THERAPIST Gabriel Millar has become the latest voice to support the theory of a link between the controversial MMR vaccine and autism.

Mrs Millar taught boys suffering from Asperger's Disorder - a variant of autism - at Ruskin Mill College in Nailsworth for 14 years.

After studying the evidence, she is now convinced of a link with the triple measles, mumps and rubella jab.

She plans to outline her argument in a book - The Tragic Story of Vaccination.

Mrs Millar, 61, of Lower Street, Stroud, has studied the medical notes of children she taught.

"I saw their notes and all 90 of them had had the jab," she said.

"I know a couple who have five children, four of whom are autistic but the other is fine because the child was not vaccinated.

"The risks of vaccinations have been downplayed by the Government and I hope my book will help young mothers make an informed decision.

"These women are brainwashed by doctors and health workers and are not given information about alternative forms of medicine."

Mrs Millar refused to have her four children immunised and nursed each one through measles.

"These diseases actually make children stronger," she said.

"The jab depresses and weakens the immune system - if a child is well nourished and is drinking clean water they will fight the illness."

She believes pharmaceutical companies have a vested interest in mass vaccination because of the profits generated.

"In the UK the Government still offers doctors a cash bonus if they vaccinate 90 per cent of the children in their surgeries with MMR," she said.

The link between MMR and autism and inflammatory bowel disorders was first raised by research carried out in 1998 by Dr Andrew Wakefield.

Public concern over the safety of the jab led to a record low vaccination rate between July and September 2001 but the rate has recently risen again.

The government says 95 per cent of children need to be immunised to eradicate the threat of a measles epidemic.