Background
Autism, also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition which can affect an individual’s communication, motor skills, sensory and information processing, strengths and interests, and interpersonal interactions. Autism is described as a spectrum because people present with diverse characteristics of varying complexity.
While signs may emerge early in life, formal diagnosis typically occurs in preschool or early school years, and sometimes later. In Australia, an estimated 1 in 100 people have autism.
There is no single cause of autism. Autism develops from a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors.
Vaccine recommendations
People with autism are recommended to be vaccinated according to the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
If an individual with autism has other medical or lifestyle risk factors (e.g. chronic respiratory disease, immunosuppression, occupational risk, travel plans), they may be recommended to receive additional vaccines on the basis of these other risk factors.
Access
Some people with autism can find vaccination challenging. They might experience fear associated with medical procedures, or anxiety due to sensory overwhelm or unfamiliar people and processes.
Remaining unvaccinated, however, leaves individuals at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, which can lead to other invasive and stressful medical interventions or ongoing health complications.
Things to consider:
- smaller settings are usually quieter (large vaccination centres can be loud and busy, which may increase distress)
- it may be helpful to prepare an individualised plan prior to vaccination (e.g. including distractions/coping tools)
- being rushed can contribute to feelings of anxiety
- stimming behaviours (e.g. rocking and flapping) can be self-soothing and should be supported.
Find out more about techniques to reduce anxiety on MVEC: Needle phobia.
If immunisation in a community setting is not appropriate, referral to a specialist immunisation service may be warranted. Victoria has a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) program. Email [email protected] to contact a DLO who can help with navigating the healthcare system and accessing safe, inclusive care.
Commonly asked questions
Do vaccines cause autism?
Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Vaccines are not associated with the development of autism.
A myth linking vaccines with autism was suggested following the publication of two studies led by Andrew Wakefield in 1998 and 2002. These studies (which observed 12 children in the first study and 161 in the second) were later deemed to be critically flawed and fraudulent, and were retracted by the publishers.
There are dozens of published studies examining different vaccines and schedules which confirm that there is no link between vaccines and autism. One such study was performed by Kreesten Madsen and his colleagues in Denmark between 1991 and 1998. The study included over half a million children. The occurrence of autism in the group of vaccinated children was the same as that in unvaccinated children.
MVEC recommends the following resources:
How do you identify whether resources are reliable?
MVEC strongly encourages people to seek answers to their questions and to be well informed with evidence-based information.
The amount of information available about vaccines, particularly on the internet, can be overwhelming. There is also a lot of misinformation, and conspiracy theories, about vaccines circulating online; it can be hard to know which information sources to trust and what is true.
Speaking with a trusted healthcare provider is an important way to address concerns and questions about vaccines.
Here are some tips for accessing reliable online resources:
- use websites of reputable organisations which have a proven track record for reliability and integrity
- avoid blogs or social media pages
- check the credentials of authors of articles or studies
- ensure articles or studies are published in journals which are peer reviewed
- check the date of publication (to ensure information is up to date).
Resources
- Raising Children Network: Autism
- Amaze
- Amaze Information sheet: Engaging with vaccine hesitancy in autistic children and young people
- Amaze Information sheet: Supporting autistic people to get a COVID-19 vaccination
- RCH Clinical Practice Guideline – Autism and Developmental Disability: Management of distress/agitation
- Guideline for Immunisation Practices in Schools for Students with Disabilities
- MVEC: Needle phobia
- MVEC: Vaccine confidence
Authors: Nigel Crawford (Director, SAEFVIC, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) and Rachael McGuire (SAEFVIC Research Nurse, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)
Reviewed by: Abigail Fernando (SAEFVIC Research Nurse, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute), Katie Butler (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator), Rachael McGuire (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator) and Georgina Lewis (SAEFVIC Clinical Manager)
Date: October 2024
Materials in this section are updated as new information becomes available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly review materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information on this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional.