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For the full report, visit: https://mcculloughfnd.org/pages/autism-research-report

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For decades, the causes behind the relentless rise in autism have been hotly debated. Some claim it’s due to better diagnosis or changing definitions; others point to environmental stressors and genetics. Yet until now, no comprehensive analysis has ever examined all potential factors—genetic, environmental, immunologic, and iatrogenic—together within a single scientific framework.

The McCullough Foundation’s landmark report, Determinants of Autism Spectrum Disorder, represents the most exhaustive synthesis ever conducted on the causes of autism. Drawing from over 300 peer-reviewed studies across epidemiology, clinical medicine, toxicology, immunology, and molecular biology, this analysis provides an authoritative, data-driven evaluation of how vaccination and other determinants contribute to autism risk.

By comparing the strength, direction, and biological plausibility of every major proposed risk factor, this landmark report delivers unprecedented clarity: autism is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder—but one major, modifiable factor stands out above all others.

Combination and early-timed routine childhood vaccination emerges as the single most significant driver of autism risk, supported by convergent mechanistic, clinical, and epidemiologic evidence.

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