Vaccination as a cause of autism—myths and controversies. Issue 4 (31st December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davidson, Michael
• Is Part Of: Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. Volume 19:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 403
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2017-12-31
• Subjects: autism -- mercury -- myth -- science -- vaccine
• DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.4/mdavidson
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1958-5969

Abstract

Abstract : Despite significant progress in the study of the epidemiology and genetics of autism, the etiology and patho-physiology of this condition is far from being elucidated and no curative treatment currently exists. Although solid scientific research continues, in an attempt to find explanations and solutions, a number of nonscientific and pure myths about autism have emerged. Myths that vaccines or mercury are associated with autism have been amplified by misguided scientists; frustrated, but effective parent groups; and politicians. Preventing the protection provided by vaccination or administration of mercury-chelating agents may cause real damage to autistic individuals and to innocent bystanders who as a result may be exposed to resurgent diseases that had already been "extinguished. " That such myths flourish is a consequence of the authority of scientific evidence obtained by scientific methodology losing ground to alternative truths and alternative science. This article presents a narrative of the origin of the myths around autism.