US President Donald Trump announced a “historic breakthrough” in understanding autism, suggesting a link to acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
Autism Cause Announced
During a press briefing, President Trump stated that autism is “completely out of control” and claimed that his administration had found the cause. He suggested that the use of acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, during pregnancy may “significantly increase” the risk of autism in children.
Link to Acetaminophen
Trump recommended that pregnant women only take acetaminophen in cases of high fever, and advised them to consult with their doctors. He also expressed concerns about the overuse of medications and fluids given to children.
Expert Reaction
Experts in the field of autism and public health have expressed concerns about Trump’s claims, citing a lack of scientific evidence to support the link between acetaminophen and autism. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that Trump’s statement was “not supported by scientific evidence and dangerously oversimplifies the complex causes of neurological problems in children.”
Current Research and Studies
A study of 2.5 million children in Sweden found no link between acetaminophen and autism. However, some researchers have suggested that there may be a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism, although more research is needed to confirm this.
