Includes bibliographical references (pages 158-167) and index.

"Over the past 50 years, rates of chronic illness, learning disabilities, and allergies in children have exploded--1 in 6 children has a diagnosed learning disorder, 1 in 50 has autism, and 1 in 13 has severe food allergies. Instead of blaming genetics or increased awareness and diagnosis, author Thomas Cowan, MD, attributes these rising numbers to our current vaccination policy. In Vaccines, Auto-Immunity, and the Assault on Childhood, Cowan combines his years of experience as a medical practitioner with his research into the history and science of vaccines to show how childhood illnesses, which help children to develop a robust immune system, are now eschewed by conventional medicine in favor of an increasing array of vaccinations that do more harm than good. Invoking philosopher Rudolph Steiner's vision of vaccines as inspired by "spirits of darkness," Cowan brings to light the various ways in which scientists and government officials work to promote a vaccine program that only increases suffering. Along the way he questions commonly held views of cell biology, the role of water in the body, and the spatial and spiritual components of autism. Additionally, he provides hope of recovery in the form of a nontoxic course of treatment for those suffering chronic inflammation and other averse immune responses to vaccines. Cowan's thoughtfully bold writing takes us on a journey into the history of illness, questioning the true origins of diseases such as polio, and asking important questions, such as: why did paralytic polio make a sudden appearance in the US in the years between 1916-1918? The answers lie far beyond what conventional medicine would have us believe"-- Provided by publisher.