Front Burner Autism and Tylenol: what the science says
22 snips
Sep 24, 2025 Deepa Singal, scientific director of the Autism Alliance of Canada, dives into the controversial claims linking Tylenol to autism during pregnancy. She explains how autism is a lifelong condition with genetic and environmental nuances, emphasizing that it's not preventable. Deepa debunks misleading statements from the Trump administration about acetaminophen and autism, citing comprehensive studies that fail to support any causal link. She advocates for informed discussions, urging respect for the complexities of autism and caution against harmful myths.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Association ≠ Causation In Autism Research
- Observational studies link autism with many environmental factors but cannot prove causation.
- Singal stresses the difference between association and causation and calls for higher-quality research.
Large Sibling Study Finds No Link
- The largest sibling-design study (Sweden) found no association between prenatal acetaminophen and autism when accounting for family factors.
- Major medical bodies, including WHO, continue to say evidence does not show a causal link.
Discuss Fever Treatment With Your Provider
- Treating fever in pregnancy matters because fever itself can harm mother and baby.
- Deepa Singal advises pregnant women to consult their healthcare providers about Tylenol use when medically indicated.