Researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia have pushed back against claims by US President Donald Trump linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism.
Professor David Trembath, Head of Autism Research at CliniKids at The Kids, said there is no clear and consistent evidence of a link between paracetamol and autism.
“Paracetamol is well established as one of a small number of medicines that is safe, and which plays an important role in reducing fever, which carries its own risks to babies.
“The recommendations around paracetamol use in pregnant women are very unlikely to change. Women are encouraged to take advice from doctors and nurses regarding health advice for themselves and their babies during pregnancy, including medications.”
Professor Trembath also said it's regrettable that autism was being framed as a ‘medical condition’.
“Such an approach is hurtful and very much at odds with contemporary neurodiversity-affirming thinking,’ Professor Trembath said. “We have moved beyond this way of thinking to embrace a person-centred strengths-based approach.
“The notion that autism is a condition to be ‘cured’ is inaccurate. Autistic people are equal and equally loved members of the community.”
Overall, the ‘announcement’ does not reflect the science, including decades of high-quality research, and is highly unlikely to change the medical advice parents receive in Australia.
“Autism is best understood as a reflection of individual and family genetics, which in all of us are influenced by the environment,” Professor Trembath said.
Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Deputy Director Research, Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research and Director of CliniKids at The Kids, said while a recent study exploring possible links between paracetamol and autism by researchers at Harvard University and the Icahn School of Medicine has received attention, it was important to put this in context.
"What that study found is that taking paracetamol during pregnancy is associated in a very weak way with an increased chance that the offspring may receive a diagnosis of autism or ADHD," Professor Whitehouse said.
“However, importantly, no study has found that taking paracetamol during pregnancy is a cause of autism. The studies that report a weak link often do not distinguish between paracetamol use form the underlying conditions that prompted women to take it in the first place
President Trump also claimed that Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a ‘treatment’ for autism. However, Professor Whitehouse said there was no clear and consistent evidence of a meaningful link between folic acid and autism.
“The evidence is weak,” Professor Whitehouse said. “A few small trials suggest possible small improvements in behavioural outcomes, yet these studies are limited by small numbers, inconsistent findings, and a lack of independent replication.”
Professor Trembath also said previously proposed links between vaccines and autism had been thoroughly disproven.
“The original study in 1998 that proposed the link was demonstrably fraudulent,” Professor Trembath said. “Countless professional, community, and Government organisations are crystal clear regarding the safety and importance of vaccines, and that they do not ‘cause’ autism.”
Unfortunately, the ‘announcement’ is likely to cause some confusion and distress.
“We acknowledge this and will do our best to support members of our CliniKids community and community more broadly,” Professor Trembath said.
“Current best practice in supports for autistic children and their families focus on non-pharmacological approaches that promote children’s learning, participation, and wellbeing.
“This is the focus of research and practice within the Autism Research Team, and towards which we are making important strides.”