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Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Is ASD caused by the MMR vaccine?

Question 2

How do you get ASD?
 

Question 3

Are the symptoms of ASD the same in every child? 

Question 4

How common is ASD? 
 

Question 1:

Question 1

There is no evidence linking autism to MMR. We are very aware of the concerns of parents on this issue and we urge parents to discuss vaccinations and their individual children's needs with their GP. It is vital that health professionals listen to parents concerns and take them seriously as the experts on their own children.

Question 2:

Question 2

Scientists do not know exactly what causes autism, but they know it most often starts in the first months of life, maybe even before birth. Something goes wrong in the development of a child’s brain, but parents or teachers might not notice it for some years.

One cause might be a combination of a gene the child inherited mixed with something toxic in the environment, even before birth.

About 15 percent of children with ASD have changes in their genes called mutations. There are more than 100 genes or gene changes that can change the way a child’s brain grows. These changes put the children at risk.

Here’s how that works: As the unborn baby develops, altered genes might not cause any problem until something else happens. That something could be a virus, a very low birth weight, the mother’s poor health or certain birth problems. The baby’s brain may stop developing the way it should. When something keeps a person from learning and growing the way he should, it is called a developmental disorder. Autism is such a disorder.

Because of a shocking number of children diagnosed with autism in recent years, a lot of money has been spent on research. That research has found some things that do not cause it.

You do not get autism from:

  • Childhood vaccinations. Nineteen carefully conducted studies of immunized children did not find a link to autism.
     

  • Poor parenting. Parents are not to blame.
     

  • Another person. You cannot get it by being with someone who has autism.

Question 3:

Question 3

Symptoms of autism vary from child to child. Some symptoms may appear in one child but not in another. Some symptoms children with autism may exhibit include:

 

  • Difficulty making friends. Many children with ASD avoid eye contact or want to be alone.
     

  •  Repetition of words or phrases (echolalia).
     

  •  Difficulty adapting to changes in the daily routine.
     

  •  Repetition of actions over and over again, and a strong desire to adhere to strict routines so they know what to expect.
     

  •  Flapping their hand, rocking their bodies, or spinning in circles.
     

  • Unusual reactions to sensory perceptions (the way things sound, look, feel, taste, or smell).

Question 4:

Question 4

The prevalence of ASD in the United States is estimated at 1 in 59 births. (CDC, 2018).  It is more common in males than females. 

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