Autism Speaks Be Informed Get Involved Walk Events Community Science
About Us
Goals
Leadership
In the News
Press Releases
What is Autism
Video Glossary
What to Do About It
How to Cope
How to Grow With It
Navigating the Spectrum
Donate
Online Store
Tributes
Our Events
Calendar
Government Affairs
Family Services
Resources
Outreach
Chapters
Student Clubs
Social Networks
Conferences
Overview
Science News
Research
Portfolios
Grant Program
Initiatives
Resources/Programs
Scientific Meetings
 
Goals
About Us
Leadership
In the News
Press Releases
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 health and well-being 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;

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 officials in our government to address the questions that parents have through both basic and clinical research. We believe this to be the most effective course of action toward creating meaningful change.
Letter from Geri Dawson, Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer, to the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (PDF)

Editorial by Lou Cooper on “Protecting Public Trust in Immunization” from the journal Pediatrics (PDF)

Click to Sign-up for e-Speaks Newsletter