It's estimated one in every 91 children is born with autism.
While the cause is unknown some parents believe their child's condition was caused by vaccines.
But now a critical piece of research supporting that claim has been retracted.
Janet Choi reports.
In 1998 Doctor Andrew Wakefield wrote a study linking vaccines to autism... fueling a huge controversy.
But now the medical journal that published the research - the Lancet - is retracting it... to the applause of experts around the world.
Wakefield's study of 12 children suggested autism could be caused by the vaccine, which is given to kids to prevent measles, mumps and rubella.
The findings led many parents to abandon the shots for their children.... experts believe it even caused a resurgence of measles in Britian and elsewhere.
But last week a medical panel called Wakefield's research methods dishonest and misleading... pointing out the doctor took blood samples from children at his son's birthday party.
Over a dozen studies have refuted Wakefield's findings ..
...Still many parents who believe vaccines caused their child's autism - won't be swayed.
It's likely the debate over vaccine and autism will continue.
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