A long time ago, a lot of mothers and fathers would troop to their doctor’s clinic, so their child could receive the MMR vaccine. It would give their kid protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. However, ever since reports surfaced that it could be the leading cause of autism among children, the numbers have declined, thus, preventing the kids from getting the right protection they need. That’s why before the controversy gets out of hand, it’s time we put an end to this autism vaccine myth.

What causes such beliefs?

The misconception may have started from the fact that most ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) children tend to show some signs right after they were administered by the MMR vaccine. Normally, the first shots are given when the baby is between 12 and 15 months (around one year old). Around this time, too, the child exhibits common signs associated with autism. The kid may be more detached from society. He or she doesn’t communicate or could be fascinated by a particular activity or interest.

What is the truth?

When you come to think of it, the fear and such belief are sensible. However, parents should know that so far there is no direct link between MMR vaccine and autism that is being pointed out by experts and doctors. Everything could just be coincidental.

You see, autism has something to do with the brain. No one really knows for sure the definite reason why a child develops autism, thought it’s proven that the structure and the functions of the brain may be altered.

Scientists and doctors also pointed out two possible reasons for its occurrence. One has something to do with genetics. Before the child was born, the mother may have consumed substances that could have caused such damage. There could also be abnormalities in the chromosome.

The baby may have already shown some signs of autism before they reach the age of 1; however, they would not become prominent until they are 12 months, a time when he or she will be given his or her first shot of MMR vaccine.

You should also remember that there are millions of kids all over the world who are given shots of MMR vaccines every year. If there is definitely such link between autism and MMR vaccination, there should be a sharp increase of children with autism these days. The truth is that even if there are more cases of autism since 1979, there was no significant rise to the number ever since MMR vaccine was given in 1988 until now. Moreover, most of the children who were given the shot developed very minor and temporary side effects.

Another reason to believe that there is no direct relationship between ASD and MMR vaccination is the fact that some of the children who developed autism displayed the symptoms, regardless of whether they had already taken the vaccine or not.

Don’t deprive your child of the right care because of myths. Rather, arm yourself with the proper information, so you’d be more equipped in giving your kid the best care he or she needs.

To read more about whether Autism has any connection with the MMR Vaccine, you may wish to read this article.