Do Vaccines Cause Autism? Myths vs. Facts

The question of whether vaccines cause autism has been widely debated, but scientific evidence is clear: vaccines do not cause autism. This myth began in 1998 when a now-retracted study falsely suggested a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and autism. Since then, dozens of large-scale studies involving hundreds of thousands of children have confirmed there is no connection between vaccines and autism.

Autism is a developmental condition believed to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, not vaccinations. Despite this, the myth has caused fear among parents, sometimes leading to delayed or skipped vaccinations. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of preventable diseases, which may pose serious health risks to children and communities.

Parents should feel reassured that vaccines are safe and vital for protecting their child’s health. Children with autism benefit from the same medical protections as their peers, and timely vaccinations play a key role in their well-being.

At Achieve Behavioral Therapy, we support families with accurate information, evidence-based practices, and compassionate care—helping children with autism thrive without fear or misinformation.

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