Continuing Increases in Autism Reported to California's Developmental Services System

Abstract

The DDS data do not show any recent decrease in autism in California despite the exclusion of more than trace levels of thimerosal from nearly all childhood vaccines. The DDS data do not support the hypothesis that exposure to thimerosal during childhood is a primary cause of autism.

Theoretical aspects of autism: Causes—A review

“…The California Department of Developmental Services conducted a study of time trends in the prevalence by age and birth cohort of children with autism who were active clients from January 1, 1995 to March 31, 2007 (Schechter andGrether, 2008). The data did not show any decrease in autism in California, despite the exclusion of more than trace levels of Thimerosal from nearly all childhood vaccines by 2002.…”

“…The data did not show any decrease in autism in California, despite the exclusion of more than trace levels of Thimerosal from nearly all childhood vaccines by 2002. However, in 2004, inactivated influenza vaccine frequently containing Thimerosal was newly recommended for all children 6-23-months old in the United States (Schechter and Grether, 2008). In addition, influenza vaccination during all trimesters of pregnancy is now universally recommended in the United States (Ayoub and Yazbak, 2006).…”

“…This is primarily because the number of diagnosed cases of autism continues to increase despite the fact that most childhood vaccines are free of more than trace levels of Thimerosal since about the year 2000 (Schechter and Grether, 2008). In addition, the pharmacokinetics of ethylmercury (the form of mercury in Thimerosal) makes such an association less likely (Parker et al, 2004).…”

“…In addition, the pharmacokinetics of ethylmercury (the form of mercury in Thimerosal) makes such an association less likely (Parker et al, 2004). With the increasing incidence of autism, the search for a cause of autism continues (Schechter and Grether, 2008).…”

Literature Review

“…[Schechter & Grether, 2008] Every research student is taught, ''correlation does not prove causation.'' This premise is highly related to the scientific principle that research hypotheses remain hypotheses, or only possible explanations, until and unless multiple rigorous tests are developed in an attempt to disprove the hypothesis.…”