Scientific research to date has not shown that vaccines increase the risk of autism. Even that specific university’s research paper Vembu has not been scientifically accepted.
Published Nov 02, 2025 | 10:12 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 02, 2025 | 3:45 PM
Not everyone with autism presents in the same way, as each child’s strengths and challenges can vary.
Synopsis: Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu recently reignited a debate by repeating claims that link childhood vaccines to autism – an assertion widely dismissed by the global scientific community. In a conversation with South First, Dr Sugudev, Head of Psychiatry at Madurai Rajaji Government Hospital, addresses these misconceptions and explains what science actually tells us about vaccines, autism, and early intervention.
Earlier this week, Sridhar Vembu, the billionaire founder of cloud-based business software company Zoho Corporation, sparked controversy after repeating long-debunked claims linking childhood vaccines to rising autism rates. His post on X triggered a wave of debate and concern.
Dr Sugudev, Head of the Psychiatry Department at Madurai Rajaji Government Hospital, explained to South First the myths surrounding these oft-repeated but thoroughly debunked ideas.
Edited excerpts follow.
Q: Do childhood vaccines cause any side effects?
There is no large-scale evidence to suggest significant side effects from childhood vaccinations. However, very mild reactions such as a slight fever or diarrhoea may occur. These typically subside on their own after a few days. There is absolutely no evidence of long-term side effects.
Before any vaccine is introduced for public use, it undergoes a complete evaluation to check for potential side effects. These vaccines have been administered for decades.
Q: Sridhar Vembu recently cited a US university study claiming that vaccines cause long-term side effects, particularly autism. How do you respond to this claim?
Scientific research to date has not shown that vaccines increase the risk of autism. Even that specific university’s research paper has not been scientifically accepted.
The discussion about vaccines causing autism was prevalent in the 1990s. At the time, a substance called Thimerosal was included in some vaccines and was blamed for causing autism. However, long-term studies have thoroughly disproved that claim. Nevertheless, to avoid further controversy, the use of Thimerosal in vaccines has been completely discontinued.
On the other hand, it has been proven that children are at risk of developing autism due to contracting a type of measles known as rubella. A vaccine was subsequently developed against rubella. Therefore, there is no connection between vaccination and autism.
Q: How is autism classified – as a disease, a disorder, a psychological condition, or a developmental delay?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition. In the medical field, it is not classified as a mental health disorder but as a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes information. The core difficulty lies in communication and social interaction.
People with autism may experience differences in understanding social cues, starting or maintaining conversations, and interpreting body language. Some children with autism may respond differently to faces or social interactions, but this varies widely among individuals, as autism exists on a spectrum.
Repetitive behaviour—doing the same thing repeatedly—is an easy way to identify children with autism. Not all children with brain development issues have autism, and similarly, not all children with autism have an intellectual disability.
Q: What is the autism spectrum?
It is important to understand that not everyone with autism presents in the same way, as each child’s strengths and challenges can vary. Because interventions differ depending on the severity, the level of support also changes according to the individual needs and abilities of children with autism.
It is called “Autism Spectrum Disorder” because of the wide range of presentations and the varying severity of symptoms seen among individuals. There are differing degrees of impairment and diverse strengths in children with autism.
Thus, treatments and interventions for children are personalised to suit their unique profiles.
Q: What are the primary causes of autism?
Genetic factors are the primary cause. Another factor is couples having children later in life.
Q: Is it possible to detect autism in a foetus while the baby is still in the mother’s womb?
Currently, there is no such possibility. It typically becomes evident only after 18 months of birth. However, research is ongoing. Researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to see if autism can be detected earlier.
Q: Is there any vaccine or treatment available to prevent autism?
No such treatment or vaccine exists yet. However, there is a possibility in the future, and research is underway.
Q: Do children with autism experience any physical or organ development issues?
There are no developmental issues. They may have only minor problems such as constipation. However, up to 30 percent of children with autism have a chance of developing epilepsy (seizures). They may also experience issues such as sleep disturbances and hyperactivity.
Q: Is autism in children treated mainly with medication or through psychological and behavioural therapy?
The key factor is how quickly autism is detected. The treatment approach depends on this. In the initial stages, psychological and behavioural training and therapies are provided. This is followed by speech therapy, physical therapy, and other forms of intervention. Medications are also given, but only in very small amounts, typically when there is another co-occurring mental health issue alongside autism.
Q: What are the key steps or methods followed in psychological and behavioural therapy for children with autism?
Paediatricians can identify children with autism to some extent early on. When they come to us, we assess the severity of the autism. It requires multi-step assessment using standardised tools. We arrive at a conclusion based on the questions the doctors ask and how the children respond.
If the autism is very mild, they can function like other children. If the condition is moderate or severe, they are given continuous, ongoing therapy.
Q: It is often said that some children with autism have exceptional or savant abilities. Is that true?
Yes, but only a small subset of individuals have such skills—roughly 10 percent. One child I treated had the ability to memorise and recite hundreds of Sanskrit shlokas by the age of six. Another child could immediately tell you the day of the week for any given date in a specific year.
Q: How does autism differ from a mental health condition?
The fundamental difference is that children with autism have difficulties with communication, but they can be highly skilled in a particular subject. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can co-occur with mental health disorders, but they are distinct. Mental illness does not necessarily reduce intelligence.
Q: Can autism be cured, or can its symptoms only be managed?
Autism is not completely curable. However, the severity of the condition can be reduced. For example, if a child cannot correctly identify a face and does not understand what a face is, we provide training – such as placing a bindi on the forehead. By doing this, the child learns to differentiate between the eyes and the nose. Training is given for every aspect in this manner.
Q: Parents of children with autism often face social challenges, including housing discrimination. Are children with autism ever a danger to others? Can they form relationships or marry as adults?
Children with autism are not dangerous. They do not engage in any criminal activities because they are mostly in their own world. However, some children may have hyperactivity, which can cause them to hurt themselves, but they will not harm others. Regular children might act out of anger, but these children will not.
Their ability to engage in relationships such as marriage depends on the severity of the autism.
Q: Are treatment facilities for children with autism available in government hospitals?
Government hospitals have made extensive facilities available. In Tamil Nadu, all district government hospitals have a separate treatment unit for children with autism. Everything, including daily therapy and specialist doctors, is provided.
The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme offers up to ₹1 lakh for these treatments. However, public awareness is low, so many do not bring their children. I hope this interview will help raise that awareness among more people.
