Front Burner – "Autism and Tylenol: What the Science Says"

Host: Jayme Poisson (CBC)
Guest: Dr. Deepa Singel (Scientific Director, Autism Alliance of Canada; Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Alberta)
Date: September 24, 2025

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This Front Burner episode tackles the controversial claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump and his health officials regarding autism, specifically focusing on allegations about Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and critiques of vaccines. Host Jayme Poisson is joined by Dr. Deepa Singel to break down the science behind these assertions, explore the genuine state of autism research, and address the impact of these debates on the autism community and their families.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS AND INSIGHTS

1. What is Autism?

• Definition: A lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, behavior, and sensory experiences; highly variable (a "spectrum").
  • "It's called a spectrum, because every autistic person is different." — Dr. Singel [03:37]
• Diagnosis: Primarily behavioral, typically by multidisciplinary teams; focuses on social challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory differences.
• Age at Diagnosis: Increasingly diagnosed across all ages, including adults, owing to growing awareness and improved diagnostics.

2. Causes of Autism: What Does Science Say?

• Genetics as Major Factor:
  • "Multiple lines of evidence point to genetics that are playing a major role in autism." — Dr. Singel [05:26]
  • Increased recurrence among siblings and inherited characteristics.
• Environmental Factors:
  • Research suggests some associations (pollutants, older parenting) but cannot prove causation; studies are observational and have limitations.
  • "There's no smoking gun… More research needs to be done in this area using high-quality methodology." — Dr. Singel [06:57]

3. Why Is Autism Research Challenging?

• The heterogeneity of autism and presence of co-occurring conditions make it extremely difficult to isolate specific causes or develop universal treatments.
  • "No two autistic people are the same... wide variety of behaviors, of symptoms, of co-occurring conditions..." — Dr. Singel [07:35]

4. Evaluating Claim: Does Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Cause Autism?

(Segment begins ~08:13)

• Summary of Trump's Claim: Tylenol during pregnancy is linked to autism, recommending avoidance except for “extremely high fever.” [08:36, 09:08]
• Dr. Singel’s Response:
  • "Unequivocally, the body of evidence shows that Tylenol does not cause autism." — Dr. Singel [09:40]
  • References to major Swedish sibling study (2.48 million children): No association found when accounting for genetics and family environment.
  • All major medical authorities (Canadian/US/WHO) endorse Tylenol as safe for pregnancy when medically necessary.
• Context of Medication Risks: Ibuprofen and naproxen are, in contrast, known to have negative prenatal effects, making acetaminophen the safer option. [11:35]
• On Giving Tylenol to Children: No evidence to change guidance; global medical advice remains unchanged despite politicized rhetoric. [12:31]

Why Do Some Studies Suggest a Link?

• The studies cited by Trump are observational and cannot establish causation, have significant design limitations, and cannot ethically be validated in clinical trials involving pregnant participants. [13:15]

Impact on Parents

• Raising such claims increases fear and guilt among parents, often without scientific justification.
  • "Fear and guilt over Tylenol is not what we want Canadians and pregnant women and families to feel because there's no scientific evidence." — Dr. Singel [14:37]

5. Evaluating Claim: Leucovorin/Folinic Acid as Autism Treatment

(Segment begins ~16:18)

• Trump Administration Claims: Leucovorin (a folate-related compound) could help treat autism, with plans to relabel for this use. [16:39]
• Scientific Context:
  • Small-scale studies (≤100 children) show modest improvements in some children but no conclusive evidence of efficacy.
  • "No medical body is saying this is a standard of care for autism ... much, much more research needs to be done." — Dr. Singel [16:58, 18:06]
• Safety and Risks: Mild side effects observed; unknown long-term or drug interaction risks. Advised only under medical supervision. [19:20]

6. Evaluating Claim: Vaccines and Autism

(Segment begins ~20:25)

• Trump’s Position: Repeats discredited claims about a vaccines-autism connection; suggests untethered vaccine schedules. [20:34]
• Scientific Consensus:
  • "Vaccines are safe, they're safe and they're essential ... Vaccines don't cause autism." — Dr. Singel [21:21]
  • Decades of global research; claims repeatedly disproven.
• Resurgence of Vaccine Angst: Media amplification of debunked ideas is harmful, distracts from meaningful support for autistic people and their families.

7. Autism Prevalence: Is It Really an “Epidemic”?

(Segment begins ~22:32)

• Rising Rates Explained:
  • Broader diagnostic definitions, improved awareness, reduced stigma, and better screening—not a true surge in new cases.
  • "These figures are really reflecting inclusion and understanding and not this emergency, not this epidemic..." — Dr. Singel [23:58]
• Misconceptions About Severity: Rates increasing across the spectrum, not limited to severe cases. [24:34]

8. Genetics vs. Environment Debate

• RFK Jr.’s Claim: “Genes do not cause epidemics… you need an environmental toxin.” [25:03]
• Scientific Response: Genetics play a dominant role; environmental theories remain unproven and require more high-quality research.

9. Cultural Differences in Autism Diagnosis

(Segment begins ~25:51)

• Discussion on reported lower rates among groups like the Amish is likely due to diagnostic and cultural barriers, not true absence of autism.
  • "Different cultures have stigma around autism... stigma is what is preventing... getting that diagnosis." — Dr. Singel [25:51]

10. Impacts on the Autism Community

(Segment begins ~27:29)

• The shift in discourse from support and dignity to fear and stigmatization is damaging for autistic people and their families.
  • "Framing autism in this epidemic way... really disrespects the life experience and the contributions and the dignity of autistic people." — Dr. Singel [27:29]

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• On Evidence and Guidance:
  • "No medical bodies are coming out to change their guidance and change medical treatment..." — Dr. Singel [12:37]
• On Vaccines:
  • "The evidence here is unequivocal... claims that vaccines cause autism have been disproven again and again and again." — Poisson [20:54]
• On Community Impact:
  • "We're hearing from our members from coast to coast to coast about… this really sad, tragic moment where the global discourse has shifted from awareness... to fear, dehumanizing language." — Dr. Singel [27:29]

USEFUL TIMESTAMPS

• [03:37] – What is autism?
• [05:26] – What does the science say about what causes autism?
• [09:40] – Does Tylenol cause autism?
• [13:15] – Why do some studies suggest a link?
• [16:18] – Leucovorin/Folinic Acid for autism
• [20:25] – Vaccines and autism discredited
• [22:32] – Autism rates: epidemic or better diagnosis?
• [25:51] – Cultural and diagnostic differences in autism prevalence
• [27:29] – Impact of media claims on autism community

EPISODE TONE AND TAKEAWAY

The conversation is scientifically rigorous yet empathetic, centering on the harm done by misinformation. Dr. Singel advocates for focusing on inclusion and real support for autistic people rather than chasing unsubstantiated claims. The episode urges listeners to consult health professionals and rely on scientific consensus rather than politicized or sensationalized assertions on autism causes or treatments.