It's quite useless to us': What autistic people actually want from the Trump administration

"The Trump administration is seeking to make the proof that acetaminophen (or paracetamol) leads to autism, Robert F Kennedy said earlier this month during a televised cabinet meeting. But autistic researchers and advocates say they are significantly less interested in the causes of autism which decades of research have shown to have a strong connection to genetics than in support services and research on issues that would improve their quality of life."

"The secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services and longtime anti-vaccine activist claimed that countries with lower acetaminophen use have lower rates of autism diagnosis. But under-diagnosis of autism is common in many low- and middle-income countries, which may make rates appear lower, according to the World Health Organization. Kennedy added: It is not proof. We're doing the studies to make the proof."

"The remarks come after Donald Trump's September announcement that acetaminophen can be associated with a very increased risk of autism, a connection that is not supported by rigorous science. It is a very dangerous move they've made. And also, compared to what could help, it's quite useless to us, said Zoe Gross, director of advocacy at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)."

Federal officials are pursuing studies to establish a causal link between acetaminophen use and autism, with claims that lower acetaminophen use in some countries correlates with lower autism diagnosis rates. The World Health Organization notes under-diagnosis in many low- and middle-income countries can make rates appear lower. Officials have suggested circumcision-related acetaminophen use as a possible factor. Leading scientists say the association is not supported by rigorous evidence and decades of research point to strong genetic contributions to autism. Autistic researchers and advocates urge prioritizing support services, research on quality-of-life issues, and proven interventions rather than causal hunting.

Read at www.theguardian.com