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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

  • Isn't that the whole causation and correlation argument. It's the same with high dose antibiotics use in infants and obviously the vaccine thing. Cherry picking bits of data to suit the narrative. The outlying data point becomes the proving point.

    It could be any number of things but it's more likely that autistic (diagnosed or undiagnosed) adults have been having kids, who in turn continue the trend. I think we naturally gravitate towards each other and in this day of interconnectivity it's easier than ever.

    Increased awareness and Improved and inclusive diagnostic criteria have certainly increased the societal awareness of the true and increasing number of ND people.

    I could be hugely misinformed but that's how I see it.

Reply

  • Isn't that the whole causation and correlation argument. It's the same with high dose antibiotics use in infants and obviously the vaccine thing. Cherry picking bits of data to suit the narrative. The outlying data point becomes the proving point.

    It could be any number of things but it's more likely that autistic (diagnosed or undiagnosed) adults have been having kids, who in turn continue the trend. I think we naturally gravitate towards each other and in this day of interconnectivity it's easier than ever.

    Increased awareness and Improved and inclusive diagnostic criteria have certainly increased the societal awareness of the true and increasing number of ND people.

    I could be hugely misinformed but that's how I see it.

Children
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