Survey shows persisting fears among parents over autism

Article

A small but significant percentage of US adults believe that child vaccines are a cause of autism, survey results show.

A small but significant percentage of US adults believe that child vaccines are a cause of autism, survey results show.

In a survey of 1,000 randomly selected adults conducted by the Florida Institute of Technology, 24% of respondents said that because vaccines may cause autism, it was safer not to have children vaccinated. An additional 19% were unsure regarding the link between child vaccines and autism.

Furthermore, 76% of respondents believe that scientists are not precisely sure about what causes autism.

Results of the survey were released at the Florida Insitute of Technology's 2008 Autism Conference on October 3.

Newsletter

Access practical, evidence-based guidance to support better care for our youngest patients. Join our email list for the latest clinical updates.

Subscribe Now!
Recent Videos
Alan Percy, MD
Alan Percy, MD
Donna Hallas, PhD, CPNP, PPCNP-BC, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN
Image credit: Kyle Dykes
J. Thomas Megerian, MD, PhD, FAAP | Author provided
Colleen Kraft, MD | Image Credit: Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Related Content
Social media exposure tied to adolescent cannabis and dual substance use | Image Credit: © New Africa - stock.adobe.com.

Social media exposure linked to increased cannabis, dual substance use in adolescents

Morgan Ebert, Managing Editor
June 24th 2025
Article

Frequent exposure to cannabis and e-cigarette posts on social media is linked to increased teen cannabis and dual substance use, according to a study published in JAMA.

AAP updates guidance on genetic testing for developmental delay | Image Credit: © Cavan - stock.adobe.com.

AAP updates guidance on genetic testing for developmental delay

Morgan Ebert, Managing Editor
June 23rd 2025
Article

AAP updates clinical guidance to help pediatricians navigate genetic evaluation of children with global developmental delay or intellectual disability.

Discussing phase 3 data of Panzyga for PANS, with Michael Daines, MD

Discussing phase 3 data of Panzyga for PANS, with Michael Daines, MD

Michael O. Daines, MD
June 19th 2025
Article

In this video interview, Michael Daines, MD, explains phase 3 data for Panzyga (Octapharma) for pediatric acute- onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS).

Artificial intelligence improves accuracy in estimating child abuse | Image Credit: © mihakonceptcorn - stock.adobe.com.

Artificial intelligence improves accuracy in estimating child abuse

Morgan Ebert, Managing Editor
April 27th 2025
Article

New model refines prevalence estimates, reduces misdiagnoses compared to the current coding system.

Image Credit: © EKKAPON - stock.adobe.com.

CBD may ease autism symptoms in children

Morgan Ebert, Managing Editor
April 9th 2025
Article

CBD cannabis extract may improve social responsiveness and reduce disruptive behavior in children with autism, with no increase in adverse effects, according to a recent study

Image Credit: © Brocreative - stock.adobe.com

Study finds parents' screen habits shape kids' media exposure

Morgan Ebert, Managing Editor
February 6th 2025
Article

Parents’ screen habits influence kids' media use, with bedroom and mealtime screen time increasing exposure to mature content.

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.