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Link between vaccines and autism may be fraudulent

By Staff Writer

For years, physicians have been led to believe that vaccinations and autism were linked after the release of a study conducted by Dr. Andrew Wakefield. Now, a British medical journal has deemed the research inaccurate, changing the perception of vaccines that has been in existence since 1998.

New reports say that Wakefield is responsible for altering facts used to compile the study linking vaccinations to autism. Wakefield claimed that children who were given shots to prevent conditions, such as measles and mumps, showed regressive autism later in life. Experts say that the doctor, who had his license revoked last May, left out key facts discovered through his research.

Only one out of the nine children examined had regressive autism, while three had no forms of condition. Five of the individuals also had preexisting developmental issues prior to engaging in the study, despite Wakefield claiming that all subjects were healthy. Fiona Godlee, the editor-in-chief of the British Medical Journal, called Wakefield's work "deliberate fraud."

Approximately 1 in 80 children suffers from an autism spectrum disorder in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rehabilitation facilities and therapists can help individuals manage the condition over time.

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