As an aside, there has been an increase in the numbers of children being diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum and it may seem then reasonable to suggest that this might be attributed to vaccines but the answer is far more likely a combination of other, more mundane, factors. Besides, if true, and similar mass vaccination programmes were begun just after WW2, why would these effects only show themselves now?

The autistic spectrum is huge and, to a degree, many of the "symptoms" if you like are traits that most of us have, if only in small measure. Some research shows certain forms of autism to be genetic but other linked diagnosis -ADHD for example-can be impacted by nurture rather than nature. Poor diet (too much processed food/ sugar), lack of exercise or too much screen time on electronic gaming/tv/social media can all have an impact.

Another factor is that autism in children is now both better understood and recognized whereas in the past such children may have been dismissed as either weird, thick or disruptive. The downside is that schools are now so poorly funded that they simply cannot afford the specialist support these children require (e.g. one-to-one time) and SENCO officers in schools vary greatly in knowledge and ability. I know this from personal experience where a little knowledge can indeed be a dangerous thing. The upshot of this has been an increasing number of children being taken out of school to be home tutored because the state schools simply cannot cope with them but trying to get any help as a parent is nothing short of a nightmare, even with an EHCP.

Increased awareness around autism, coupled with poor training , has, I personally believe, also led to another factor creeping in which influences the higher numbers of children now being diagnosed. Now more aware of autism, I am convinced that some parents use this as an excuse for the behaviour of their child as it is easier than admitting that their own parenting may be part of the problem. Poor diet, too much screen time on electronics, too many changes of setting (by which I mean too much time outside of home by going to breakfast club, after school clubs and child-minders) can all have an impact on development and behaviour and if the person making the diagnosis for the purposes of the EHCP is not fully clued up they may be loathe to call these aspects out or be able to more accurately judge if certain behaviours are down to the child being simply naughty or are genuine indications of autism.

I am not saying that such children are not on the spectrum at all, just saying that their traits might be exaggerated by their parents for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the root causes of their behaviour however all such children should be able to get the help and support they need.