What the CDC Autism Vaccine Change Means for Your Family in 2025
Last week, the CDC changed its website language about vaccines and autism — a move that has left parents confused and concerned. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. personally directed this change, which now suggests vaccines might cause autism despite decades of research showing they don't. If you're a parent of an autistic child or worried about your child's development, here's what actually happened and what you need to know.
1. What Actually Changed on the CDC Website
On November 19, 2025, the CDC's vaccine safety page was updated without input from career scientists. The page previously stated clearly that vaccines do not cause autism. Now it claims that statement is "not evidence-based" because studies haven't ruled out every possible connection.
The heading "Vaccines do not cause autism" remains on the page, but with an asterisk. That asterisk explains the heading only stays because of an agreement with Senator Bill Cassidy during Kennedy's confirmation process — not because it reflects the CDC's current position.
The key change: The updated page now says health authorities have "ignored" studies showing a vaccine-autism link, though peer-reviewed research does not support this claim.
2. Why This Matters to Your Family
This isn't just about politics or science debates. This affects real decisions you're making right now about your child's health and development. When government health agencies contradict decades of research, parents lose the clear guidance they need.
Here's what's at stake:
- Vaccine confidence is dropping. Some parents may delay or skip vaccines for measles, polio, and other preventable diseases — diseases that actually do cause harm and death.
- Autism support gets muddied. When we focus on debunked causes, we lose focus on what autistic children actually need: early intervention, skilled therapy, and family support.
- Trust in healthcare erodes. Parents need reliable information from sources they can trust, especially when making decisions about their children's wellbeing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics responded immediately. Their president, Dr. Susan Kressly, stated that more than 40 high-quality studies involving 5.6 million people across seven countries show no link between vaccines and autism.
3. What the Science Actually Says About Autism and Vaccines
Let's be direct: vaccines do not cause autism. This isn't opinion. It's the result of extensive research conducted over 25+ years by independent scientists worldwide.
The Autism Science Foundation stated that "no environmental factor has been better studied as a potential cause of autism than vaccines." Researchers have looked at:
- The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine specifically
- Thimerosal, a preservative previously used in some vaccines
- Aluminum adjuvants that help vaccines work
- The total number of vaccines children receive
- The timing of when vaccines are given
None of these studies found a connection between vaccines and autism. The original 1998 study that sparked this fear was retracted, and its author lost his medical license due to ethical violations and falsified data.
We now know autism has strong genetic components and develops in the womb — long before any vaccines are given. Brain differences associated with autism can be detected through imaging before a child is even born.
4. What Parents Actually Need Right Now
If you're a parent of an autistic child or concerned about your child's development, the focus should be on effective support — not finding someone or something to blame. Your child needs evidence-based interventions that actually help them thrive.
Here's what makes a real difference:
- Early identification and intervention. The earlier autism is identified and support begins, the better the outcomes. Research shows children who receive ABA therapy before age 3 make significantly more progress.
- Family-centered therapy at home. Children learn best in their natural environment, with therapists who understand their routine and involve the whole family in the process.
- Play-based approaches that kids actually enjoy. Therapy shouldn't feel like a chore. When it's built into natural play and daily activities, children engage more and learn faster.
For Colorado and New Hampshire families: Achieving Stars Therapy specializes in in-home ABA therapy that's covered by Medicaid. Their BCBAs create individualized treatment plans that fit your family's schedule and focus on what your child actually needs to succeed — communication, social skills, and daily living activities. They handle the insurance coordination and provide parent training so you can support your child's progress between sessions.
The goal isn't to "cure" autism or find what "caused" it. The goal is to help your child communicate, learn, and navigate the world in a way that works for them. That happens through skilled support, not through theories about vaccines.
5. Your Next Steps as a Parent
Don't let this CDC controversy distract you from getting your child the support they need right now. While health agencies debate language, your child is growing and learning every day. Here's what to do:
- Continue recommended vaccines. Measles, polio, and whooping cough are real diseases that cause real harm. Vaccines prevent them safely.
- Seek early evaluation if you have concerns. If you notice differences in your child's communication, social interaction, or behavior, talk to your pediatrician. Early assessment leads to earlier support.
- Look for evidence-based therapy. ABA therapy is the gold standard for autism support, with decades of research showing it works. Find providers who use play-based, naturalistic approaches.
- Connect with other families. You're not alone. Parent support groups and communities can provide practical advice and emotional support from people who understand.
If you're in Colorado or New Hampshire and your child has been diagnosed with autism or showing developmental delays, Achieving Stars Therapy offers free consultations to discuss your child's specific needs. Their team can explain how in-home ABA works, answer questions about Medicaid coverage, and help you understand what realistic progress looks like for your child.
The CDC website may have changed, but the science hasn't. Your child deserves support based on what actually works — not political debates or fear-based theories. Focus on what you can control: getting your child connected with skilled therapists who will meet them where they are and help them reach their potential.