evidence: Numerous research studies have proven that autism spectrum disorder is not related to vaccination. This research has been conducted by the nation’s leading health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Autism Science Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics and others. They all concur that there is no evidence vaccinations cause autism. So why do the rumors persist? [...] "Fortunately, this was a question that could be studied — and answered — by science," Autism Science Foundation leaders assert. "We looked at children who received vaccines and those who didn’t, or who received them on a different, slower schedule. There was no difference in their neurological outcomes. The results of studies are very clear; the data show no relationship between vaccines and autism." [...] A 2013 CDC study looked at the number of antigens (substances in vaccines causing the body’s immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies) from vaccines during the first two years of life (the time period when it is thought autism is developing). The results showed that the total amount of antigen from vaccines received was the same between children with ASD and those that did not have ASD. The CDC concluded, "Vaccine ingredients do not cause autism."