“While there are few Flat-Earthers who insist that there is no real epidemic of autism, only an increased awareness, it is obvious to most that the number of young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has risen dramatically and continues to rise.”
Before we dive deeper, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Many autism myths persist, including claims that autism is solely genetic, that vaccines are completely safe in all contexts, or that the rise in cases is only due to better diagnosis.
Is Excessive Media Attention Causing Fear of the Autism Epidemic?
Is excessive Media Attention causing the fear of Autism Epidemic?
The Background:
Many leading news outlets are funded by pharmaceutical companies, limiting their ability to challenge established narratives. Stories linking mercury-containing vaccines to autism are often censored, as such reporting could be career-ending. This may explain why some deny the epidemic altogether.
However, a growing number of scientific studies suggest that environmental factors, such as mercury in vaccines, could contribute to the rise in autism cases.
The Debate: What the Fight Is About
Some experts argue that the autism explosion is manmade. According to Dr. Brian Hooker (Simpson University), public health agencies focus more on treatment than prevention, discouraging research into environmental triggers.
On the other side, Steve Silberman, in NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, attributes autism primarily to genetics and views environmental research as a waste of resources. He emphasizes neurodiversity as a natural part of humanity and discourages the search for a cure.
Personal Note: Historically, many autistic individuals were misdiagnosed and institutionalized, highlighting the importance of accurate recognition today.
Historical Perspective and Diagnostic Changes
- Dr. Leo Kanner, the father of American childhood psychiatry, first described autism 70 years ago when it was extremely rare.
- Initial surveys (1960s–1980s) showed autism prevalence around 1:2,500, remaining stable until 1988.
- In 1989, vaccine schedules exposed children to higher mercury doses (from 70 mcg to 237.5 mcg) before age two. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls 1989 The Gateway Year for the rise of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Since then, rates of ADD, ADHD, speech delay, Tourette syndrome, SIDS, seizures, asthma, allergies, and autism have surged. Today, about 1 in 68 American children is diagnosed with autism, with boys at 1 in 42.
Evidence From Research
- California Studies: Between 1987 and 1998, reported childhood autism cases increased by 273%. Investigations by the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (UC Davis) confirmed the rise.
- Peer-Reviewed Studies: Multiple studies (2004–2013) concluded that increased prevalence cannot be explained by diagnostic changes alone. Environmental triggers, including mercury exposure, are likely contributors.
- Regressive Autism: Many children develop typically but lose acquired skills suddenly. Research links this pattern to early mercury exposure, supporting the idea of an environmental component to the epidemic.
Silberman and the Media Narrative
Silberman and authors like Donvan and Zucker argue the autism epidemic is an illusion, often citing historical figures and expanded diagnostic criteria.
Where They Go Wrong:
- They downplay regressive autism.
- They ignore the correlation between post-1989 mercury-containing vaccines and sudden developmental regressions.
- They over-rely on anecdotes rather than peer-reviewed science.
Personal Note: Thousands of children show typical development before exposure to environmental triggers, challenging the notion that autism has always been as prevalent as it is today.
Environmental Factors and Mercury
- Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in vaccines, delivers 25 mcg per shot, far exceeding safe EPA exposure levels for infants.
- Studies in Scandinavia showed ASD rates dropped by 33% after Thimerosal was removed in 1993.
- Toxicologist Boyd Haley emphasizes: “Genes don’t create epidemics. Genetics may create vulnerabilities; epidemics need environmental toxins.”
The Logical Conclusion
The rise in autism prevalence especially regressive autism – suggests an epidemic influenced by environmental factors. While genetics plays a role, it alone cannot explain the sudden surge in cases since the late 1980s. To help families understand the signs, causes, and treatments, consider using an autism awareness pack. These packs provide educational materials, checklists, and practical guidance to support early detection and intervention.
Takeaway:
Understanding autism requires examining both genetic predispositions and environmental triggers. Studies have identified specific genes linked to autistic brain anatomies, revealing how subtle neural differences shape behavior and communication. Exploring the relationship between autism and the brain helps scientists uncover how these genetic and neurological factors interact. Ignoring the epidemic or solely attributing it to genetics risks leaving children vulnerable. Awareness, research, and early intervention are crucial to address this growing public health concern.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
I’d guess Autism is a product/response to ‘civilization’, going back much further than simply vaccines, (frying pan/fire analogy)
when we traded sensory deducement progressively for language/grand societal schemes …
This is 2022 and Im amazed at the sheer amount of children/people who are affected to varying degrees with autism. Im certain I read somewhere that the increase in autism directly relates to the increase in the administration of vaccines. The fact that there is a vaccine for more and more illnesses nowadays mean that more people are exposed to this toxic rubbish.
Carol, stop spreading misinformation on the internet. Vaccines don’t cause autism and what you read was most likely a post made by a pundit trying to promote his own *alternative* product. How about instead of misunderstanding the difference between correlation and causation you actually read a single study or even the original study who’s author made up that lie for money and prestige.