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Policy Statements

Any and all policy statements issued by Autism Speaks will be featured on this page.
Statement on Vaccine Research and Safety

Autism Speaks is committed to the safety of all children. As such, we support the programs that ensure the public health, including an effective and safe immunization program designed to prevent major diseases. Immunization programs have been very effective in reducing mortality, morbidity and costs associated with common childhood diseases. Today's parents no longer need to worry that once dreaded diseases like polio and smallpox could be threats to their children.

Public trust in immunization programs must be protected. Thus it is critical that we take steps now to do all we can to affirm the public confidence in the safety of vaccines.

Autism Speaks is committed to actively supporting research to find answers to the following questions;

  • Are there adverse events from vaccines that impact neurodevelopment over time?
  • Are common adverse events occurring more frequently than before? If so, what changes have occurred and why?
  • Does the use of combination vaccines or the practice of giving several vaccinations in one day confer increase risk for adverse events?
  • Are there subgroups in the general population that exhibit more adverse events than others?

    • In order to answer these challenging and complicated questions, Autism Speaks is mobilizing the scientific community and engaging broad scientific expertise, including experts in genetics, neuroscience, and immunology. We are working diligently with high ranking officials in our government to establish world class programs in vaccine safety research that encompass both basic and clinical science. We believe this to be the most effective course of action toward creating meaningful change.

    This is not just an autism issue. Rather, it is about protecting the public trust in an essential public health program. While this is clearly the responsibility of our government and its stakeholder agencies, we all have a role to play in bringing vaccine safety research into the 21st century so our immunization policy and practices are evidence-based, sensible and compelling to the general public. We must work together to establish a commitment to scientific excellence and to providing the resources and support required to make it happen. Our children and families deserve nothing less.


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