Trump, Robert F. Kennedy to make autism announcement. Here’s when
Trump administration set to make announcement on autism findings
The Trump administration is set to announce their findings of what may contribute to autism, but medical groups dispute their claim.
- President Donald Trump teased an upcoming announcement about an “answer to autism.”
- A news conference is scheduled for Sept. 22 with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz.
- Medical organizations currently state that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is safe for use during pregnancy.
President Donald Trump spoke on a forthcoming announcement regarding an “answer to autism” at Charlie Kirk’s public memorial on Saturday, Sept. 20.
“I think you’re going to find it to be amazing,” Trump told the Glendale, Arizona, crowd memorializing the conservative activist. “I think we found an answer to autism.”
According to Politico and The Washington Post, the Trump administration is expected to announce that Tylenol use during pregnancy could contribute to the development of autism in children. The drug leucovorin is also expected to be discussed as a potential treatment for autism.
Trump and others in the administration will discuss how autism “happens, so we won’t let it happen anymore, and how to get at least somewhat better when you have it,” Trump said.
Here’s what else we know.
When is Trump expected to make an announcement about autism cause?
A news conference will be held on Sept. 22 on the announcement, which Trump called one of the biggest in the “history of the country.” The conference will feature Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
What is the definition of autism?
The Mayo Clinic defines autism spectrum disorder as “a condition related to brain development that affects how people see others and socialize with them.” The condition also includes limited, repeated patterns of behavior. The term “spectrum” refers to the hugely varied range of symptoms and severities associated with ASD.
While there is no cure for ASD, early treatment during preschool years can make a big difference in the lives of those with the condition.
What are likely causes of autism? Do vaccines, Tylenol cause autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex and widely varied condition with no known single cause. Mayo Clinic notes that genetics and environment may play a role; for some children, ASD can be related to a genetic condition such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. Genetic mutations and other genes can also raise the risk.
Researchers also continue to explore the link between ASD and environmental factors such as viral infections, medicines, complications during pregnancy, air pollutants and more.
Pregnant women are already advised not to use Ibuprofen, the generic form of Advil, after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier in September that Kennedy’s autism report would link the use of acetaminophen, the generic form of Tylenol, by pregnant women to autism, despite medical guidelines that say it is safe to use.
Mayo Clinic called arguments on the link between autism and childhood vaccines “one of the greatest controversies in autism spectrum disorder centers.” The organization added that “many well-done research studies show no link between autism spectrum disorder and any vaccines,” and noted that the original study that began the debate of whether there was a link was retracted due to “poor design and questionable research methods.”
Are autism rates increasing?
Autism diagnoses in the United States have increased significantly since 2000, intensifying public concern. Though Kennedy previously called the increase an “epidemic running rampant,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers attributed the change to “increased identification” of ASD among very young children and groups that had not previously been identified.
In an April report, the CDC found that in 2022, 1 in 31 children were diagnosed with autism by age 8 in the United States, an increase from 1 in 36 children in 2020. The prevalence of autism among boys was 1 in 20, and the 2022 rate is five times higher than it was in 2000.
The prevalence of ASD in North Carolina is also growing.
Most recent CDC reports from 2020 placed autism rates among North Carolina 8-year-olds at 2.5%, “significantly higher than the national average” of 1.85%.
Does Tylenol affect brain development?
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both endorsed using acetaminophen during pregnancy in a Sept. 5 statement.
“Acetaminophen remains a safe, trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy,” the college wrote in a social media post.
“At this time, the weight of scientific evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes an increased risk for autism or ADHD is simply inconclusive,” SMFM President Sindhu K. Srinivas said in the statement.
Kenvue, the company that owns Tylenol, said in a statement that “we believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise.”
Autism resources in North Carolina
Identification, treatment and community support are all important pieces of treating autism. The Autism Society of North Carolina offers a number of resources, including specific options by county. In Buncombe County alone, the society notes:
- Juliette Heim, reachable at 800-442-2762, and Senior Hispanic Outreach & Support Coordinator Mariela Maldonado, reachable at 919-865-5066 or 800-442-2762 and by email at mmaldonado@autismsociety-nc.org
- Direct services through the ASNC Asheville office located at 306 Summit St., Asheville, NC 28803; the office can be reached at 828-236-1547 or by email at mlepage@autismsociety-nc.org
- ABA services and short-term clinical consultation through a team of Licensed Psychological Associates, Board Certified Behavioral Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians; contact the team at 919-865-5077
- Area family support groups: Information can be found at facebook.com/groups/asnc.buncombe or by email at buncombesupportgroup@autismsociety-nc.org
Find more information and resources, including by county, at autismsociety-nc.org/find-help.
Zac Anderson, Thao Nguyen and USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
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