Autism Research Synthesis Essay

According to Mayo Clinic, Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorders. Its symptoms include lack of communication, the inability to use language to interact, and certain repetitive behaviors. Jeffrey S. Gerber and Paul A. Offit in their work “Vaccines and Autism” studied whether autism can be caused by MMR vaccines, thimerosal preservative, or due to multiple vaccines. The researchers created three different hypothesis and collected its data from different countries worldwide. They concluded in their study that autism disorder is neither caused by MMR vaccine nor Thimerosal containing vaccines nor by the multiple vaccines. Based on my knowledge, and experience, I agree with the findings of Gerber and Offit that childhood vaccines do not cause
autism disorders rather these advanced vaccines can save lives of millions of children annually from deadly diseases.
On the other hand Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his article titled “Deadly Immunity” quoted many opinions from different doctors and areas of expertise explaining that autism is caused by vaccines, especially the vaccine that contains thimerosal mercury. I feel, Kennedy Jr. in his work utilized several emotive languages and expressions to explain the relationship between the two variables. For example, Kennedy Jr. stated in his article that the drug companies received “help from powerful lawmakers in Washington” who are helping pharmaceutical companies from liability (Kennedy Jr., 2005). He also quoted views from people stating that vaccines are “just too darn toxic” (Kennedy, 2005). These opinions and statements seem too emotionally expressive though they may be accurate from people’s point of view. I do not find these reasons sufficient enough to be convinced that there is a relationship between autism and vaccination.
Gerber and Offit in their research provided several scientific results and facts to precisely explain three different hypotheses about the cause of autism disorders.
In their first hypothesis, MMR (Measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine can cause autism, the authors compared and collected data from three different places namely United Kingdom, California, Canada, and they found “no differences in autism rates among vaccinated and unvaccinated children” (Kennedy Jr., 2009). It means, there is a zero relationship between autism and MMR vaccination. The researchers utilized diversity in their study by observing people from different countries which helped them generalize their findings to a greater population. Similar results were also obtained in their Second and third hypothesis. For example, in Sweden and Denmark, researcher observed a constant increase in the rate of autism, despite the removal of Thimerosal from Vaccines. Moreover, the study also found no differences in the immune system of vaccinated children and unvaccinated children. Thus, the speculation that multiple vaccines weaken the immune system is a flawed
idea.
I think, Gerber and Offit highlighted ample scientific evidences and charts to explain the neutral relationship between autism and vaccination.
These evidences are clearly unbiased since it included population from different geographical locations, and cultures. However, I felt, the study could have also included places like the developing countries where autism cases are most of the time unexamined or unheard of. It was interesting to learn that there was no difference between children who were exposed to 200 mg thimerosal and children who were given 0mg of it. This strengthen my past positive experiences about vaccinations. As a parent, I find this topic, autism and vaccination, is so confusing since it is full of controversies. For instance, I learn from various sources, like TV, magazines, and friends, regarding vaccines and its negative impact on a child. Like any parent, it was very difficult for me to decide whether to vaccinate or not my new born baby. Now, I do not regret the decisions I have made. I’m glad I vaccinated my girls and protected them. Vaccines have saved many lives in the past, as a result we see the population of mankind dominating this planet, and vaccines can in present prevent harmful diseases like polio, measles, and hepatitis
B.
On the other hand, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his article argued that a “mercury-based preservative in the vaccines” known as thimerosal can cause an increase in autism and “a host” of other neurological problems among children” (Kennedy Jr., 2005). He also described and quoted many doctors and authorities to illustrate the relationship between the two variables, vaccine and autism. Many of Kennedy Jr.’s arguments were persuasive towards the readers. He utilized numerous emotive languages from people and doctors to support his claims. For example, he mentions that five of his own children are “members of the Thimerosal Generation who received heavy doses of mercury from vaccines” (Kennedy Jr., 2005). He also included a quote from a school nurse stating that “the elementary grades are overwhelmed with children who have symptoms of neurological or immune-system damage” (Kennedy Jr., 2005). It looks like he violated the rules of providing information without being biased. As an author and an informant, one needs to remain neutral and unbiased in their speech without employing words that can elicit an emotional impact on the readers. In addition, most of his arguments are based on opinions from others and opinions are not the best source for supporting one’s claim. Since opinions are based on personal feelings and “no matter how deeply and sincerely” these opinions are held they can be mistaken (Boss, 2015).
On the whole, I believe, vaccines do not cause autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Gerber and Offit used pure scientific evidences and data to support their hypotheses. Whereas, Kennedy’s arguments were expressive, and persuasive by using emotive words towards its readers. In future, researchers can work on incidences of autism among children who are vaccinated, unvaccinated, or alternatively vaccinated. Based on my knowledge, experience, and the articles that I have I read, I am confident that there is no relationship between vaccine and autism. However, as a critical thinker, I need to keep my mind open and flexible which can help me reevaluate and analyze my knowledge in the light of new information.