NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Cases of autism have been spiking in recent years and parents have been troubled about a possible link between childhood immunization and autism.

Video: Doctor Refutes Immunization-Autism Link Claims

One doctor is trying to put that troubling aspect to rest by presented his findings at Vanderbilt University.

Autism, a mysterious developmental disorder, affects a child's communication skills and social interaction.

A nagging question for parents is immunizing a child from measles, mumps and rubella an underlying cause on autism?

Dr. Eric Fombonne who has a chair in research and child psychiatry at Canada's McGill University said there is no connection.

"All of the studies have been negative. We have not found any increased risk," said Fombonne.

The researcher complied 12 years of research on autism links with immunizations around the world, particularly the ethyl mercury contained in routine immunizations that some have been linked to autism.

"Being exposed to this mercury in vaccines actually did not increase the risk of autism in young children," said Fombonne.

Will that link between immunizations and autism ever be broken? Fombonne said there's a deeper danger for skeptical parents who don't immunize their children against childhood diseases.

"By not vaccinating their children, they decided to put their children at risk of developing measles and measles can kill. Measles kill a half million persons every year," said Fombonne.

As for Fombonne, he practices what he preaches.

"I have four boys, and they have had all of their compliments of vaccinations," said Fombonne.