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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

  • Yes I probably would, knowing that for me no other pain killer is available, what it dosen't say is does the woman have to be taking it for a prolonged period, or is a one off, normal every once in a while alright?

    From my childhood memories paracetamol wasn't the pain killer of choice, it was aspirin that always seemed to be in peoples medicine chests, I dont' remember paracetamol being widely used until I was in my teens, although I know it was widely available.

    Just looking it up on wikipedia, it said that theres been a very small study thats suggestive of paracetamol causing ND, but it needs much more research.

    I have to say at the moment I'm sceptical, it could be another flap, people seem to be clutching at straws about finding "the cause" of ASC and ADHD and to be honest I don't think there is one, I think its probably genentic and more than 1 gene.

Reply

  • Yes I probably would, knowing that for me no other pain killer is available, what it dosen't say is does the woman have to be taking it for a prolonged period, or is a one off, normal every once in a while alright?

    From my childhood memories paracetamol wasn't the pain killer of choice, it was aspirin that always seemed to be in peoples medicine chests, I dont' remember paracetamol being widely used until I was in my teens, although I know it was widely available.

    Just looking it up on wikipedia, it said that theres been a very small study thats suggestive of paracetamol causing ND, but it needs much more research.

    I have to say at the moment I'm sceptical, it could be another flap, people seem to be clutching at straws about finding "the cause" of ASC and ADHD and to be honest I don't think there is one, I think its probably genentic and more than 1 gene.

Children
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