>>>it may be harmless, with some other yet unknown reason for the spike for the problems.
About three years ago I read an article that illustrated as the diagnosis of autism rose, there was a corresponding decrease in the more vague diagnosis of “retardation”, “slowness” and similar loose terms commonly used for decades.
I suspect if thimerosal had never been invented the debate would be exactly where it is now, just blaming something else.
You got it.
Many MDs are reluctant to use those terms any longer. Unfortunately this can prevent children from getting the proper care and special ed.