“There’s been a lot of studies of women having fevers, and that links to autism during pregnancy. It’s kind of funny that the one thing (Tylenol) that lowers fevers and stuff like that is now being said to be the cause of autism.”
Malena Smego, nursing
As headlines swirl about a possible connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, students at Kirkwood Community College are taking a closer look—raising questions and citing concerns.
“I want to say it like it is, don’t take Tylenol. Don’t take it,” President Donald Trump said during a Sept. 22 press conference from the White House, in reference to the newest villain, or victim, in the war on science. “Other things that we recommend, or certainly I do anyway, is … don’t let them pump your baby up with the largest pile of stuff you’ve ever seen in your life,” he said, referring to vaccines, a long-standing and unsubstantiated reference to the notion that exposure to vaccines early in life causes the onset of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, according to Public Health On Call.
“There are so many pregnant people who have used Tylenol throughout their pregnancies, my mom included,” said nursing major Lexi Brink when asked if she agrees that taking Tylenol can be linked to autism. “Many of them don’t end up having kids with autism.”
Tylenol, the most popular brand name of acetaminophen, is regarded to be one of the only safe over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers approved for pregnant people. Acetaminophen has a history of safe use since it was developed in the late 1800s, rising in popularity in the 1950s, and remaining a staple in medicine cabinets, first aid kits, and mothers’ purses across the globe ever since, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Nursing major Malena Smigo said, “There’s been a lot of studies of women having fevers, and that links to autism during pregnancy. It’s kind of funny that the one thing (Tylenol) that lowers fevers and stuff like that is now being said to be the cause of autism.”
According to a large body of research, the actual cause of autism remains unknown, with working theories favoring a combination of genetic predispositions and exposure environmental factors such as pesticides; heavy metals, and air pollution; maternal health conditions such as obesity, autoimmune disorders, hormonal conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, and diabetes, gestational or otherwise; malnutrition during pregnancy; geriatric pregnancy; and genetic conditions like Fragile X, Rhett, and Down Syndrome.
Nursing student Brooklyn Rosene said that her mother took Tylenol with three different children, and none of which ended up having autism. “I don’t think Tylenol leads to autism,” said Rosene.
In some cases, Autism Spectrum Disorder can be reliably diagnosed in children two years or younger but is most commonly diagnosed in young school-age children, according to the Center for Disease and Control. Data shows the majority of people diagnosed with ASD are school age boys from wealthy white families. However, with better understanding of the spectrum of experiences and behaviors of the autistic neurotype, increased awareness around neurotypes and developmental disabilities, reduced stigma surrounding mental health differences and improvements in access to reliable healthcare, the face of autism is changing.
Categories: Campus News, News
