Autism is an often misunderstood disorder. As such, the reasons behind the increased rates in Autism have been somewhat unclear.

Furthermore, influences from the private sector has increased the discounting of what seems to be relevant data possibly linking Autism to

its cause.

In 1989, there were only 3 vaccines a child was to have: Polio, DPT, & MMR. By 1999, that number rose to 22. At the same time, Autism

rates rose from 1 in every 2500 children to 1 in every 166 children. In an attempt to help explain the rise in Autism rates, a study was done

using the CDC's own data and a significant correlation with scientific explanation was arrived at. The use of Thimerosal, a preservative in

the packaging of vaccines, is at the center of this linking the rise in Autism with the rise in required immunizations. To save money on

packaging, vaccine manufacturers packaged multi-dose vaccine vials and used Thimerosal as a preservative and decontaminate.

Thimerosal contains 49.6% Mercury by weight. According to recent studies, the cumulative amount of Mercury given to infants from these

vaccines is 187 times the EPA daily exposure limit for adults. Many countries have banned Thimerosal in vaccines, but the US has not.

Vaccine manufacturers have reduced the number of vaccines that contain Thimerosal since 2003. However, some vaccines still contain

Thimerosal.

Since the reduction of vaccines containing Thimerosal, the number of new autism cases has gone down 22% and is expected to go down

even further as states ban the use of Thimerosal altogether. Furthermore, Mercury detoxification treatment has had amazing results of

removing autistic symptoms in many children. Statistically, this is more than just a casual relationship between the use of Thimerosal and

the rates of Autism. Furthermore, there is a scientific explanation for the relationship. Mercury has been classified as a toxin that could

cause death. Mercury poisoning has been linked to cardiovascular disease, Autism, seizures, mental retardation, hyperactivity, and many

other nervous systems conditions. The amount of Mercury injected via Thimerosal in an infant and young children where their immune

systems and nervous systems have not fully developed has been scientifically linked to the increased number of nervous and immune

systems disorders among children. Additionally, this same Mercury toxicity is said to be the cause of the rise in Autism rates. Even more

scary is the unknown: Those who received the same levels of toxic Mercury but were not Autistic. What ailments later in life are they going

to face as a result of receiving toxic levels of Mercury as a child?

The most upsetting thing about all the research on Thimerosal is that it has been known since Thimerosal's origination ... that Thimerosal

contains Mercury. Instead of going through rigorous testing and approval processes, the FDA and the CDC has turned their heads on the

use of Thimerosal. Furthermore, the FDA, CDC, US Congressmen, and the White House have not ignored this issue, but their attention

has been focused on the ramifications this evidence and conclusions will have on the vaccine manufacturers and not on the ramifications

of the affects, both short-term and long-term, on children who received toxic levels of Mercury via Thimerosal.