No effect of MMR withdrawal on the incidence of autism: a total population study

Background: A causal relationship between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been claimed, based on an increase in ASD in the USA and the UK after introduction of the MMR vaccine. However, the possibility that this increase is coincidental has not been eliminated. The unique circumstances of a Japanese MMR vaccination pro-gram provide an opportunity for comparison of ASD incidence before and after termination of the program. Methods: This study examined cumulative incidence of ASD up to age seven for childre