A recent increase in the number of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders has also brought to light the existing controversy regarding the link between autism and vaccinations. In a piece published by CNN, Jenny McCarthy describes her son's recovery from autism. In it, he states that autism is an entirely environmental disease and claims that vaccines are one of the main triggers of the disease. A Newsweek article published in 2005 discusses the search for a cure for autism, citing the numerous methods parents use in attempting to cure their children, including a wheat- and dairy-free diet and a controversial treatment method that deprives the body of metals called chelation. Again, it was stated that the osteopath who prescribed these methods, Mary Ann Block, believed that vaccine toxins were the roots of autism. These claims continue to be supported, despite countless studies that have argued the exact opposite. Two 2007 articles, one from the Duke University medical website and one published by CBS, state that vaccinations are not linked to autism, particularly the MMR vaccine and the preservative thimerosal that can be found in some others. The CBS article cites evidence from studies of pregnant women who were given the Rh vaccine, which contains thimerosal, a preservative allegedly linked to the development of autism. In the study, it was found that children with autism had not received greater exposure to thimerosal before birth than children without autism. The Dukehealth.com article also raises concerns about recurring outbreaks due to lack of vaccination. An article published in the Daily Beast also clarifies this point, as it explains how Maryland school officials are suing parents who refuse to vaccinate the card's promoters, and confirms the doctor's thesis. argues that autism is not linked to immunization and, in fact, refusing to vaccinate your children will do them more harm than good. Works CitedBaker, J.P. (2007, May 3). Does the MMR vaccine cause autism? - DukeHealth.org. Retrieved November 20, 2013. Boyles, S. (2007, May 16). Study: No link between thimerosal vaccine and autism - CBS News. Retrieved November 20, 2013. Hviid, A., Stellfield, M., Wohlfahrt, J., & Melbye, M. (2003, October 1). Association between thimerosal-containing vaccine and autism. The Journal of the American Medical Association. Kalb, C. (2005, February 28). When does autism start? Newsweek.Kuchment, A. (2007, November 15). Vaccinate your kids or else. The Daily Beast. McCarthy, J., & Carrey, J. (2008, April 4). Jenny McCarthy: My son's recovery from autism - CNN.com. Retrieved November 20, 2013.