Causation Controversy
Regression in autism spectrum disorders is well documented; attribution of regression to environmental stress factors may result in a delay in diagnosis. The apparent onset of regressive autism is surprising and distressing to parents, who often initially suspect severe hearing loss. The pattern of symptoms naturally leads many to suspect that postnatal environmental factors trigger autism; frequently, the apparent factor cited by parents is the possibility of vaccine injury. In particular, because obvious symptoms often start just after children receive multiple vaccinations, such as the MMR vaccine or the MMRV vaccine (MMR plus varicella (chickenpox) vaccine), some people perceive a causal link between vaccination and autism, especially if accompanied by a fever, rash, and rapid skill loss. Although a rancorous controversy has escalated since the earliest reports of a possible link began to surface in the 1980s, no link has been found with vaccines. There are also studies being done to test if certain types of regressive autism have an autoimmune basis.
Read more about this topic: Regressive Autism
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