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possible cause of autism?

Iain

I read with interest a new article on the connection with some painkillers used by pregnant women and having neurodiverse children:

https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/news/prenatal-painkiller-use-associated-with-autism-adhd-in-children-403513

The study links prenatal paracetamol (or Tylenol for US readers) use to increased autism and ADHD risk.

It does emphasise that this is a very early stage connection and may only be contributory so it is wise not to jump to conclusions.

The actual study is here for those of you with an analytical interest:
https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0

The methodology seems sound and it is designed for peer review which would indicate it is a solid piece of research.

An interesting thought experiment arising from this could be:

If you knew taking this painkiller could increase the risk of your child being neurodiverse, would you still take it (assuming no other health risks were present to mother or child)?

Parents

  • It is something that happens in the womb. Twin studies show it is not completely genetic, although as with most issues you need some predisposition.

    The stressor is unclear and I suspect it has to happen in a critical window of time during development.

    If it were something like paracetamol, why would one twin not be affected. Unless there is a placenta difference that allows more to one twin than the other.

    I would not be surprised if painkillers had an effect as they affect my brain function, slow it down, less sharp and general fog.

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  • It is something that happens in the womb. Twin studies show it is not completely genetic, although as with most issues you need some predisposition.

    The stressor is unclear and I suspect it has to happen in a critical window of time during development.

    If it were something like paracetamol, why would one twin not be affected. Unless there is a placenta difference that allows more to one twin than the other.

    I would not be surprised if painkillers had an effect as they affect my brain function, slow it down, less sharp and general fog.

Children
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