Thanks to aggressive vaccine campaigns over the years we've seen a significant decrease in infectious, even deadly diseases like polio and smallpox.
 

However, some parents believe a preservative in those vaccines is causing another problem -- autism. Now those parents are taking the issue to court.
 

Four year old Alex Maher has come a long way since he was diagnosed with autism about three years ago.
'When he was 20-months old I noticed that he wasn't talking and things that he had said in the past had more or less faded.' Alex's mother, Becky says he has had to work on verbal, social and learning skills.
 

Becky Maher belives Alex's autism was caused by the mercury-based preservative Thimerosol, found in children's vaccines. 'If you were to look at the symptoms of someone with mercury poisoning and the characteristics of an autistic child, they're practically identical.'
 

So how can Becky explain why one of her children has autism and her older child does not? The literature she has read indicates that some children might be more susceptible or predisposed than others.
 

Since the 1930's, vaccines like DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), and Hepatitis B contained thimerosol. Pediatrician Dr. Stephanie Dewar says, 'It's in there to prevent the growth of bacteria in those vaccines to keep kids safe.'
 

Dr. Dewar says there is no direct scientific link between mercury and autism. However, three years ago, the Food and Drug Administration was called to review thimerosol and it's link to 'neurodevelopmental effects,' as stated in a 1997 report. Dr. Dewar says, 'Neurodevelopmental effects could mean anywhere from vision or hearing problems. Problems with walking, talking, sensation.'
 

Just this year, the FDA officially banned thimerosol from vaccines.
 

Now, the Mahers' are among 100 families from the area taking part in a class action lawsuit. Attorney Dave Betras is representing Northeastern Ohio's faction of the suit. 'The question becomes does the thimerosol fall within the national vaccine recovery act or is this something to go after the drug manufacturers directly?'
 

Betras says the suit is pending, until a link between thimerosol and autism is found. 'There's a lot of people in the country that are firmly convinced of it. Now the question is can we prove that in a court of law is something we're still gonna have to wait and see.'
 

So it's a waiting game and while no compensation can reverse autism, families like the Mahers' say at least their voices will be heard.
 

If you have questions regarding the lawsuit, call 1-888-222-7052.