Dramatic rise in autism backs up fear of MMR vaccine link

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CAMPAIGNERS say a new study revealing that the number of children diagnosed as autistic is 15 times more common than previously believed is further proof of a link between the condition and the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

A scientific study carried out by the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University shows that 57 in every 10,000 children aged between five and 11 have been diagnosed with the condition. Campaigners have long argued that the rise in autism can be linked to the introduction of the combined vaccine in 1988.

Dr Fiona Scott, one of the researchers, said: "Most people, including the health authorities, argue that the the prevalence of autism is four or five in 10,000, and most research up until now has stated that the largest possible number would be 18 in every 10,000. This is the first scientific study to show that it is significantly greater."

The study involved 43,472 children in Cambridgeshire schools. Dr Scott pointed out that as only those children officially diagnosed with autism were counted, the actual figure could be greater still. The research has been welcomed by Scottish families who claim the number of children being diagnosed with autism has increa sed and that this is linked to an adverse reaction to the MMR vaccine.

Bill Welsh, from Glasgow, became involved with families across Scotland who believe their children have been damaged by the jab after his own grandson suffered a severe reaction to the vaccination. He said: "This study confirms that a massive increase in the number of children diagnosed as autistic has occurred in the UK in the past 10 years. Many parents associate their child's regression with the MMR vaccine.

"Any decision taken by the Scottish parliament to reintroduce single vaccines as a choice will be welcomed by many parents who feel that the 'MMR or nothing' approach does not respect their concerns."

Last week, the vaccine was debated at the Scottish parliament and MSPs agreed there were too many concerns about a possible link between the MMR vaccine and an increase in the number of children being diagnosed as autistic for the issue to be swept aside.

They decided to gather more information from ministers and scientists before deciding whether to undertake an inquiry later this year. Campaigners are urgently calling on the parliament to reintroduce single vaccines, put in place a medical protocol to aid children diagnosed as autistic, and fund research into the cure of autism.

Concern that MMR can cause autism in children has pushed many parents to travel to France for their children to get single vaccinations.

Dr Peter Copp, who set up the private practice GP-Plus in Edinburgh, has been inundated with requests for single vaccinations. He plans to travel to France with his family mobile home this summer and will come back with the fridge stocked up with single vaccines. He says this way he can ensure that the vaccine is properly stored. The GP is also in negotiations with a shipping company to bring supplies into the country.

He is concerned that fears over the links between autism and MMR could result in a measles epidemic, and argues that the government is wrong not to allow single vaccinations on the NHS.

He said: "There are some parents who just will not give their children MMR, and my duty of care is to help them. I do not want to see children not immunised, but we must not irresponsibly spread fear amongst parents who have gone ahead and had their children vaccinated with MMR."

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