The question of whether vaccines contribute to autism has remained one of the most controversial medical debates of the modern era. While mainstream health organizations maintain that vaccines are safe and effective, numerous studies have raised concerns about a potential link—particularly in children with certain genetic or metabolic susceptibilities.

One of the most intriguing pieces of this puzzle is a 2008-2009 study of Amish children, a population known for its low vaccination rates and reduced exposure to industrial toxins. Researchers screened nearly 1,900 Amish children and identified seven cases of autism. However, the study failed to investigate whether these children were vaccinated—a glaring omission that, had it been addressed, could have provided invaluable insights into the vaccine-autism debate.

Studies Suggesting a Possible Link Between Vaccines and Autism

Although the official stance from organizations like the CDC and WHO is that vaccines do not cause autism, the scientific literature is far from unanimous. A number of studies, many published in NIH-backed journals, have suggested potential mechanisms through which vaccines could contribute to autism in certain children.

• A 2011 study found a positive association between autism rates and childhood vaccination uptake across U.S. populations. (NIH Study)
• Research has indicated that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative once used in vaccines, may have neurotoxic effects in some children. (NIH Study)
• A 2002 study found that some children with autism had abnormal immune responses to the MMR vaccine, suggesting a potential autoimmune component. (NIH Study)
• Other studies have examined the role of aluminum adjuvants, which are used in many vaccines to stimulate immune responses, as a possible trigger for neurodevelopmental issues. (NIH Study)

These studies do not prove causation, but they indicate that the issue is far from “settled science.” The real question isn’t whether all vaccines cause autism, but whether certain children, due to genetic or metabolic factors, may be more vulnerable to adverse neurological effects from vaccination.

The Amish Study: A Missed Opportunity

The 2008-2009 Amish autism study could have been a breakthrough moment in the vaccine-autism debate. Researchers screened 1,899 Amish children in Ohio and Indiana, confirming seven cases of autism. Given that autism rates have been reported as high as 1 in 36 in the general U.S. population, the lower Amish prevalence was noteworthy.

However, the study had a critical flaw: it did not compare the vaccination status of autistic Amish children to their neurotypical peers.

• If all seven autistic Amish children were vaccinated, while most Amish children were unvaccinated, that would strongly suggest a potential link.
• If half were vaccinated and half weren’t, that would indicate the need for more research into other factors.
• If none of the autistic Amish children were vaccinated, it would challenge the vaccine-autism hypothesis entirely.

The fact that this obvious comparison was not made—or, if it was, was not reported—raises serious questions. Either the researchers didn’t think to ask, which seems unlikely, or the data wasn’t included for a reason.

Support FYIVT Today – Choose Your Impact! Name Your Own Price to Help Us Keep Fighting for Truth and Transparency. Every Contribution Makes a Difference!

Why Hasn’t There Been a Follow-Up?

A proper follow-up study could easily answer the vaccine-autism question in the Amish population. Researchers could simply:

1. Identify the 7 Amish children diagnosed with autism.
2. Compare their vaccination records to those of their neurotypical Amish peers.
3. Publish the findings—no matter the outcome.

Yet, in the 15 years since this study, no one has done this follow-up research. Why?

• Institutional Bias? Many researchers consider the vaccine-autism debate “settled” and may fear backlash if they pursue this line of inquiry.
• Fear of the Findings? If a follow-up study found that all the autistic Amish children had been vaccinated, it would shake public health narratives.
• Funding Pressure? Most research funding comes from government agencies or pharmaceutical interests, which have little incentive to investigate vaccine safety beyond existing studies.

The Call for Real Answers

The vaccine-autism debate persists not because of ignorance, but because of the scientific community’s refusal to fully investigate it. The lack of a follow-up study on Amish children is one of the clearest examples of how research on this topic is incomplete and selective.

If vaccines truly have no connection to autism, then a simple follow-up study comparing vaccinated vs. unvaccinated Amish children would confirm it. If vaccines do contribute to autism in certain children, this study could provide the evidence needed to develop personalized vaccine recommendations—ensuring safety while maintaining public health benefits.

The truth should never be something we’re afraid to find.

If you found this information valuable and want to support independent journalism in Vermont, become a supporter for just $5/month today!

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

You can find FYIVT on YouTube | X(Twitter) | Facebook | Parler (@fyivt) | Gab | Instagram

#fyivt #VaccineSafety #AutismResearch #AmishStudy

Support Us for as Little as $5 – Get In The Fight!!

Make a Big Impact with $25/month—Become a Premium Supporter!

Join the Top Tier of Supporters with $50/month—Become a SUPER Supporter!