By Guy Page
Weighing in on the controversy over the federal Department of Human Services initiative on autism, the Vermont Department of Health in its October 6 newsletter stated as false the claim by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that pregnant women taking tylenol can cause autism in the womb.
VDH also called autism “an aspect of the diversity that makes us all human” and that it “isn’t something that needs to be cured.” The newsletter was emailed to media October 6 but has not yet been posted on the Dept. of Health website. The newsletter states in part:
“This is one example of how false claims about health can cause real harm. Some parents might feel guilty for using acetaminophen while pregnant, even though it’s safe. Others might avoid taking it, even if they really need it, which could harm someone who is pregnant and their developing baby. Also, autism isn’t something that needs to be cured – it is an aspect of the diversity that makes us all human.”
On September 22, Pres. Donald Trump and Kennedy announced “bold actions to tackle the autism epidemic,” which they said has surged nearly 400% since 2000 and now affects 1 in 31 American children.
The initiative that got the most attention was the red flag on pregnant women taking tylenol. The language in the September 22 statement was somewhat cautious:
“The FDA is responding to prior clinical and laboratory studies that suggest a potential association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
“FDA also recognizes that there are contrary studies showing no association and that there can be risks for untreated fever in pregnancy, both for the mother and fetus. Given the conflicting literature and lack of clear causal evidence, HHS wants to encourage clinicians to exercise their best judgment in use of acetaminophen for fevers and pain in pregnancy by prescribing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration when treatment is required.
“Furthermore, FDA recognizes that acetaminophen is often the only tool for fevers and pain in pregnancy, as other alternatives (e.g., NSAIDs) have well documented adverse effects. FDA is partnering with manufacturers to update labeling and drive new research to safeguard mothers, children, and families.”
Nevertheless it has been met with scorn from many public officials. The VDH newsletter states:
“It can be hard to know what’s true when it comes to health information these days. One topic recently in the news that is creating confusion is whether acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is linked to autism.
“To be clear: there is no medical evidence that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy causes autism. This claim has been reviewed and rejected by trusted health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These groups have spent decades focused on the health of parents and children, using science and research to guide their recommendations.
“This is one example of how false claims about health can cause real harm. Some parents might feel guilty for using acetaminophen while pregnant, even though it’s safe. Others might avoid taking it, even if they really need it, which could harm someone who is pregnant and their developing baby. Also, autism isn’t something that needs to be cured – it is an aspect of the diversity that makes us all human.”
Advocates for autistic people say that autism is a genetic characteristic, not unlike skin color, and that to advise any treatment against it is a form of prejudice, even eugenics. Others argue that parents wishing to avoid autism in their children have a right to know the government’s best information and advice on the subject.
VDC welcomes feedback on the issue, pro and con, to news@vermontdailychronicle.com, in the comments section, and in callers to Hot Off The Press at 802-244-1777.