The panel concluded that there was no epidemiological evidence of a relationship at the population level between the MMR vaccine and ASD, but added that it does not exclude the possibility that the MMR vaccine could contribute to autism in a small number of children. However, the disease remains a serious threat elsewhere in the world where children are not vaccinated. According to the report, more than one million children died from measles last year worldwide. Autism is an incurable behavioral disorder. It is characterized by impairment in social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior.
Patients vary in the severity of their symptoms and cognitive impairment.
In most cases autism appears to have an early onset, with symptoms appearing at approximately age 2. In a small number of cases, normal development is followed by a sudden loss of developmental milestones, usually in the second year, which has led to speculation that the MMR vaccination preceded the onset of the disorder. The U.S. House Committee on Government Reform has been investigating the rise in autism rates and is scheduled to hold a hearing Wednesday on its findings. An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.