The United States Department of Health and Human Services concluded that childhood vaccines contributed to the symptoms of one girl’s autism, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The family of Hannah Poling, 9, of Athens, Ga., is entitled to compensation from a federal vaccine injury fund, but the amount of money has yet to be determined.
Government officials still say vaccines are not the cause of autism, but advocates think the settlement of the Poling family’s court case proves otherwise.
In a court document, the government said vaccines aggravated "a rare underlying metabolic condition that resulted in a brain disorder with features similar of autism spectrum disorder."
Hannah’s parents, Jon, who is a neurologist, and Terry, said the settlement will help pay for therapists and medical visits that Hannah will need for the rest of her life.
Two similar court cases were expected to go to trial in May.
It is estimated that as many as one in 150 children in some communities have autism disorders, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The neurological disorder causes problems with communication and social interaction; however, the range of symptoms vary from mild to severe.
Click here to read the full story from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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