Autism Vaccination Research Paper

The Autism Debate: Are Vaccines To Blame?

Michelle Ketterman

Communications 220

The University of Phoenix

Even though families have been awarded money in court because they claim their children developed autism after receiving immunization vaccines, are vaccines truly to blame? There have been many cases of Autism brought into the public eye, through the media, surrounding children who have been diagnosed with Autism. The parents of many of the diagnosed children are pointing the finger of blame at common immunization vaccinations against infectious diseases; such as the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine given to most children during the first two years of life. Is it possible that immunizations, such as the MMR, are…show more content…
Thimersol, mercury, aluminum, pollution, pesticides, medicines and prenatal alcohol exposure have all been shown to damage mitochondria. A mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the mitochondria cannot efficiently turn sugar and oxygen into energy, so the cells do not work correctly (CDC, 2009). Possible underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in children who have received Thimersol containing vaccinations may be one reason why autism has become more prevalent in children that have been vaccinated. Autism researchers do not currently understand whether mitochondrial dysfunction is a cause of autism or is just a secondary implication of the disorder. In present time the Centers for Disease Control states “ there are no scientific studies that say vaccines cause or worsen mitochondrial diseases. We do know that certain illnesses that can be prevented by vaccines, such as the flu, can trigger the regression that is related to a mitochondrial disease. More research is needed to determine if there are rare cases where underlying mitochondrial disorders are triggered by anything related to vaccines. However, we know that for most children,…show more content…
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