honestly, so you can make an informed decision for your child.

The short answer is this: vaccines do not cause autism. This conclusion is supported by a massive body of scientific research involving millions of children across the world. Major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization, all agree on this point.

The Origin of the Myth

The idea that vaccines might cause autism began with a 1998 study published in the medical journal The Lancet. The study, led by Andrew Wakefield, suggested a possible link between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and autism. This study received a lot of media attention and sparked widespread fear among parents.

What Happened to That Study?

Here is the critical part: the study was later found to be fraudulent. Investigators discovered that Wakefield had manipulated and falsified data. He also had undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. In 2010, The Lancet formally retracted the paper, meaning it was removed from the scientific record. Wakefield lost his medical license in the UK.

Since then, dozens of well-designed studies have been conducted to investigate any possible link between vaccines and autism. None have found one. The scientific consensus is clear: there is no connection.

What the Science Says

Let us look at the actual evidence. Researchers have studied large populations of children to see if vaccinated children are more likely to develop autism than unvaccinated children. They have consistently found no difference.

Large-Scale Studies

• A 2019 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at over 650,000 children in Denmark. It found no increased risk of autism from the MMR vaccine, even among children with older siblings who have autism.
• A 2015 meta-analysis, which combines results from many studies, also found no link between vaccines and autism.
• Studies have also examined the timing of vaccines, the number of vaccines given, and the cumulative exposure to antigens. None of these factors increase the risk of autism.

The Thimerosal Question

Some people have worried about thimerosal, a preservative that was once used in some vaccines. Thimerosal contains a form of mercury called ethylmercury. However, the type of mercury in thimerosal is different from the methylmercury that is harmful in high amounts. Even so, to be extra cautious, thimerosal was removed from all childhood vaccines in the United States in 2001 (except for some flu vaccines in multi-dose vials, which contain only trace amounts).

Studies have shown that the rate of autism continued to rise even after thimerosal was removed, which further proves that thimerosal is not the cause. Autism is not caused by vaccines, and the removal of thimerosal has not changed autism rates.

Why Do Autism Rates Seem to Be Rising?

If vaccines do not cause autism, why do more children seem to be diagnosed today than in the past? The answer is not that autism is more common, but that we are better at identifying it.

Better Awareness and Diagnosis

• Autism is now diagnosed more frequently because doctors, teachers, and parents have a better understanding of the condition.
• Diagnostic criteria have been broadened over the years to include a wider range of symptoms and severities.
• Services and support for autism have improved, which encourages more families to seek a diagnosis.
• In New Jersey, there are strong early intervention programs and school services, which also likely contribute to higher reported rates.

This increased awareness is a good thing. It means more children can get the help they need, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which can make a real difference in their development.

The Real Risks of Not Vaccinating

When you choose not to vaccinate your child, you are not avoiding risk. You are choosing a different risk: the risk of a serious, potentially life-threatening disease.

Diseases That Vaccines Prevent

• Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. In 2019, there was a large measles outbreak in the United States, largely in communities with low vaccination rates.
• Mumps can lead to deafness, meningitis, and painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries.
• Rubella, if contracted during pregnancy, can cause severe birth defects.
• Whooping cough (pertussis) can be fatal for infants.

Vaccines have been so successful that many parents have never seen these diseases. But they still exist. In fact, measles is still common in many parts of the world, and travelers can bring it into the US. When vaccination rates drop, outbreaks happen.

What New Jersey Parents Need to Know

As a parent in New Jersey, you have specific resources and protections to know about.

New Jersey's Vaccine Requirements

New Jersey requires children to be vaccinated against certain diseases before entering school or daycare. There are medical and religious exemptions, but the requirements are in place to protect public health. You can find more information on the New Jersey Department of Health website.

Autism Services in New Jersey

If your child is diagnosed with autism, New Jersey offers a range of services. The New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS) provides services for infants and toddlers from birth to age three. For children over three, your local school district can provide special education services. Additionally, New Jersey has one of the strongest autism insurance mandates in the country, which requires most insurance plans to cover ABA therapy.

For many families, in-home ABA therapy is a great option. Liftoff ABA provides personalized, BCBA-led ABA therapy in the comfort of your own home. We have no waitlists, so most families can start within weeks. We accept most major insurance plans, including NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare), and we verify your benefits for free. You can call us at (973) 566-3180 to learn more.

Making the Decision for Your Child

We understand that making healthcare decisions for your child can be overwhelming. You want to do what is best. The evidence is clear: vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child's pediatrician. They are your best source of personalized medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's development, do not wait. Early intervention is key. If your child is showing signs of autism, such as not making eye contact, not responding to their name, or not babbling by 12 months, talk to your doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months.

Getting an early diagnosis and starting therapy, such as ABA, can make a huge difference. At Liftoff ABA, we are here to support your family with compassionate, evidence-based care in your home. We believe in helping every child reach their full potential.

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