[AAN website] – The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) strongly opposes the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to update its website regarding vaccines causing autism. The CDC now says “The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.” This statement and related information on the updated website represent a concerning reversal from the CDC’s longstanding position, and the AAN is calling on the CDC to revert to its prior guidance.

Numerous large, high-quality studies have failed to identify an association between vaccines and autism.

Neurologists are experts in the field of autism spectrum disorders. It is vital that the public rely on evidence-based guidance to have a clear understanding of the causes of autism spectrum disorders and associated risk factors. As experts in autism spectrum disorders, we continue to be deeply concerned with the CDC and Health and Human Services (HHS) efforts that undermine science and evidence-based medicine.

The AAN  sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in response to earlier HHS announcements regarding the causes of autism spectrum disorders in children, and will continue to fight for evidence-based guidance from the CDC.

The AAN is the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members and is the leading voice in brain health.