What Autism is Not
If you work in pharma or medtech, chances are you’ve come across some of the misconceptions that still swirl around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite decades of scientific research, myths continue to muddy the waters. At the top of that list? The long-debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. (Spoiler alert: They don’t. Not even a little.)
By Michael Bronfman, May 21, 2025
Author assisted by AI
Welcome back to our second article in our unmet needs series: Autism
In our Last post we explored what exactly autism is and this week, we are looking into “What Autism is Not.”
Understanding What Autism Isn’t Caused By
Debunking the Vaccine Myth and Other Common Misconceptions
Let’s talk about autism—but more specifically, let’s talk about what doesn’t cause it.
If you work in pharma or medtech, chances are you’ve come across some of the misconceptions that still swirl around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite decades of scientific research, myths continue to muddy the waters. At the top of that list? The long-debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. (Spoiler alert: They don’t. Not even a little.)
And while we’re at it, let’s also clear the air on some other outdated beliefs, like blaming screen time, parenting, or gluten. Let’s cut through the noise with facts and help our industry—and the broader public—move forward with a more accurate understanding of the autism spectrum.
Let’s Start with the Big One: Vaccines
The vaccine-autism myth started back in 1998 with a now-infamous study published in The Lancet. A British doctor named Andrew Wakefield claimed that the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine was linked to autism. The paper had a grand total of 12 participants. 1 That’s not a typo—just twelve.
The media ran with it. Fear spread like wildfire. Vaccination rates dropped. Measles came roaring back. But here’s the thing:
The study was flawed, unethical, and ultimately fraudulent.
Wakefield’s medical license was revoked. The Lancet retracted the paper.2 And since then, numerous large-scale studies—we’re talking hundreds of thousands of kids—have found no link between vaccines and autism. One of the biggest, a 2019 Danish study, looked at over 650,000 children. Still no connection.3
So why does this myth still have legs? Fear is powerful. But facts are more powerful—if we keep pushing them forward.
Other Things That Don’t Cause Autism
Beyond vaccines, autism has been blamed on a laundry list of things. Let’s bust a few more myths:
1. Parenting Style
Remember the “refrigerator mother” theory from the mid-20th century? The idea that cold or unloving mothers caused autism? Total bunk. It’s not your parenting. Autism has strong genetic roots, not emotional ones.4
2. Trauma or Stress
No, trauma doesn’t cause autism either. Stress can affect development in various ways—but it doesn’t explain the neurological differences we see in autistic individuals.5
3. Screen Time
The potential link between screen time and autism has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. While some research has suggested a correlation between increased screen time and autism-like behaviors, it’s crucial to approach these findings with caution and understand their limitations. For example a review of multiple studies published 2019-2023 was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics. They found that children who spent more time watching screens at age 1 year showed more autism-like symptoms at age 2 years. However, the researchers emphasized that this association does not prove causation and that more research is needed to understand the relationship fully.6
So What Does Contribute to Autism?
While there’s still a lot to learn, we know a few things for sure:
1. Genetics
Autism is highly heritable. Twin studies and genome research have identified hundreds of genes involved in brain development that are linked to ASD. It’s complex, but genetics play a major role.
2. Prenatal Factors
Some prenatal conditions—like parental age-for example, if the father is over age 40- complications during pregnancy, or certain environmental exposures—may increase the risk of autism in genetically susceptible individuals. But these are risk factors, not causes.
The “Spectrum” in Autism Spectrum Disorder
One of the most important things to understand about autism is that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. That’s why it’s called a spectrum.
Some individuals might need 24/7 support. Others might be independent professionals in STEM fields. The diversity across communication styles, social behavior, interests, and sensory experiences is vast.
Here are a few key areas where the spectrum really shows up:
Communication: Some are non-verbal. Others are eloquent but struggle with back-and-forth conversation or reading social cues.
Social Interaction: Some prefer solitude, others crave connection but find social settings overwhelming.
Repetitive Behaviors: From stimming (like hand-flapping) to intense focus on niche topics—these behaviors vary in type and impact.
Sensory Processing: Lights, sounds, textures—what feels normal to one person might be unbearable or barely noticeable to someone on the spectrum.
This variability is exactly why the DSM-5 consolidated various subtypes into one diagnosis—Autism Spectrum Disorder—in 2013.7
Why This Matters in Pharma and Medtech
Whether you’re developing therapies, diagnostics, or digital health tools, understanding the true nature of autism helps you better serve a highly diverse and underserved population. It also helps ensure you don’t inadvertently perpetuate myths through marketing, trial design, or stakeholder education.
Especially in smaller companies, where agility and mission-driven work are your superpowers, there’s a unique opportunity to lead with empathy and science.
Final Thought: Stick to the Science
It’s easy to get caught up in popular narratives, but in healthcare, we have a responsibility to fight misinformation—especially when it leads to public health risks, like vaccine hesitancy.
Autism is not caused by vaccines. Or screen time. Or poor parenting. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition with a genetic backbone and a complex presentation that varies from person to person.
If we want to build a more informed, compassionate world—not to mention better products and services for the autism community—we’ve got to start by ditching the myths and doubling down on the facts.
Want to help reshape how your company talks about autism? Please contact us at Metis Consulting Services. We are here for it. Let’s raise the bar together.
1. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-on-vaccines-and-autism
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12421889/
3. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(04)16017-0/fulltext
4. https://neurolaunch.com/refrigerator-mothers/
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6901292/
6. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2812722
7. https://rxpin.com/2025/02/27/the-evolution-of-autism-diagnosis-from-dsm-iv-to-dsm-5/
Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Pharma & Medical Device World
ASD is a significant and growing area of unmet medical need. For those of you in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing space, especially the nimble small—to medium-sized companies, this presents a unique opportunity. While the big players might be focused elsewhere, your agility and innovative spirit can truly shine here.
Written by Michael Bronfman
Author assisted by AI
The team at The Guard Rail (Metis Consulting Services' blog)—your partners in navigating the pharmaceutical and medical device world—is kicking off an exciting new blog series.
We'll be diving into the latest science around unmet medical needs – those areas where smart development can really make a difference. And what better place to start than the current climate and science surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD: A Real Opportunity for Small to Medium Players
ASD is a significant and growing area of unmet medical need. For those of you in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing space, especially the nimble small—to medium-sized companies, this presents a unique opportunity. While the big players might be focused elsewhere, your agility and innovative spirit can truly shine here.
ASD is complex and characterized by a wide range of differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The number of individuals identified with ASD is increasing1, and understanding the latest research is key to continuing to develop effective solutions.
Decoding ASD: What You Need to Know for R&D
Our understanding of ASD has come a long way. Forget old theories—the science now points to a strong biological basis, with genes, brain function, and environmental influences playing crucial roles.
- The Genetic Puzzle: Think of ASD as potentially involving many different genes and even variations in the number of copies of certain genes (CNVs)2. This genetic complexity offers a whole host of potential targets for future therapies. Keep an eye on genes like MECP2 and SHANK3, which are involved in how brain cells connect. This could be your niche!
- Inside the Brain: Brain imaging studies are consistently showing differences in specific brain regions in individuals with ASD3 – areas involved in emotions, memory, and decision-making. This opens up avenues for developing drugs or devices that target these specific neurobiological pathways.
- Environment Matters Too: While genes are important, the environment during pregnancy and early childhood also plays a role. Researchers are looking into things like maternal infections and exposure to certain substances. Interestingly, how the environment can actually change gene expression (epigenetics) might hold clues for personalized approaches4.
- Busting the Myth: Just a quick but crucial point – the idea that vaccines cause autism? Totally debunked. Solid science has shown no link. Let's stick to the facts5.
The Growing Numbers: Why This Matters to You
The CDC's latest data shows a significant increase in the number of children identified with ASD – from 1 in 150 in 2000 to about 1 in 36 in 2023. This isn't just about better diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria have broadened, meaning more individuals with a wider range of presentations are being recognized. This highlights the spectrum nature of ASD and the diverse needs within this population.
Your Opportunity: Innovation for a Growing Need
For small to medium-sized pharma and medical device companies, ASD represents a chance to be at the forefront of innovation. Your ability to focus, be agile, and pursue novel approaches could lead to breakthroughs in:
Targeted therapies: Developing drugs that address specific genetic or neurobiological mechanisms.
Medical devices: Creating tools and technologies to aid communication, learning, and daily living for individuals with ASD.
Personalized solutions: Leveraging genetic and environmental understanding to tailor interventions.
The landscape of ASD research is dynamic and full of potential. At Metis Consulting Services, we believe that smaller players can make a significant impact. Let's explore how your unique capabilities can address these unmet needs and contribute to a better future for individuals with ASD and their families. Reach out – we're here to help you navigate this exciting journey!
Next issue we will be discussing more in depth about what does NOT cause ASD.
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1 CDC Data and Statistics.Autism Prevalence Studies Data Table https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/data-table.html
2. Locus-specific DNA methylation of Mecp2 promoter leads to autism-like phenotypes in mice by Zongyang Lu 1,2,3,#, Zhen Liu 4,#, Wei Mao 5,#, Xinying Wang 5, Xiaoguo Zheng 1, Shanshan Chen 4, Beibei Cao 5, Shisheng Huang 1, Xuliang Zhang 1, Tao Zhou 1, Yu Zhang 1, Xingxu Huang 1,2,, Qiang Sun 4,, Jia-Da Li 5,
3. NIH The Nature of Brain Dysfunction in Autism: Functional Brain Imaging Studies” by Nancy J Minshew 1, Timothy A Keller 2
4. April 2015, JAMA article Autism Occurrence by MMR Vaccine Status Among US Children With Older Siblings With and Without Autism by Anjali Jain, MD1; Jaclyn Marshall, MS1; Ami Buikema, MPH2; et al https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2275444
5. CDC Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder April 2025 (https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.htm