A Statement About Autism from St. David’s Medical Director
My role as a pediatrician is to help parents make the best possible health decisions for their children. Parents today are navigating a great deal of information, and occasionally misinformation, that influences their health decisions. Here is what I would like parents to know about autism, as a pediatrician.
Autism causes
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with no single cause.
Genetics play a significant role in the development of autism and many genes are thought to be involved.
While genetics are likely the primary factor that influences the development of autism, environmental influences are also being studied. Environmental influences can interact with genes to increase autism risk.
The science behind the risks and interventions
As medical professionals, we rely on large, well-designed studies to provide the data that help us understand these risk factors and to guide our recommendations.
Acetaminophen
There is currently a lack of strong, consistent scientific evidence to suggest that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy increases a child's risk of developing autism. The studies that have looked at this relationship are complex and have significant limitations.
The statement made by the Department of Health and Human Services that has caused concern for a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism was a "consensus statement," not a new research study. It was an opinion based on a review of existing data, and its authors acknowledged the need for more research.
Leading medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), have also reviewed the existing data and have not changed their guidelines regarding the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Leucovorin
There is also a lack of strong, consistent scientific evidence to support the use of leucovorin as a treatment for autism in all children. Some preliminary research has explored its potential benefits in a small subgroup of children with specific metabolic abnormalities, but these findings can't be broadly applied to all children with autism.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and other major medical organizations do not endorse leucovorin as a standard treatment for autism.
Support
For families of children with autism, it is natural to want to understand the potential causes and to explore any treatment options. We know that autism is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. We also know that there is no single cause.
If you have questions about your child’s medical condition or treatment options, it is best to discuss these with your child’s pediatrician or health care provider.
We are grateful to the parents who trust us with the care of their children!
Dr. Rachel N. Bies, MD, FAAP
Director of Clinical Quality for Wayzata Children’s Clinic
Medical Director of St David’s