General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Anti-vax asshat RFK Jr. on Dr. Oz, promoting his anti-vax asshat book... [View all]bhikkhu
(10,720 posts)along with the recommendation that pregnant women skip the flu shot and avoid fish with measurable mercury contamination. Clearly, the rates have risen, while mercury exposure has dropped. If one is really concerned with autism the argument should move on to actual causes, rather than continuing to flay an apparently non-involved party.
I've heard few, if any, arguments for the safety and benefits of thimerosal, and I'm unconvinced myself that it is safe. But if its use has been significantly decreased, while autism continues to rise, its obvious that the cause lies elsewhere. There has been a lot of research toward the actual causes in the last ten years, and there is some very promising current research toward developmental strategies, based on understanding how it affects the young brain, that suggests the cognitive issues can be successfully "cured". I'm hopeful, myself, and I think science is doing a good job on this one.