Fact-Check: Claim Regarding Autism and Vaccination in Vietnam
What We Know
The claim that "there's no such thing as autism in Vietnam" prior to the introduction of a vaccination program supported by Bill Gates, and that this led to a "300% rise" in autism cases, is misleading and unfounded. According to Full Fact, autism was not officially recognized in Vietnam until the late 1990s, but this does not imply that the condition did not exist prior to that time. Some individuals born in Vietnam during the 20th century have autism, but the lack of recognition and diagnostic resources contributed to underreporting.
Furthermore, the assertion that vaccines cause autism is a widely debunked myth. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have stated that "vaccines do not cause autism," and numerous studies have consistently found no credible link between vaccination and autism.
The video clip that sparked this claim features Dr. Anthony Phan, who states there was "no such thing" as autism in Vietnam during the specified years. However, experts like Dr. Cong Tran from Vietnam National University have indicated that the increase in reported autism cases is likely due to improved awareness, diagnosis, and resources rather than an actual rise in prevalence (AFP Fact Check).
Analysis
The claim relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and lacks scientific backing. Dr. Phan, who is not a specialist in autism, fails to provide any credible evidence to support his assertions. The video from which the claim originates is associated with the controversial documentary "Vaxxed," which has been criticized for promoting misinformation about vaccines (AFP Fact Check).
Experts in Vietnam, including psychiatrists and researchers, have pointed out that the notion of a 300% rise in autism cases is unfounded. Dr. Cong Tran noted that while awareness and diagnostic practices have improved, leading to more cases being identified, this does not equate to an actual increase in the condition's prevalence (Full Fact).
Additionally, the claim's reliance on the Gates Foundation's involvement in vaccination programs is misleading. Vaccination has been shown to play a crucial role in reducing child mortality rates in Vietnam, and there is no evidence linking these programs to an increase in autism (AFP Fact Check).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that autism did not exist in Vietnam before the introduction of a vaccination program and that this led to a significant rise in cases is false. Autism has been recognized in Vietnam since the late 1990s, and the increase in reported cases is primarily due to improved awareness and diagnostic capabilities rather than a true rise in prevalence. Furthermore, extensive research has disproven any link between vaccines and autism.