Autism, acetaminophen, and vaccines: when political rhetoric challenges scientific evidence

Recent political positions in the United States have reignited debate over alleged links between medical interventions and autism, including advice to avoid acetaminophen in pregnancy, the promotion of folinic acid as a potential preventive or therapeutic measure, and the restriction of several pediatric vaccinations previously universally recommended. These claims have raised concern within the scientific community due to their potential to spread misinformation and weaken established preventive practices. The most robust available evidence, including large population-based cohorts, sibling-comparison studies, and recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, does not support a causal association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or intellectual disability. Likewise, while folates play a key role in preventing neural tube defects, current data do not support the use of folinic acid to prevent or treat autism. Limiting pediatric vaccination recommendations in the absence of new, high-quality evidence may reduce vaccine coverage and increase the circulation of preventable infectious diseases. The dissemination of non-evidence-based messages, particularly when endorsed by institutional figures, poses a tangible threat to public health and public trust.