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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 Reply Children
  • in reply to VLD
    VLD said:
    Please don't spread these rumours

    That is a bit harsh. It is an article published in a respected medical journal for peer review and seems to follow all due scientific process.

    As the discussion below points out the compound in question has only been about for bout 50 years so it cannot be the root cause, but if it is a contributing factor then it is absolutely worth researching.

    VLD said:
    You don't know how incredibly harmful this sort of misinformation can be.

    Can you back up this claim that it is misinformation?

    I'm not seeing any of the hallmarks of it in the article.

    For full disclosure I am not a medical professional or active researcher in this field. Can you disclose your credentials for your response please?