Do children who become autistic consult more often after MMR vaccination?

A close temporal association has been reported between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinated and dramatic behavioural decline in children s ubsequently diagnosed as autistic. We hypothesised that such a decline woul d be reflected in increased consultations with the child's general practiti oner: The Doctor's Independent Network database was used to examine whether children subsequently diagnosed as autistic consulted more frequently than controls after MMR vaccination. No difference in consulting behaviour was seen in the six months post MMR. Any dramatic effect of MMR on behaviour se ems unlikely.