Describing the MMR controversy as one of “such notions that verge on the irrational” is, quite frankly, a silly and rash condemnation; surely its the most rational idea in the world that bombarding a child with three virsuses at once, however non-pathological they are deemed to be, may be too much for the infant immune system. I see nothing particularly irrational.

The MMR-autism hypothesis isn’t necessarily irrational in-itself. What is irrational is to continue to hang onto this hypothesis after it has been falsified.

re. Wakefield, I actually think he’s getting off pretty lightly in the media. The guy is accused (with pretty strong evidence – including video of him admitting to paying children for blood at a party) of unethical research on children. Normally this type of thing would have the Mail calling for the reintroduction of hanging, but instead Wakefield’s getting a rather sympathetic reception.

You’re offended by a link? I do wonder how you can bear to pick your way through the Internet as you must be offended on a regular basis. Some people are offended by science, or the existence of attitudes that don’t match their own confirmation bias – we all have to live with that.

Why don’t you read up on Andrew Wakefield before objecting to Arthur Allen’s characterisation of him – which is far from mud-slinging. You are aware that Mr Matanoski, a lawyer for the US Govt. Health and Human Services Dept., recently made this remarkable comment in his concluding statements for the first part of the Autism Omnibus hearings (pdf) in the US.

The MMR-autism case has no plausible or verifiable science to support it.
It’s at best speculation, idle speculation. Now, at worst–at worst–it’s a contrivance. It’s a contrivance that’s been developed and articulated and promoted by its chief proponent, and that’s Andrew Wakefield. He promoted it for financial gain. Either way it’s not science.
pgs 28-9: Day 12 Transcript of Cedillo v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

By the by – editing your comment for obscene language, something that was unnecessary and offensive…

Another thing that irritated me was his assertion that; “In the homes of autistic children it is not unusual to find cabinets filled with 40 different vitamins and supplements, along with casein-free, gluten-free foods, antibiotics, and other drugs and potions.” Whilst this may be true (although what he means by “unusual” is unclear – no stats are provided, so again this is a sweeping generalisation); it is also an obvious manipulation of the controversy itself. Doctor I may not be, but it seems glaringly obvious that measles in the gut would cause serious digestion problems; and from what I understand, gluten intolerance (listed) is one of the more common.

Finally, in what was possibly one of the most horrifying statements I have ever read, Arthur Allen (who doesn’t appear to have a doctor in front of his name, might I add) asserts; “Blaming vaccines can promise benefits. Victory in a lawsuit is an obvious one, especially for middle-class parents struggling to care for and educate their unruly and unresponsive kids.” Disgusting. So instead of resorting to criticising his methods, or his findings themselves (or as most have recently resorted to, slinging mud at Andrew Wakefield personally, which I don’t really understand); Allen has decided to attack the unfortunate parents of seriously ill children. Or rather, the money-grabbing [edited for obscene language] using their seriously ill children to make a quick buck, as Allen would have you believe. Shinga, I’m sorry, but I was seriously offended by the link you have made here; and to be perfectly honest, I think Allen’s article is more worthy of attack by Holford than the Observer’s one.

What’s the deal with the link between MMR and autism anyway? I remember this from last year:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,1799078,00.html

Which may have been spoken about somewhere along the line..

HCN- yep, to get things wrong, and to do it in so many ways, is impressive. For a paper refuse to correct this when their mistakes are pointed out to them is just insulting.

Shinga – interesting post, thanks. Have revised post to link to it.