Vaccine and Cognitive Development: The MMR Vaccine and the Supposed Effect on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is being diagnosed more commonly among children today because of the constant change in parameters of the spectrum. This expansion of the spectrum has come to encompass many children, leading many parents to argue as to why their child is determined to be on the spectrum. Parents will argue that the child seems perfectly fine, or they were before they got any of their vaccines. Theories have developed that vaccines cause ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), specifically the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine. Commonly referred to as the MMR vaccine, many parents and homeopathic professionals believe that there is a component in the vaccine causing the child’s brain to develop autism. Thimerosal, another ingredient used in various vaccines was also thought to cause autism because it is a mercury based preservative