Let's NOT Lose Them

            To call vaccine-autism advocates scientifically illiterate or ignorant is entirely inaccurate. In fact, many vaccine-autism advocates are probably more aware of scientific research than many other populations. Unfortunately, I believe most vaccine-autism advocates have an emotional/rational conflict. When someone falls ill the first response is to have them diagnosed and hopefully “treated” or “cured.” Autism does not have the same progression. In fact, everything seems quite normal in the beginning but as your child fails to meet developmental milestones parents instantaneously want options on how to “fix” their child. Given that research has been unable to provide any other answers, these parents will hold on to any option that would prevent this from happening not only to their future children but other children as well.

            I personally believe a large part of this conflict can be contributed to psychology. As humans we tend to seek out information that we know to be the truth. Even though all research that has pointed to vaccines has been proven to be completely false, they will continue to build on what they think they know. Another part of the conflict is that no other options have been put forward as to why we are experiencing such a surge in Autism. Parents have a difficult time coping with the idea that their genetic information caused such a conflict in their child’s life. People do not want to be the cause of Autism, and when they feel responsible they also feel that they must find the solution.

            Jenny McCarthy represents an emotional relationship with someone who has the resources, access, and experience in dealing with Autism. Jenny McCarthy provides an answer that they feel science is simply not providing, even if she is not a reliable source. Research is a slow, methodical process which requires many years and definitely does not provide immediate answers. Today’s society wants the answer now and we simply do not have it. Rather than harp over what cannot be understood we should be working towards creating a more accepting and accessible society for all individuals who fall on the Autism spectrum. I would argue that Autism is almost as much of a social disease as it is a biomedical. Society should not treat those with Autism as though their life is over before it started because they simply have Autism. Many who do have Autism found ways to live full and happy lives, regardless of what society dictates as “successful.” I do not argue that we should not continue to look for the causes of Autism, but we should not treat people as though they are worth nothing because they do not function “normally.” Together the population can improve the lives of those with Autism not only through acceptance but through social action.

            As science writers we need to make sure that information that we do know is distributed as clearly and efficiently as possible, while acknowledging that circumstances are subject to change. We need to respect that people are not always going to agree with what you are distributing but you should remain as unbiased and professional as possible. In my opinion, the most important thing that we can do is try to gain the support of those vaccine-autism advocates. Alienation will not educate the population but providing accurate information and distributing it quickly will gain the trust of people from varying organizations, and hopefully those who still believe vaccines to be the cause of Autism will come to terms with the truth.