Autism

Researchers have studied whether taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy could raise the chance of autism or ADHD in children. Some studies showed a possible link, but a very large study from Sweden in 2024 found no difference in risk when comparing brothers and sisters where only one was exposed. This means the connection seen in earlier research was likely due to family or health factors, not the medicine itself. Because of this, major medical groups like the FDA, CDC, and ACOG still say that acetaminophen is the safest choice for pain and fever in pregnancy, when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, under a doctor’s advice.

In a separate area of research, doctors are testing a vitamin-like medicine called Leucovorin (folinic acid) as a treatment for some children with autism. In certain children, folate (a form of vitamin B9) does not get into the brain normally because of special antibodies that block it. Leucovorin can “get around” this blockage and restore folate levels. Small studies have shown that some children—especially those with these antibodies—may improve in language and social skills with Leucovorin. This treatment is not officially approved for autism and is considered experimental, though some doctors prescribe it “off-label.” More research is needed before it becomes standard care.

For families, the main points are: (1) acetaminophen is safe to use during pregnancy if truly needed, since untreated fever or pain can be harmful for both mom and baby, and (2) Leucovorin shows promise for certain children with autism, but it should only be tried under the guidance of a knowledgeable doctor. Research is moving toward more “personalized” treatments, aiming to help specific groups of children rather than looking for one solution for all autism.

It’s also important to remember: medical advice should come from trusted healthcare professionals—your OB, pediatrician, medical professionals and specialists and of course daas torah.  

And besides—wait, I thought it was the MMR vaccine… or maybe FD&C Red No. 2? 

 פסחים פז:  אמר רבי יונתן כל טובה שעשו אומות העולם לא עשו אלא לצורך עצמן עשו גשרים עשו מרחצאות עשו טרקלינין לא עשו אלא לצורך עצמן גשרים ליטול מהן מכס מרחצאות לעדן בהן עצמן טרקלינין להושיב בהן זונות 

 אבות ב:ג  הוי זהירין ברשות שאין מקרבין לו לאדם אלא לצרכן נראין כאוהבין בשעת הנאתן ואין עומדין לו לאדם בשעת דחקו 

 מגילה ו:  אמר רבי יצחק למה נמשלו שרי אומות העולם לים לומר לך מה הים הזה אין לו סוף אף שרי אומות העולם אין להם סוף 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) does not come from one single cause. Instead, it develops from a mix of genetic factors and other influences. Thanks to new advances in genetic testing, doctors can now find changes in the genes of many children with autism that help explain why it developed. Right now, genetic tests (such as chromosomal microarray and whole exome sequencing) can identify a cause in about 20–40% of children with autism. This means that for many families we still do not yet find a clear answer. Doctors also believe that other factors may play a role, such as complications during pregnancy or birth, very early exposures that affect brain development, or a combination of genes and environment together. Importantly, autism is not caused by vaccines or parenting style. As science moves forward and more genes are discovered, we expect to uncover more and more of the genetic reasons behind autism over time.