Autism: An Immunological Perspective

Autism is an increasingly common developmental disability that typically appears in childhood, usually during the first three years of life. It interferes with the normal development and functioning of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction and communication. There may be emotional, motor and/or sensory disturbances, which exacerbate these deficits. Frequently, a developmental pattern is described, depicting a period of normal development followed by either a sudden, or slow-but-steady, regression or loss of skills. Many practitioners diagnose autism from a neurological basis based on a list of outward symptoms and characteristics. They admit that the cause or causes of autism are unknown. Tragically, the research and funding has been limited to the area of genetics since the 1940’s when the condition was described by Kanner.

Recent scientific findings have shown, however, multiple immune system abnormalities in autistic individuals. Scientists have also embraced the idea of the complex integration of the immune, nervous, endocrine, and other systems of the body; in particular the notion that early and severe toxic assaults of the immune system can lead to profound neurological damage. Such derailments have been known to occur in conjunction with severe environmental insults, such as pre/post-natal viral infections and/or through childhood vaccinations. Dr. Andrew Wakefield has documented the presence of the measles viral or bacterial particles and/or antibodies in the intestines and body tissues or fluids from persons with immune and/or neurological disease, in the case of autism. Many other doctors in the US have gone on to prove the same conclusion. A viral "insult" in predisposed persons can ultimately lead to a state of autoimmunity or continuous immune reaction against the body's own tissues. Antibodies against brain and other body elements have been detected in autism by Dr. V. K. Singh. He has been researching the autoimmune connection for over 10 years and his research is the motivation of our organization. Dr. John Martin proposed that autism is primarily a prenatal viral infection that involves the brain and that occurs in a genetically predisposed individual. He has identified the “Stealth Virus”, which is a cell killing virus found in childhood vaccines. He feels the infection renders the person susceptible to further brain damage from vaccines and other environmental and/or autoimmune factors.

Many researchers are also blaming the high levels of thimerosal, a form of methylmercury used in many childhood vaccines, as one of the culprits in the catastrophic rise in autism. Congressional Records from 2000 – 2003 have documented that thimerosal levels far exceed the EPA safety levels. Dr. Bernard Rimland, director of the Autism Research Institute and researcher for 45 years believes, “The autism epidemic is real and excessive vaccinations are the cause.” Dr. Mark Geier has proven that thimerosal is still present in childhood vaccines, even single dose vials. He has investigated the FDA’s own safety data and found disturbing evidence, validating his concerns about thimerosal in vaccines.