There is limited scientific evidence backing the U.S. government’s recent decisions to issue warnings about the use of a common painkiller during pregnancy and to expedite approval of an experimental drug for autism.
On Monday, the U.S. government revealed two autism-related measures. First, it plans to update warning labels on the widely used painkiller paracetamol (acetaminophen), cautioning that use during pregnancy may be linked to a higher risk of autism and ADHD in children. Second, it will authorize the use of a drug called leucovorin for certain children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, both actions are based on limited scientific evidence and are unlikely to significantly impact autism rates in the country.
A Political Promise Rooted in Misconceptions About Autism
The announcement follows a promise made in April by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top public health official, to uncover the causes of autism by the end of September. During a press conference, US President Donald Trump described the initiatives as “historic steps to address the autism crisis.”
This perspective reflects either a misunderstanding or a distortion of our current knowledge about autism. There is no actual crisis — the rise in autism rates since the 1980s is largely due to broader diagnostic criteria. Additionally, greater awareness and improved recognition of autism symptoms over the years have also played a significant role in the increased number of diagnoses.
Regarding the cause of autism, there is limited evidence linking paracetamol to the condition. While several studies have indicated that using paracetamol during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of autism in children, a recent review of 46 studies found that 27 showed a significant connection between prenatal paracetamol use and a higher likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. However, a correlation does not prove that paracetamol causes autism—other factors may be involved.
Read the original article on: New Scientist
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