This document contains the proceedings of a hearing on April 6, 2000, before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform. The hearing addressed the increasing rate of children diagnosed with autism, possible links between autism and childhood vaccinations, and future needs of these children. After opening statements by congressmen on the Committee, the statements and testimony of Kenneth Curtis, James Smythe, Shelley Reynolds, Jeana Smith, Scott Bono, and Dr. Wayne M. Danker, all parents of children with autism, are included. Their statements discuss symptoms of autism, vaccination concerns, family problems, financial concerns, and how parents can be helped. The statements and testimony of the second panel are then provided, including that of Andrew Wakefield, John OLeary, Vijendra K. Singh, Coleen A. Boyle, Ben Schwartz, Paul A. Offit, and Brent Taylor. These doctors and disease control experts discuss the possible relationship between vaccinations and autism. Following, the statement and testimony of Walter O. Spitzer discusses the epidemiology of autism and childhood vaccinations. The statements and testimony of the next panel are then provided, including that of Bernard Rimland, Michael J. Goldberg, Mary N. Megson, John E. Upledger, Cathy L. Pratt, Deborah G. Hirtz, and Edwin H. Cook. These doctors discuss the safety of vaccinations, research needs in the autism field, and possible causes of autism. (CR)