By Aubrey Noelle Stimola
Posted: Sunday, May 1, 2005

LETTER
Publication Date: May 1, 2005

Most reputable scientists -- including renowned geneticists, epidemiologists, pediatricians, toxicologists, neuroscientists, and statisticians attending the recent Vanderbilt University conference on autism -- conclude available data do not support a causal relationship between thimerosal and autism. Ninety percent of parents of autistic children who attended also gave short shrift to the thimerosal theory, viewing media hype and Kirby's Evidence of Harm as hindrances to determining real causes, treatments, and interventions for this increasing diagnosis. Evidence reads like a Clancy novel but is not a medical text. Unfortunately, it may be construed as such by vulnerable parents who read your list of "Autism Resources" as a source of medical information.

Aubrey Noelle Stimola

Editor's Note: The writer is Assistant Director of Public Health for the American Council on Science and Health.