Commentary: May Institute and National Autism Center Emphasize Science and Compassion in Autism Care

In consideration of the recent White House press conference regarding autism, it is essential to provide objective information based on current scientific evidence regarding the causes and treatments of autism. This press conference did not present any new scientific studies, nor did it offer any evidence to support claims that Tylenol causes autism.

As a national leader in the field, May Institute and its National Autism Center are dedicated to conducting well-designed, carefully controlled scientific studies to identify both the causes of autism and promising treatments to help improve the lives of autistic people. It is through this research that we will be able to determine causation and move beyond correlational findings to help guide our path forward.

For decades, the autistic community has been exposed to outdated theories that have blamed parents or promoted false promises based on pseudoscience. Now more than ever, it is important to continually review existing and emerging validated scientific evidence to help guide how to best support the autistic community and their families. The current evidence is clear: autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by complicated interactions of genetic and environmental factors. It is unlikely that a single factor will be identified that causes autism or accounts for the increase in diagnosis over the last several decades. Further, there are many factors that have contributed to the increase in autism diagnosis including the expansion of diagnostic criteria, early screening, and increased awareness of autism.

For more information, please see our recent commentary: Leading with Compassion and Science at a Time of Rising Autism Rates.