New Research Confirms No Link Between Vaccines and Autism

New findings presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2026 Pregnancy Meeting provide further evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are not associated with autism or neurodevelopmental problems in children. This research, highlighted by the Coalition of Autism Scientists, adds to decades of studies confirming vaccine safety.

Why This Matters to Autism Families

The Coalition of Autism Scientists, representing over 300 researchers, emphasizes that hundreds of studies demonstrate vaccines protect vulnerable community members without increasing autism risk. However, they note a separate Kaiser Permanente analysis suggests female children may face increased autism risk when mothers contract COVID-19 during early pregnancy.

Key Takeaways for Parents

1. Vaccines remain a safe choice according to extensive research
2. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may pose developmental risks
3. The Coalition supports vaccination in line with pediatric guidelines

The Coalition warns that vaccine misinformation can lead to dangerous outbreaks, citing the preventable measles situation in South Carolina as an example.

Source: Coalition of Autism Scientists | February 11, 2026