New Study Suggests 80% Of Autism Cases Linked To Vaccines

This article was updated on January 27, 2025. Researchers Anthony R. Mawson and Binu Jacob examined Florida Medicaid data in their paper, "Vaccination and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Study of Nine-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Medicaid." Using a now-defunct database called DEVEXI, their results suggest something shocking: vaccines may be responsible for nearly 80% of autism cases in the U.S. "Vaccinated children were significantly more likely than unvaccinated children to be diagnosed with the following NDDs: ASD, hyperkinetic syndrome of childhood, epilepsy or seizures, encephalopathy, tic disorders, and learning disorders," the paper reads. According to Steve Kirsch, who summarized the findings on Substack, the relative risk (RR) for autism in children who had 11 vaccine visits was a staggering 4.4. These findings suggest that early 80% of autism cases in America might be linked to the CDC’s childhood vaccination schedule. Kirsch notes, “Let’s do the math… nearly 80% of autism cases in the US are likely caused by vaccines.” Mawson and Jacob’s study also found that about 85% of learning disabilities in children could be attributed to vaccination. Kirsch called the vaccination schedule a "disaster," pointing to a population attributable risk (PAR) of 85.3%. “Let that sink in,” Kirsch wrote. "PAR= 5.8/6.8 which is 85.3%." What’s Behind the Data? The study relied on the now-defunct DEVEXI database, a tool that had been invaluable for independent research. DEVEXI’s shutdown – and the lack of similar open-access resources – has sparked criticism. Mawson himself referenced a conversation with DEVEXI co-founder Mitch Praver in the study, which highlights just how lucky researchers were to access the data before the plug was pulled. Kirsch stated, “It is critically important to the US government that databases such as DEVEXI are shut down ASAP so that research revealing the harms of vaccination can no longer take place.” Kirsch claims that Danish professor Anders Hviid, who has published papers arguing against the vaccine-autism link, has been silent since the study dropped. “Is that how science works?” Kirsch asks, noting that silence can be as telling as an acknowledgment of error. A recurring theme in this conversation is the lack of large-scale studies comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Kirsch reminds us of HR 3069, a 2009 bill that would have required the NIH to conduct such a study. It was killed in committee. “Why?” Kirsch asks. “Because it would be harmful to the American people if they learned the truth about vaccines.” The hesitation from the NIH and pharmaceutical companies raises questions. If vaccines are as safe as claimed, wouldn’t these institutions be eager to conduct comprehensive studies? Kirsch points out the irony: “If vaccines were making kids healthy, the drug companies would be pleading with members of Congress to have the study done.” Why This Is "Flawed Research," According to Dr. Jess Steier While these findings are concerning, "Unbiased Science's" Dr. Steier has criticized the study as "flawed," citing that it was published on a WordPress blog without peer review and funded by an organization with an "anti-vaccine" agenda called the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC). Instead, this work bypassed that process entirely and was "peer-reviewed" by Peter McCullough, a cardiologist known for his criticisms of the mRNA vaccines. Trump on Vaccines and Autism It’s not just researchers raising concerns. In a December 2024 interview with TIME Magazine, President Donald Trump said he plans to have a "big discussion" with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about childhood vaccination programs. Trump acknowledged the alarming rise in autism rates, stating, “If you look at things that are happening, there’s something causing it.” He’s vowed to conduct "very serious testing" to determine what’s safe and what’s not. While Trump has been criticized for his vaccine skepticism, his stance has always been clear: parents deserve transparency. He’s not calling for the dismantling of vaccination programs but wants accountability from health agencies. “How can parents ensure that the vaccines our children receive are as safe as possible?” Trump asked. It’s a question many parents share, regardless of political leaning. The broader issue here is trust. For years, vaccine safety advocates have been dismissed as fringe or anti-science, but the findings from Mawson and Jacob’s study demand attention. If nearly 80% of autism cases could be prevented by revisiting the CDC’s vaccine schedule, shouldn’t that spark a national conversation? Kirsch believes this study is a turning point, writing, “This is the best study to date confirming that vaccines are causing most of the autism in America.” Subscribe today to get unlimited access to all of Evie’s premium content.