Autistic disorder and viral infections

One proposed etiology for autism is viral infection very early in development…. Many studies over the years have presented evidence both for and against the association of autism with various viral infections…. Further research is needed to clarify both the mechanisms whereby viral infection early in development may lead to autism and the possible involvement of the MMR vaccine in the development of autism.

Abstract. Journal of neurovirology 2005; 11(1):1-10