Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Or Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia

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 your response.

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Sample Answer

he controversy surrounding vaccines and autism began in 1998, when Andrew Wakefield, a British doctor, published a paper in The Lancet medical journal that suggested a link between the two. Wakefield’s paper was later retracted after it was revealed that he had falsified data and had financial ties to a lawyer who was suing vaccine manufacturers.

Despite the retraction of Wakefield’s paper, the myth that vaccines cause autism has persisted. This has led to a decrease in vaccination rates, which has in turn led to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that vaccines cause autism. Multiple studies have found no link between the two. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective.”

Full Answer Section

The current evidence regarding the “other causes” of autism is complex and still being studied. However, some of the factors that have been linked to autism include:

Genetics: Autism is thought to be a genetic disorder, meaning that it is caused by changes in a person’s genes.
Environmental factors: Some environmental factors that have been linked to autism include exposure to certain chemicals, infections, and maternal stress during pregnancy.
Prematurity: Children who are born prematurely are more likely to develop autism.
Head injuries: Children who experience head injuries are more likely to develop autism.
It is important to note that these are just some of the factors that have been linked to autism. The exact cause of autism is still unknown.

Here is a scholarly journal article that supports my response:

**Barton, M. E., Zhang, Y., & Hansen, R. L. (2016). The relationship between vaccines and autism: A review of the evidence. Clinical Pediatrics, 55(1), 11-20.
This article provides a comprehensive review of the research on the relationship between vaccines and autism. The authors conclude that there is no convincing evidence to support the claim that vaccines cause autism.

In conclusion, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that vaccines cause autism. The current evidence regarding the “other causes” of autism is complex and still being studied. However, some of the factors that have been linked to autism include genetics, environmental factors, prematurity, and head injuries. It is important to note that these are just some of the factors that have been linked to autism, and the exact cause of autism is still unknown.

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