There are those who believe that vaccines cause autism. They state that there is a direct link between the rate of autism and vaccines. This group states this because there was a 9000% increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism and the number of vaccines given to children has tripled from 1980 to now (“Quick History”). They also claim that a vaccine preservative called thimerosal …show more content…
Currently, scientists have found 65 genes that lead to autism, and 28 of those 65 are most likely the key to the possibility of developing autism (Brooks). Furthermore, autism can develop in a child due to a duplication or deletion in part of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence. However, the child could have received the DNA change from his or her parents. Both ways would increase the chances of the child developing autism. In addition, the risk of a child developing autism is higher when their older sibling also has the disorder ("Autism and Genetics"). This genetic link would also contribute to the medical conditions that accompany autism, such as epilepsy or Tourette’s syndrome, which are also related to genetics (“Autism Fact Sheet”). Due to this genetic link, autism cannot be prevented unless these genes are altered or a drug is created to counteract the disorder. Ultimately, genetics are the reason for autism; therefore vaccines cannot be