LITTLE Sam Muschamp is unable to look his mum and dad in the eye or even give them a hug after developing autism.

His dad, David, is convinced that his son's condition is a direct result of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella vaccination.

Mr Muschamp, of Grantchester Way, Bolton, said: "He had the jab when he was 13 months old. A short time later he developed autism.

"One of the most upsetting memories is that I was asked if the procedure, with Sam on my knee, could be photographed for propaganda purposes and I agreed."

Sam is one out of 1,800 in the UK who it is claimed has been badly affected by vaccine immunisation.

Campaigners from Justice Awareness and Basic Support(JABS) are calling on the Government to split the three-way jab. It currently immunises against three childhood diseases in a single vaccination.

They fear that it is the triple dose which causes side-effects in some children.

Mr Muschamp said: "I know that my son Sam, who at four years old cannot hold a conversation and cannot stand any disruption to his routine, developed his autism as a result of the MMR vaccine."

Mr Muschamp says Sam was diagnosed autistic when he was three, but the classic signs were there from an earlier age.

At 13-months-old Sam, a smiling, happy toddler, suddenly became withdrawn refusing to make eye contact.

He could not have his routine changed and would spend long periods lining up his toy cars. He also stopped giving his parents the affection they were used to.

Mr Muschamp, who admits to feeling bitter about his son's incurable condition, said: "When Sam was diagnosed it was dreadful.

"He used to come to me and say the odd word and was really cheeky. But he changed soon after the jab. He wouldn't look us in the eye and his development stopped.

"Eventually, he lost loads of weight because he stopped feeding himself.

"He began to sit for hours on the couch watching videos without moving or talking. He didn't react to anything that you did or said.

"As a parent, I was constantly thinking that by this age, he should be doing such and such a thing, the things children normally do.

"We had to seek advice but it was nearly two years later before he was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum."

Family snapshots show Sam as a happy, cheerful boy celebrating his first birthday and usual family day trips before his autism took hold.

He can be seen laughing and looking his dad in the face as he is pushed on a swing, opening presents and sharing laughter at family occasions.

This is in sharp contrast to later pictures showing a withdrawn, sad boy suffering language and behavioural problems.

Mr Muschamp has criticised the views of health experts who believe parents should ensure that their children have the triple vaccine.

The dad claims they are refusing to acknowledge the link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Mr Muschamp, now separated from his wife, said: "Serious doubts have been expressed, not only by parents, but sections of the medical profession, concerning the possible side effects from this combined vaccine.

"Mark my words, eventually the truth will surface."

He agrees that diseases such as mumps, measles and rubella are deadly -- and does not advocate parents refusing to protect their children. But he is asking for the provision of single separate vaccines.

He added: "Some doctors used to import the separate vaccines but this has been stopped by the government because they feel it makes them look daft.

"The only reason why we don't have three separate vaccines for MMR is because it costs too much.

"It's the same age-old thing. Money is being put before the welfare of people."

Sam now attends Little Lever's Ladywood Special School and is making some progress. Mr Muschamp said: "They have been absolutely marvellous at that school."

Meanwhile, Golborne mother Jackie Fletcher also claims her nine-year-old son was damaged by the MMR vaccine nearly eight years ago.

She said: "The JABS website is being swamped by people wanting to get hold of this vaccine separately.

"We know of 1,800 vaccine damaged children in the UK with many in the North-west. Their disabilities are wide ranging from autism to epilepsy and diabetes."

She added: "We want the Government to stop playing big brother and allow parents the choice."

Bolton mum, Ann Coote, is Bolton's representative on JABS.

Her son also developed severe epilepsy, she believes, as a direct result of the MMR jab.