Correlation between autism diagnosis and organic food sales

[n2doc]

Redditor Jasonp55 has a neat demonstration of the perils of confusing correlation with causation, and his well-chosen example makes this a potentially useful chart for discussing this issue with friends who won't vaccinate themselves and their kids.

http://boingboing.net/2013/01/01/correlation-between-autism-dia.html

[snappyturtle]

1. This whole thing is crazy. Not a cause/effect graph....according to comments following graph.

I took it that organic food sales paralleled cases diagnosed autistic in an effort to live a healthier lifestyle. And, what's this got to do with vaccination? I'm totally confused on that one. Thanks.

[nenagh]

2. "perils of confusing correlation with causation" ...

The lesson seems to be that the graphed increase in autism correlates (is very similar) to a graph showing increased buying of organic food.

But autism is not caused by eating organic food.

So those people who link the rise in autism with increased vaccinations...

Must be wrong? Honestly, I can see the argument...but there are many other factors not explained by the graphs..

[snappyturtle]

3. Thank you....dah! I knew of this link of vaccinations and autism...I'm getting old! nt