We have determined that many if not most cases of autism are caused by exposure of susceptible babies and children to acetaminophen. What does this mean for parents and guardians who have child with a fever? First, we believe it’s important to have a plan of action that’s based on scientific evidence. Having a plan in place helps to avoid last minute decisions based on emotions that can lead to regret.
The question is, what evidence is available that could help us make a plan?
First, most fevers are a natural part of the body’s protective immune response against infection, and blocking the fever is not recommended [3-5].
Second, acetaminophen has never been proven to work for severe fevers associated with seizures [6].
Third, scientists looking for the long-term effects of seizures associated with fevers have found…nothing. Scientists conclude that seizures associated with fevers are common and do not put your child at risk [7].
Fourth, we now know that acetaminophen was never proven safe for babies and children [8]. Over twenty lines of evidence and dozens of studies now tell us that acetaminophen is NOT safe for a baby’s brain [1,2,9].
Fifth, based on available evidence, exposure to acetaminophen at the time of birth is apparently very risky [1]. This exposure includes pregnant mother’s taking the drug just prior to giving birth*, and babies given the drug shortly after birth for circumcision or vaccination. Because of this, it is likely that exposure to acetaminophen under conditions in which is does little or no long-term good is responsible for a significant number of cases of autism.
Sixth, many individuals have considered alternatives to acetaminophen for treatment of fevers, including tepid baths and hydration with cool drinks. These and other alternatives haven’t been tested extensively, in large part, because most people don’t yet know that acetaminophen is not safe. In other words, most people still do not realize that we need a safe alternative.
We cannot provide medical advice. However, for your consideration, our website provides example plans devised by mothers for treating their children’s fever. It also provides links to alternative methods of treating pain.
*After the umbilical cord is cut at the time of birth, the baby must process whatever acetaminophen remains in his or her tiny body [1]. The baby’s liver is not nearly as efficient as the mother’s liver when it comes to processing drugs [2].
Citations
1. Parker W, Anderson LG, Jones JP, et al. The Dangers of Acetaminophen for Neurodevelopment Outweigh Scant Evidence for Long-Term Benefits. Children. 2024;11(1):44.
2. Zhao L, Jones J, Anderson L, et al. Acetaminophen causes neurodevelopmental injury in susceptible babies and children: no valid rationale for controversy. Clinical and experimental pediatrics. Jun 14 2023;doi:10.3345/cep.2022.01319
3. Evans SS, Repasky EA, Fisher DT. Fever and the thermal regulation of immunity: the immune system feels the heat. Nature reviews Immunology. 05/15 2015;15(6):335-349. doi:10.1038/nri3843
4. Sullivan JE, Farrar HC. Fever and Antipyretic Use in Children. Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):580-587. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852
5. El-Radhi ASM. Fever management: Evidence vs current practice. Clin Pediatr. 2012;1:29-33.
6. Hashimoto R, Suto M, Tsuji M, et al. Use of antipyretics for preventing febrile seizure recurrence in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pediatr. 2021/04/01 2021;180(4):987-997. doi:10.1007/s00431-020-03845-8
7. Improvement SCoQ, Management SoFS. Febrile Seizures: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Long-term Management of the Child With Simple Febrile Seizures. Pediatrics. 2008;121(6):1281-1286. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0939
8. Cendejas-Hernandez J, Sarafian J, Lawton V, et al. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Use in Infants and Children was Never Shown to be Safe for Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review with Citation Tracking. . Eur J Pediatr. 2022;181:1835-1857. doi:10.1007/s00431-022-04407-w
9. Patel E, Jones Iii JP, 3rd, Bono-Lunn D, et al. The safety of pediatric use of paracetamol (acetaminophen): a narrative review of direct and indirect evidence. Minerva pediatrics. Jul 13 2022;74(6):774-788. doi:10.23736/s2724-5276.22.06932-4