Vaccine claims dominate federal autism advisory committee meeting, sidelining research funding plan

At a recent meeting of the federal autism advisory committee, members spent most of the time discussing vaccines as a possible trigger for autism.

The discussion eclipsed the committee’s intended agenda, which was to consider a proposal to increase federal funding for autism research.

Although the scientific consensus rejects a link between vaccines and autism, several public members cited vaccines and other factors such as glutamate or aspirin as potential causes, and the panel did not challenge those statements.

The strategic plan under review does not mention vaccines, highlighting a disconnect between the committee’s focus and its formal objectives.