Autism Speaks Flip-Flops on Vaccines and Autism, Walks Away From Prevention
The Focus Autism Foundation Investigates Autism Speaks’ Shifting Stance on Vaccine Safety Research 
WATCHUNG, N.J., July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — There was a time when the world’s largest autism charity strongly urged the U.S. government to examine the possibility of a vaccine-autism link. “We believe that the question of whether immunization is associated with an increased risk for ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] is of extremely high priority” wrote Dr. Geraldine Dawson, former Chief Science Officer for Autism Speaks, in a 3000-word letter to the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) of Health and Human Services. She also warned: “Recent studies point to a key role of the immune system in the biology of ASD, raising questions about the effects of the significant immune challenges associated with vaccinations, particularly when delivered in combination and early in life.” That same year (2009), Autism Speaks advocated for federal dollars to be spent on vaccine safety research.
That was then. This is now. Autism Speaks has flip-flopped on vaccines, disregarding studies that show a link to autism, and even recommending children with autism be vaccinated with the flu shot (with no warning that most flu shots contain 25 mcgs. of mercury). Over 100 studies show a link between the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal and neurological harm including autism, yet Autism Speaks actively promotes the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s denial of thimerosal’s risks…