[agere_contra]

We should bottom out this Amish thing. If it turns out that Amish really do have low incidence of Autism - and they also avoid jab mercury, then its a correlation that may lead to a breakthrough

Correlation is indeed not causation, but it IS a scientific observable. As long as it is not abused correlation is a vital datum. For instance: Jenner's observation of correlation between employment and immunity to smallpox (being a dairymaid = immunity) eventually led to the destruction of smallpox.

[Orgiveme]

We should bottom out this Amish thing. If it turns out that Amish really do have low incidence of Autism - and they also avoid jab mercury, then its a correlation that may lead to a breakthrough. Correlation is indeed not causation, but it IS a scientific observable. As long as it is not abused correlation is a vital datum. For instance: Jenner's observation of correlation between employment and immunity to smallpox (being a dairymaid = immunity) eventually led to the destruction of smallpox.

...ah...the voice of reason -- thanks!

[Wuli]

When correlation seems to direct us in a certain way, we must still be careful about making declarative statements that the correlation is related to the cause. Can it lead to productive further questions? Yes. And that is as much as we should declare about it until those questions are investigated. Why? There are always many possible correlations. Not all all can be related to the cause; many are, and in most research, lead to dead ends; against the few that "prove" to be related to the cause. Caution, not hubris is required.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Thank you for your thoughtful post. I have a 15 year old autistic grandson so I am interested in this topic. There's no value in anyone jumping to conclusions, one way or the other.

But IF the Amish do not routinely vaccinate, this gives greater credance to the theory.

My daughter feels the vaccines did have something to do with Adam's autism.