BMJ Weighs In on ‘Evidence of Harm’.

13 May

David Kirbys ‘Evidence of Harm’ in particular and the whole ‘mercury poisoning is autism’ movement in general were roundly denounced today by the BMJ.

Kirby echoes the conviction of parents who believe that vaccines are to blame for an “epidemic of autism.” He endorses their dismissal of the consensus among autism specialists that the most likely explanation for the increasing number of cases is the greater recognition of the condition among parents and professionals and the expansion of diagnostic categories. In response to the numerous epidemiological studies in different countries that have failed to confirm any link between vaccines and autism, Kirby reports the increasingly forlorn attempts of campaigners to discredit these studies and their authors. Disillusioned with epidemiology, campaigners have turned to biochemistry; and Kirby follows them into the laboratories of a handful of researchers, some funded by parent led campaigns, who claim to have shown evidence of a link between vaccines and autism. This evidence was systematically examined—and rejected—by the authoritative US Institute of Medicine last year.

All I can say is ‘well done’ to the BMJ and reviewer Michael Fitzpatrick in particular. Its a great relief to know that the scientific community are watching the quack cure movement closely, ready to point out the logical and factual errors in their beliefs. As parents who love and care for our autistic children what we need are interventions that work, not ‘cures’ that are based on fallacy and innuendo. Hasten the day when those parents (particularly those in North America) can realise that autism isn’t something you can solve by throwing a quick fix of money at it. Its a reality to be experienced and the sooner that parents can accept that and help their kids, the better we’ll see autistic kids grow into successful autistic adults.

One Response to “BMJ Weighs In on ‘Evidence of Harm’.”

  1. Noetic May 13, 2005 at 12:08 #

    Yay! I get to do a lot of work for BMJ (we typeset and convert some of their journals – not this one though) and they’ve always been my favourite customers (they always ask so nicely, and specify things properly!), but they’ve gone up even further in my estimation now 🙂

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