Autism Research Synthesis Essay

According to Mayo Clinic, Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorders. Its symptoms include lack of communication, the inability to use language to interact, and certain repetitive behaviors. Jeffrey S. Gerber and Paul A. Offit in their work “Vaccines and Autism” studied whether autism can be caused by MMR vaccines, thimerosal preservative, or due to multiple vaccines. The researchers created three different hypothesis and collected its data from different countries worldwide. They concluded in their study that autism disorder is neither caused by MMR vaccine nor Thimerosal containing vaccines nor by the multiple vaccines. Based on my knowledge, and experience, I agree with the findings of Gerber and Offit that childhood vaccines do not cause
In their first hypothesis, MMR (Measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine can cause autism, the authors compared and collected data from three different places namely United Kingdom, California, Canada, and they found “no differences in autism rates among vaccinated and unvaccinated children” (Kennedy Jr., 2009). It means, there is a zero relationship between autism and MMR vaccination. The researchers utilized diversity in their study by observing people from different countries which helped them generalize their findings to a greater population. Similar results were also obtained in their Second and third hypothesis. For example, in Sweden and Denmark, researcher observed a constant increase in the rate of autism, despite the removal of Thimerosal from Vaccines. Moreover, the study also found no differences in the immune system of vaccinated children and unvaccinated children. Thus, the speculation that multiple vaccines weaken the immune system is a flawed
These evidences are clearly unbiased since it included population from different geographical locations, and cultures. However, I felt, the study could have also included places like the developing countries where autism cases are most of the time unexamined or unheard of. It was interesting to learn that there was no difference between children who were exposed to 200 mg thimerosal and children who were given 0mg of it. This strengthen my past positive experiences about vaccinations. As a parent, I find this topic, autism and vaccination, is so confusing since it is full of controversies. For instance, I learn from various sources, like TV, magazines, and friends, regarding vaccines and its negative impact on a child. Like any parent, it was very difficult for me to decide whether to vaccinate or not my new born baby. Now, I do not regret the decisions I have made. I’m glad I vaccinated my girls and protected them. Vaccines have saved many lives in the past, as a result we see the population of mankind dominating this planet, and vaccines can in present prevent harmful diseases like polio, measles, and hepatitis