THURSDAY DECEMBER 13 2001

The Times Christmas Appeal

The size of the problem

BY NIGEL HAWKES

A major review into autism published today is the first to acknowledge the size of the problem.

The report by the Medical Research Council (MRC) says that autism can no longer be considered a rare condition, and estimates that it affects six young people in every 1,000. It is not clear, however, if there has been a real increase in the number of cases or simply that changes in the definition of autism combined with different diagnostic practices and greater public awareness are responsible for the increase. The MRC was asked by the Government in March to provide a clear picture of what is known about autism. Three groups of scientists were set up to examine the evidence, assisted by lay people involved in autism. The review reaches no conclusion about the cause of the disorder, suggesting that it has both a genetic and an environmental cause. The MRC team says that current evidence does not support any link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

It says that apparent links with gut disorders are worth further investigation and that suggested links with vaccines, drugs, toxins, infections and diet should also be tested so that the less likely ideas can quickly be put to one side.

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