Does the MMR jab cause autism?.

This documentary looks at the pros and cons of the MMR vaccine and assesses the possibility of a link between the jab and the onset of autism. James Fitzpatrick is autistic, as is Lawrence McGowan. Their parents describe how the condition affects them. In the 1950s only 1 child in 2000 was diagnosed as having autism, whereas today 1 child in 200 is diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Rosemary Kessick's son William developed autism soon after the introduction of the MMR jab - they also developed a new, severe form of bowel disease. How could a vaccination cause autism? According to Andrew Wakefield, who first brought the possibility of a link into the public eye, it is the combination of 3 viruses given together that puts stress onto a child's body; he felt that the injections should be given singly. However, as these are not currently available on the NHS, after hearing of this research, people stopped vaccinating their children and incidences of measles began to rise in the community. Following Wakefield's research, a spate of investigations began into its validity and these investigations cast serious doubt over his initial findings. However, the parents of many autistic children still feel that the MMR jab has played a role in the onset of the condition.