Why do some people think that there is some smoking gun family pattern of autism involving vaccines?
The usual suspects…
Understanding That Smoking-Gun Family Pattern of Autism
In this case, the usual suspects have created propaganda because they are not telling you the full story about this family.
What’s missing?
Well, it is true that Daniel Kieth Austin and three of his siblings are autistic.
And it is true that they were all vaccinated.
Also, two of their unvaccinated siblings are not autistic.
But, that’s not the whole story…
“My dad still doesn’t believe it was vaccines. He still believes it was genetics.”
Daniel Kieth Austin
In addition to the fact that their father doesn’t believe that vaccines are associated with autism, the important piece of information that they leave out is that the two unvaccinated siblings are actually their younger, half-siblings.
Half-siblings who were born after their mother remarried.
Half-siblings who were born around 2004 to 2006, much later than the original four siblings with autism (1986 to 1991).
What else?
This pattern actually supports the idea that autism is genetic and not that it is associated with vaccines!
An idea that has been shown in many studies.
“In a reanalysis of a previous study of the familial risk of ASD, the heritability was estimated to be 83%, suggesting that genetic factors may explain most of the risk for ASD.”
The Heritability of Autism Spectrum Disorder
A risk that has been found to be not associated with vaccines, even as it is associated with genetics!
“In this large sample of privately insured children with older siblings, receipt of the MMR vaccine was not associated with increased risk of ASD, regardless of whether older siblings had ASD.”
Autism Occurrence by MMR Vaccine Status Among US Children With Older Siblings With and Without Autism
An association that anti-vaccine influencers ignore, choosing to continue to promote their conspiracy theories and propaganda instead.
It’s why we see so many unvaccinated children and adults who are autistic.
Time was an important factor in the development of masking, with many participants emphasizing learning as a young child to suppress aspects of themselves. As one participant recounted: “I have used masking from a very young age because I thought I was broken”
“Masking Is Life”: Experiences of Masking in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults
Autistic children and adults who often grow up thinking that they are damaged or broken because they have been told all of their lives that they were vaccine-injured.
“This review has found that autistic people often experience stigma, which refers to negative attitudes and treatment from others. Because of that, some autistic people also have negative beliefs about themselves, which may affect their self-worth and mental health.”
A systematic review on autistic people’s experiences of stigma and coping strategies
A dangerous idea that might contribute to the stigma they often feel.
A dangerous idea that contributes to masking, camouflaging, and internalized ableism.
A dangerous idea that you should know is not true!
More on Abelism
How Anti-Vaccine Influencers Observe Autism Acceptance Month
Debunked myths that vaccines cause autism are increasing stigma
Pushing Back On Tragedy As The Only “True” Representation Of Autism
“Don’t let your children grow up in a world where society devalues their lives.”
Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults
Truth and Consequences – The Anti-Vaccination Movement Exacts a Price
Your Child Isn’t Vaccine-Injured, They’re in Autistic Burnout
“Masking Is Life”: Experiences of Masking in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults
A systematic review on autistic people’s experiences of stigma and coping strategies
Kirsch is an electrical engineer. Apparently MIT forgot to tell him that doesn't imply medical expertise.