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The Forgotten Link to Autism
Have studies linking anti-depressants to fetal development been brushed under the rug?
The discussion around autism and its potential causes has for far too long been usurped by the anti-vaccine movement. By now it should be common knowledge that vaccines do not cause autism, are not even remotely linked to autism, and have never been proven to be linked to autism. It is hard to over-state the disastrous impact that one fraudulent study released by a discredited “doctor” has done to society. This one ludicrous and virulent strain of misinformation has forever seemed to damage the public’s ability to trust science, to trust the media, and to trust the objectivity of the truth.
It has become controversial to even discuss this topic. Now, the prevailing opinion from the public is that we are to accept autism’s existence, that autism has always been part of society and has just been undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and that to treat it as a disability or developmental defect is somehow disrespectful. I realize that this position is one rooted in empathy and kindness, and I do not refute its core values. The parents of autistic children have a very real and a very genuine need to protect their loved ones, to insure their common humanity is not discounted or othered. However, it does a disservice to future generations to…
