The Controversy Surrounding Vaccines and Autism: Examining the Current Evidence

Posted: May 5th, 2020

In a well-written discussion post address the following:

In recent years, there have been reports linking autism to vaccinations.
Explain the controversy regarding vaccines as a possible cause of autism.
How does the current evidence regarding the “other causes” of autism better explain autistic spectrum disorder?
Use a scholarly journal article to explain response.

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The Controversy Surrounding Vaccines and Autism: Examining the Current Evidence

Introduction:
In recent years, the topic of vaccines and their alleged link to autism has stirred considerable controversy and public concern. Although numerous studies and expert reviews have refuted any causal connection between vaccines and autism, the controversy persists. This discussion post aims to explore the controversy surrounding vaccines as a possible cause of autism and highlight how the current evidence regarding other causes of autism better explains the autistic spectrum disorder.

The Controversy Regarding Vaccines and Autism:
The controversy linking vaccines to autism originated from a now-retracted study published in 1998, which suggested a potential association between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the development of autism. Since then, extensive scientific research has been conducted to examine this claim. The consensus among experts and major scientific organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is that there is no credible evidence to support a causal relationship between vaccines and autism.

Numerous epidemiological studies involving millions of children have consistently demonstrated that there is no increased risk of autism among vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated individuals. For instance, a large-scale study conducted in Denmark involving over 650,000 children found no increased risk of autism in those receiving the MMR vaccine. Similarly, a comprehensive review published in the journal Vaccine in 2020 analyzed data from multiple studies and concluded that vaccines do not contribute to the development of autism.

Other Causes of Autism:
While the controversy surrounding vaccines and autism has garnered significant attention, it is essential to recognize the extensive body of evidence supporting the role of other causes in the development of autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that likely arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.

According to a scholarly journal article by Hallmayer et al. (2011), genetic factors play a crucial role in ASD susceptibility. They reported that the heritability of ASD is estimated to be around 50-90%, suggesting that genetic predisposition significantly contributes to its development. Numerous genes have been implicated in ASD, including those involved in synaptic functioning, neuronal development, and communication between brain regions.

Environmental factors have also been implicated in the etiology of autism. Prenatal factors, such as maternal infections, exposure to certain medications or chemicals, and complications during pregnancy, have been associated with an increased risk of ASD. Additionally, perinatal factors, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and oxygen deprivation during delivery, have been linked to an elevated risk of ASD. Postnatal factors, such as exposure to air pollution and certain maternal and paternal age groups, have also been identified as potential contributors.

Neurological factors, including alterations in brain connectivity, cortical thickness, and functional brain networks, have been observed in individuals with ASD. These neurobiological abnormalities likely interact with genetic and environmental factors, contributing to the development of the disorder.

Conclusion:
Despite the controversy surrounding vaccines and autism, the weight of scientific evidence firmly refutes any causal link. Extensive research supports the involvement of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder. It is crucial to base public health decisions on the most reliable scientific evidence to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities. Vaccines are a vital tool in preventing infectious diseases and have been repeatedly demonstrated to be safe and effective.

Reference:
Hallmayer, J., Cleveland, S., Torres, A., Phillips, J., Cohen, B., Torigoe, T., Miller, J., Fedele, A., Collins, J., Smith, K., Lotspeich, L., Croen, L. A., Ozonoff,