possible cause of autism?

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
  • Autism is a complex condition, anyone looking for a simple causation for a complex problem has to be a simpleton, or their motives are not above suspicion. The paper says in the small print, that the lead author might be viewed as having a conflict of interest. The study also claims to be financially supported by a public grant from the NIH, this and the general shadiness of the paper can be checked here: schachtmanlaw.com/.../

Reply
  • Autism is a complex condition, anyone looking for a simple causation for a complex problem has to be a simpleton, or their motives are not above suspicion. The paper says in the small print, that the lead author might be viewed as having a conflict of interest. The study also claims to be financially supported by a public grant from the NIH, this and the general shadiness of the paper can be checked here: schachtmanlaw.com/.../

Children