The claim: Autism has increased by 30,000% in 50 years, is linked to vaccines As states advance in their distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, Americans have continued to discuss what risks could be associated with gaining protection against the virus. One common belief espoused by parents and public figures who are against vaccination is that vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder, despite several studies showing no correlation between childhood vaccination and autism diagnoses. A post popular on Facebook may represent a similar view. The post claims that autism "increased 30,000% in 50 years" and suggests there is a link between injections and this statistic. Originally posted on April 3, 2020, the post has accrued roughly 1,500 shares.