We must ground decisions related to public health in sound science and evidence, not on rhetoric or opinions lacking the support of research. The correlation between acetaminophen and autism has not been proven. Families, particularly mothers, deserve clear guidance rather than cycles of blame and guilt.
All medical care decisions should be made between a patient and a physician. At the same time, research into potential treatments such as leucovorin shows why continued NIH studies and other research are essential to identify which individuals may benefit.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with no single cause that affects individuals in diverse ways, including in communication, learning and behavior. Families need access to effective therapies and reliable supports over a lifetime, and The Arc of Massachusetts will continue to advocate for evidence-based approaches that improve quality of life.
