Reply #144: It is not true in most cases...

[LeftishBrit]

that autistic children are 'bright and highly developed' and then suddenly regress.

There are cases of regression, but they're rare. Most children with autism have shown unusual characteristics from the beginning, but they become much more obvious when they reach an age when communication and social skills are expected.

And yes, I know several children with autism. None of them suddenly regressed after normal development. None of their parents think that their problems are due to vaccines.

I also know someone who is seriously physically disabled as a result of catching whooping cough in infancy. The diseases against which we vaccinate are not trivial!