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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

  • I note that this study: is sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services; whose Secretary is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

  • in reply to DormouseAtRest_25
    DormouseAtRest_25 said:
    I note that this study: is sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services; whose Secretary is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

    I did a big more digging in the article to see if I could find much evidence of it being influenced by the current regieme.

    1 - all articles they have compiled as part of the research pre-date the current Trump administration.

    2 - Research started on Feb 2nd but Kennedy only took the position on the 13th of Feb. Most of the work will have been done before he even got there.

    3 - the National Institute of Health has funded a massive number of project before and since this one. This funding in itself is no indication that it was intended to give a desired outcome.

    4 - the first sentence of the conclusion says:

    Our analysis demonstrated evidence consistent with an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and offspring with NDDs... preclude definitive causation.

    They say there is no definitive cause, just that the evidence deserves more study because the facts point that way. They even suggest to carry on using the drug, just to use the minimum amount to be safe.

    I don't see this report having any hallmarks of an agenda or misinformation as some have suggested or stated here.

    Critical thinking is the process of analyzing available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to make sound conclusions or informed choices.

    I recommend using this for further discussion.

Reply
  • in reply to DormouseAtRest_25
    DormouseAtRest_25 said:
    I note that this study: is sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services; whose Secretary is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

    I did a big more digging in the article to see if I could find much evidence of it being influenced by the current regieme.

    1 - all articles they have compiled as part of the research pre-date the current Trump administration.

    2 - Research started on Feb 2nd but Kennedy only took the position on the 13th of Feb. Most of the work will have been done before he even got there.

    3 - the National Institute of Health has funded a massive number of project before and since this one. This funding in itself is no indication that it was intended to give a desired outcome.

    4 - the first sentence of the conclusion says:

    Our analysis demonstrated evidence consistent with an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and offspring with NDDs... preclude definitive causation.

    They say there is no definitive cause, just that the evidence deserves more study because the facts point that way. They even suggest to carry on using the drug, just to use the minimum amount to be safe.

    I don't see this report having any hallmarks of an agenda or misinformation as some have suggested or stated here.

    Critical thinking is the process of analyzing available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to make sound conclusions or informed choices.

    I recommend using this for further discussion.

Children
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