Autism Speaks has come out with some very strong statements about autism and vaccines. And the back peddled.
First, here is a statement by Robert Ring, Chief Science Officer:
Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. We urge that all children be fully vaccinated.
Rob Ring
Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks
The above statement by Mr. Ring was picked up by the press in February as it was so clear.
Over the last two decades extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccines and autism. Scientific research has not directly connected autism to vaccines. Vaccines are very important. Parents must make the decision whether to vaccinate their children. Efforts must be continually made to educate parents about vaccine safety. If parents decide not to vaccinate they must be aware of the consequences in their community and their local schools.
Bob Wright
Co-founder, Autism Speaks
It’s a fairly stilted paragraph in my read. It comes across as though Mr. Wright is trying to appear to ride the fence while at the same time pulling back dramatically from the clear statement by Mr. Ring. Scientific research has not directly connected autism to vaccines?
Even with that, I can’t imagine that admitting that vaccines are “important” will go over well in some circles. Close circles. Even “important” is to positive a word for some. But, seriously, here we have an invention that has saved more lives that possibly any other in medical history and we get “important”?
Yes, Mr. Wright, efforts must be made to educate parents about vaccine safety. That’s what your chief science officer did. Sadly, you can’t let Autism Speaks be a science led organization.
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By Matt Carey
Note: I accidentally published an early draft of this article yesterday.
Left Brain Right Brain 
Family tensions can certainly put one in a tough spot. But silence and letting Dr. Ring speak would have better served children than a statement like this that won’t be enough to solve his problems and undermines the message.
It’s time for Bob and Suzanne Wright to stop making statements which interfere with this positive statement from Rob Ring. It’s a shame that Katie Wright’s anti-vaccine opinions and activities have influenced their public statements.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/new-meta-analysis-confirms-no-association-between-vaccines-and-autism#comment-1394827598
Autism Speaks has spoken: the comments by its Chief Scientific Officer have been deleted; only the garbled response from Bob Wright remains.
“The shouting and the tumult dies, the captains and the kings depart.”
Sorry, that quote just seemed very apropos.
Thanks for that heads up. Just put out a short article.
“Autism Speaks” hasn’t spoken. Bob Wright has. Likely lobbied by his daughter.
Donate to autism speaks. They are based on science. Except they aren’t.