| At a glance: Withholding MMR vaccine |
Type of therapy
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Alternative
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The claim
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Stops autism from developing
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Suitable for
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Young children
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Research rating
Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |
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Warnings
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Withholding this vaccine puts children at increased risk of contracting measles, mumps and rubella. |
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Time
Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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There is no time commitment involved in this therapy. |
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Cost
Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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There is no cost. |
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About this intervention
What is it?
This intervention involves withholding the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is designed to protect against three viruses: measles, mumps and rubella. The Medical Research Council recommends that all Australian children receive this vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age.
Who is it for?
Supporters of this therapy argue that the MMR vaccine should be withheld from children who would normally receive it.
What is it used for?
It’s claimed that withholding the MMR vaccine can prevent autism from developing.
Where does it come from?
A link between the MMR vaccine and autism and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) was first suggested by a group of researchers in London, following two small studies of children in 1993 and 1998. Based on their findings, the researchers claimed that the MMR vaccine led to developmental disorders such as autism.
What is the idea behind it?
The idea is that that the MMR vaccine causes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which damages the lining of the bowel and keeps the body from absorbing essential vitamins and minerals. This, in turn, is said to lead to developmental disorders such as autism. According to this approach, withholding the MMR vaccine should prevent both IBD and autism.
What does it involve?
This intervention involves withholding the MMR vaccine.
Does it work?
High-quality research has shown that this therapy is ineffective or may be harmful. As such, it is not currently recommended by researchers.
Several good-quality studies have investigated the link between autism, IBD and the MMR vaccine, and found no association. Additionally, children who are not vaccinated have a much greater risk of becoming ill with measles, mumps, and rubella, which are potentially life-threatening.
Who practises this method?
Immunisation is not compulsory in Australia. Therefore, parents make the final decision about whether their children should receive the MMR vaccination.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
No parent training is necessary.
Where can I find a practitioner?
A practitioner is not needed for this approach.
