How many nails does this coffin need? Study after study has found no link between childhood vaccines or the vaccine preservative thimerosal and developmental disorders such as autism.
Just this past week, one study published in the journal Pediatrics found infants' bodies expel thimerosal mercury within a matter of days, leaving little chance that the metal could build up to toxic levels. The preservative has been largely removed from childhood vaccines in the United States since 2001, although it is used elsewhere in the world. This particular research was conducted in Argentina where the preservative is routinely used.
A new British study of 240 children found no evidence of a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism, either. As one American pediatrician not connected to the research put it, "I think it's fabulous that they have scientifically ... put this issue to rest."
Hopefully, more and more people will set aside this theory and steer the research into growing rates of autism into genetic or other environmental causes.
That may be a steep undertaking. Despite a growing body of research that finds no links between vaccines and autism, the perception persists. Recently, a fictional television drama portrayed a young lawyer pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of a woman who believes mercury in a vaccine caused her son's autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics asked the network to pull the show, fearing it would only perpetuate the misinformation on this issue. The network declined to do so but ran the the program with a disclaimer that directed viewers to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
It is perfectly understandable that families with children with autism want a greater understanding of the disorder. Some experts believe that the increase in autism may be due, in part, to improved diagnostic tools and techniques that weren't available decades ago.
Still, medical science must continue its investigations into this vexing disorder, which can place intense demands on families and other caregivers. Meanwhile, more public resources are needed for special education services for children with autism and for respite care for parents and other caregivers.