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

question 13

Multiple Choice

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 1960s. 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 1990s, 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^st century.
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 is NOT true about ASD according to the passage?

• A)One of its many characteristics is abnormal social skills.
• B)Some scientists think that ASD might be passed down from generation to generation.
• C)Scientists do not all agree on the exact causes of autism spectrum disorder.
• D)Scientists have proven that ASD is caused by factors in the environment.

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Definitions:

Ideal Type

A conceptual model used in sociology that describes a pure form of a given social phenomenon, serving as a standard against which real phenomena can be compared.

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Relating to the broad, overarching study of social behavior, structures, and functions within a society.

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Pertaining to the study, analysis, or representation of past events.

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The act of utilizing authority or influence to affect outcomes or behaviors in others.