Immunisation and autism: What's the story?
Publicity surrounding the alleged link between vaccination and autism has caused concern to many parents especially those of autistic children. This research examined the hypothesis that parents are more susceptible to misinformation surrounding the alleged link if they have children with autism. It investigated the beliefs parents (of children with and without autism) have regarding the alleged link and to identify the information needs of parents surrounding this issue. Two focus groups with parents of autistic children were conducted and internet and hard-copy questionnaires were distributed to both parents of autistic children and those of typically developing children. Responses showed most parents (96%) are aware of the alleged link between autism and immunisation. However, while 93% (n=24) of parents of typical children indicated they elect to vaccinate their children, only 50% of parents of children with autism (n=44) chose to vaccinate their child with autism and 72% (n=44) chose to vaccinate typically developing siblings and they have concerns with both initial and booster vaccines. The four most common concerns reported by parents of children with autism regarding the alleged link were that: (1) the MMR vaccine causes inflammatory bowel disease and autism (2) vaccines contain mercury-based preservatives which are toxic and cause autism, (3) vaccines weaken/overwhelm the immune system which results in autism, and (4) subsequent vaccination may cause a regression in autistic behaviours in their affected child. A further finding was that 13% (n=33) of parents administer chelating agents to their autistic child to remove mercury from the body. Chelating therapy has not been proven to be effective or safe for use in autism. Parents of autistic children perceived their information needs regarding the alleged link were not being met. A booklet has been prepared to guide parents of children with autism in the choices they make in vaccinating their children.