Studies Show No Link Between Autism and Vaccines

By Brigitte Randle, M.D.

Parents and physicians must work together to protect children from preventable illnesses. And vaccines for diseases like measles, meningitis and hepatitis are an important part of that protection. In fact, serious health threats such as polio, diphtheria and tetanus are now rarely seen in the United States, thanks to widespread vaccination.

Some parents, however, have concerns about a possible connection between childhood vaccines and autism. These concerns arose after researchers observed that autism symptoms tend to appear in toddlers between 15 to 18 months old—the same time that young children receive vaccines for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and chicken pox. Despite this correlation, no medical evidence links the two events. In 2009, another study concluded that there is no clear pattern of possible association between getting vaccinated and developing autism.

I advise parents to immunize their children, following approved vaccination guidelines, such as those outlined in Sutter Health’s Preventive Health Care Guidelines. This is safer than following an alternative schedule that decreases or spreads out the number of vaccines given to children. If you choose not to vaccinate your child, your doctor may ask you to sign an Informed Refusal sheet.

Brigitte Randle, M.D., a board certified pediatrician affiliated with Sutter Regional Medical Foundation and on-staff at Sutter Solano Medical Center, sees patients in the Vacaville care center. You may request an appointment with her online at srmf.org or by calling 707-427-4900.

What Is Autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, consists of multiple neuro-developmental problems that result in children not communicating in a normal fashion. “We really don’t understand why some children develop autism and others don’t,” says Brigitte Randle, M.D. “There seems to be a clear genetic disposition and possibly some environmental triggers, such as overstimulation from TV and cell phones.”

Dr. Randle explains that symptoms can include repetitive movements, an inability to focus on people, and regressed or delayed speech development. Signs typically show around age 1 ½ to 2 years. “Autism can be mild in nature or extremely serious,” she says.

Because no clear-cut cause for autism has been found, research continues into how to treat the condition, says Dr. Randle. “Researchers are starting to study drug therapies, but more common treatment includes occupational, speech and physical therapy, as well as neuropsychology and dietary changes.”

Does Your Child Have Autism?
For more information on autism screenings, call 707-427-4900 to make an appointment with a Sutter Health pediatrician.