No conclusive evidence links autism to paracetamol use during pregnancy – WHO

Last week, United States President Donald Trump linked the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to increased risks of autism. 

Trump said the US Food and Drug Administration will notify doctors that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a “very increased risk of autism.”

“They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary,” such as to treat fever, “if you can’t tough it out,” said Trump, sparking concerns from medical experts. 

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions related to the development of brain. The condition is often marked by difficulty with social interaction and communication. Many autism patients also display distinctive behaviours; from difficulty shifting between activities, to an intense focus on details, and atypical reactions to sounds, sights and touch.

"Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are among priority mental health and neurological conditions being discussed at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health. As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families," WHO advises. 

According to WHO, nearly 62 million people, 1 in 127, have autism, yet in many low- and middle-income countries, the true incidence of the condition remains largely unknown. Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism have not been established, and experts believe that multiple factors are involved.  

Scientific evidence points out several factors which include advanced parental age, maternal diabetes during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to air pollutants, prematurity, severe birth complications and low birth weight. In addition, children exposed in the womb to certain anti-seizure medications, such as valproate and carbamazepine, are diagnosed with autism more often than others.

WHO thus recommends that all women follow their doctors' advice and take the prescribed medication. It further advises that any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months. 

A robust, extensive evidence base shows that childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Furthermore, since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines - including those with thiomersal or aluminium - do not cause autism or other developmental disorders.