In reaction to yesterday’s White House announcement, the American Psychiatric Association issued the following statement:
“It is essential that the administration prioritizes evidence-based support for individuals on the autism spectrum and invests in long-term, comprehensive research about the disorder.
Vaccines do not cause autism. Claims of any such association have been repeatedly discredited in peer-reviewed studies.
Autism is a complex disorder, and it is incorrect to imply that a handful of studies have established causation. A strong base of evidence shows that acetaminophen, when taken as directed, is safe for use during pregnancy. Any decisions around a course of treatment should be determined by the patient and their doctor.
Leucovorin (folinic acid) has not been a recommended treatment for autism. It will require many more years of research before we know if leucovorin is an appropriate treatment for individuals with autism.
Autism spectrum disorders exist on a spectrum of neurodiversity. The country must focus its resources on expanding access to care and building the evidence base for future treatments.”
American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world, with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.
Agreed, we should not jump to conclusions about disorders, or any other health situation[s] that has not been fully, completely and unequivocally determined to be harmful or unsuccessful. Nor should this become a politically driven cause!
Thank you for your simple but direct and clear sharing of this important information.