According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, correlation is “a relation existing between phenomena or things or between mathematical or statistical variables which tend to vary, be associated, or occur together in a way not expected on the basis of chance alone,” and causation is “the act or process of causing.” Correlation does not also mean causation; knowing the meaning of this sentence is crucial right now because of the dangerous misinformation that using Tylenol while pregnant is what causes autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that causes an individual’s brain to work differently. Someone with autism may struggle with making eye contact, communication, and sensitivity to sensory input, such as loud noises. Autism is complex and caused by both genetic and environmental factors; it is not something that can simply be cured or prevented. Additionally, autism is a spectrum; some autistic people need more support than others.
The claim that Tylenol is what causes autism comes from studies that show that many people with autism have mothers who took Tylenol while pregnant. However, the reason for this is because Tylenol is one of the only medications a pregnant woman can take to help with things such as fevers or pain. Just because there is a correlation between two things does not mean that there is a causation.
As an autistic person myself, I understand that autism can be very hard to live with, especially for people who are higher on the spectrum. However, due to autism being a developmental disorder caused mainly by genetics, there isn’t a way to prevent or cure it. Instead, resources should be used to help people with autism be able to live a normal life.
