In 1998, British scientist Andrew Wakefield, published a study in which the preliminary results suggested that the vaccine and the disorder may potentially be linked. In the study, each of the children demonstrated behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after being innoculated with the MMR vaccine. Specifically, following normal development until about two years of age, children suddenly demonstrated signs of impairments in social interaction, difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive or restricted behavioral patterns.
In reviewing Wakefield's results, the panel found that the study was too small to prove a pattern. Additionally, the panel cited potential researcher bias. However, the Wakefield study did not conclude that the vaccine was actually linked to the disorder, but suggested that further research was necessary based on the sudden onset of symptoms following vaccination.
The report by the IOM committee concludes that "the consistent body of epidemiological evidence shows not association at the population level between MMR and ASD." Specifically, the committee noted that the existing biological models are fragmentary and no relevant animal model links ASD to the MMR vaccine. The committee's report continued that there is no proven biological link to explain a relationship, and while some theories have been suggested, no link has been demonstrated.
The committee suggests that no change in the MMR immunization procedure is warranted at this time, including no need to review the vaccine's license, immunization schedule, or administration protocol.
Despite the committee's findings, the committee admitted that it could not rule out the possibility that the vaccine may contribute to the disorder in some children. A small number of children may be adversely affected by the vaccine, the committee noted, indicating that further research is necessary to determine the specific population at risk.
Critics of the report say that the report is inconclusive. For instance, Rick Rollens, co-founder of Families for Early Autism Treatment and the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (M.I.N.D.), stated that based on the limited information available, no conclusion can be drawn about the causation issue and that further independent scientific study is required.
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