TL/DR –
The Trump administration has announced controversial conclusions about the causes of autism, including a claim that the use of acetaminophen (branded as Tylenol in the US) during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, a link which is contested by international scientists. The President also made statements about potentially changing the timing and dosage of common vaccinations, such as MMRV and hepatitis B, again providing limited evidence. The administration is also investigating a potential autism treatment in the form of leucovorin, currently used for cancer and anemia patients.
The Trump Administration’s Controversial Autism Research and Recommendations
The Trump administration disclosed disputed findings on autism causes and a drive for a potential cure. Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, led the proclaimed investigations, resulting in President Trump advising pregnant women to restrict acetaminophen use, known as Tylenol in the US, due to purported autism risks. This claim has been heavily debated by global scientists.
Administration’s Stance on Acetaminophen and Vaccination
Trump, with Kennedy at his side, stated all pregnant women should consult their doctors about limiting Tylenol intake during pregnancy. He further discussed the possibility of delaying or reducing doses of MMRV vaccines and potentially postponing the first dose of the hepatitis B shot. Kennedy followed, announcing intentions to amend acetaminophen risk labels with the US Food and Drug Administration’s collaboration.
Investigations into Possible Autism Treatments
The administration unveiled its plans to explore the potential of leucovorin, currently used for cancer and anemia patients, as a possible autism treatment. Trump and Kennedy stressed the urgency of addressing what they deemed an autism “epidemic”.
The Rise in Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnoses
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported, one in 31 eight-year-olds in the US were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2022, a significant increase from one in 150 in 2000. Kennedy attributes this to environmental toxins, but many professionals attribute the rise mainly to increased screening and evolving disorder definitions, claiming the causes are predominantly genetics-based.
Reactions to the Administration’s Announcements
US and UK scientists responded skeptically to the Tylenol link. Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, criticized the administration’s unsubstantiated claims on Tylenol and expressed concern about the lack of new scientific data to support the press conference. Debra Houry, a former CDC official, reported that there is no recent evidence linking acetaminophen with autism. A 2024 Swedish study found no connection.
Leucovorin as a Possible Autism Treatment
While some tests report leucovorin triggering improvements in some people with autism’s speaking and understanding abilities, researchers urge caution. Irva Hertz-Picciotto, an autism specialist, warned that unrealistic expectations could lead to trust loss.
Bruce Mirken of Defend Public Health dismissed the announcements, citing Kennedy’s history of false autism-related statements and the lack of scientific evidence supporting an ‘autism epidemic’.
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