Autism and Vaccines
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of psychological conditions characterized by challenges with social interaction, behavior, speech, and nonverbal communication. While there is no general consensus among medical professionals about the underlying causes of ASD, theories range from genetic inheritance to environmental factors.
One of the most controversial theories to have emerged in recent times is that ASD could be caused by the MMR [mumps, measles, rubella] vaccine that was first developed in the 1960's. The vaccine is a mixture of three live viruses and is administered via injection to children when they are one year old. By the late 1990's, this vaccination had led to the near-eradication of measles in countries that employed widespread inoculation. However, a combination of spurious scientific data and alarmist media attention led to an entirely preventable resurgence in measles cases in the early 21^stcentury.
The first claims of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism were made in 1998, when an article in The Lancet, a respected British medical journal, reported on eight cases of autism that could possibly be traced back to the administration of an MMR vaccine.
An onslaught of media coverage followed the publication of this article. The popular press quickly seized upon this story; in 2002, over 1200 articles were written about the link between MMR vaccines and ASD. Less than 30% of these articles, however, mentioned that an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe.
Question: Which of the following statements best describes the point of view of the author?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The author offers clear support for the idea that the MMR vaccine is safe. The author states that there is "overwhelming amount of scientific evidence (suggesting) that these vaccinations (are) completely safe." Therefore, we can guess that the author considers the vaccine to be safe.
Autism is most likely caused by a range of environmental factors is incorrect. Although some scientists think that ASD is caused by "environmental factors," the author does not say whether he or she agrees with that assertion.
People who suffer from autism can be cured of the condition through the proper treatment is incorrect. The author makes no mention of a cure for ASD throughout the entire passage.
Children should avoid taking the MMR vaccine until it is proven to be safe in clinical tests is incorrect. From context, we learn that the author does not believe that the vaccine is unsafe. Therefore, we can guess that this answer choice is incorrect.

Autism and Vaccines Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Are a Range of Psychological Conditions