The mercury-containing preservative thimerosal has been eliminated from most childhood vaccines, but autism cases have continued to increase, providing evidence that vaccines are not the cause. Fevers?especially high fevers?can damage the brain, but the behavior of children with autism may IMPROVE during a fever, giving researchers a clue to what’s going on with this mysterious condition, which is becoming an epidemic in the US.

A new study shows that autism cases have continued to increase in California after the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal was eliminated from most childhood vaccines. This suggests that exposure to thimerosal is not a primary cause of autism.

Diagnosed cases of autism and related conditions have increased in recent years. Young children receive immunizations in the period preceding the typical manifestations or diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. Thimerosal was eliminated from most vaccines by 2001. Since then, reported cases of the condition have continued to increase.

Researcher Eric Fombonne says, “Parents of autistic children should be reassured that autism in their child did not occur through immunizations. Their autistic children, and their siblings, should be normally vaccinated.” Let’s hope this is the truth and not just another instance of big business speaking!

In another study, researchers discovered that fever may restore nerve cell communications in regions of the autistic brain. This restoration may help children improve socialization skills during a fever.

The study was based on 30 autistic children between ages 2 and 18 who were observed during and after a fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. More than 80% of the children showed some improvement in behavior during a fever and 30% showed significant improvement. Behavior changes included longer concentration span, increased amount of talking and improved eye contact.

Art credit: freeimages.co.uk

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