Montgomery County’s health officer shut down recent claims from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. connecting vaccines and Tylenol to autism.
‘Political Voices’
“Vaccines do not cause autism,” County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis said during a media briefing with County Executive Marc Elrich on Thursday. “This is the consensus of the medical and scientific community built on decades of research. Numerous well-designed studies have found no causal link. The original study that suggested a connection was retracted and found to be fraudulent.”
On Monday, Kennedy said “we are closely examining” vaccines as a potential cause of autism. Trump claimed there are certain groups of people like Amish people who “don’t take vaccines and don’t take any pills” and have no autism. This has been proven false.
Davis said the rapidly-changing guidance on vaccines has been “head-spinning.” The pace of the announcements, “often not grounded in science or facts,” has created confusion for families and concern for those who are dedicated to protecting community health.
“I want to be very clear: The scientific, medical, and public health communities base their work on rigorous training, data analysis, and evidence,” said Davis, who is a family physician. “That expertise should not be discounted or overridden by political voices without the same experience.”
Trump also suggested Tylenol use during pregnancy is linked to autism in children.
Davis said, “The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has reaffirmed that it remains safe and important in pregnancy when used appropriately.”
County Executive Elrich said it puts parents in the position of wondering if taking Tylenol caused their child’s autism — “To do that and insert that kind of fear into people when you do not have the facts is something the President and RFK should not be doing.”
Recommendations
Davis recommends that pregnant women and caregivers should consult with their doctor before taking any medication, and Tylenol remains the safest option when used correctly.
Avoid unproven therapies like leucovorin outside of clinical research, and be skeptical of simplistic explanations or single-drug cures for autism.
Rely on trusted sources like The American Academy of Family Physicians, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and established Autism organizations for guidance.
‘The Cure is Already Within Us’
Davis emphasized this: “Autism is not a disease to be eradicated.”
“People with autism bring unique perspectives, strengths, and contributions to our communities.”
“The focus should not just be on searching for a cure, but on building a more inclusive society.”
Davis added, “In many ways, the cure is already within us, in how we choose to treat one another, it’s our ability to show empathy, reduce stigma, and recognize each person’s potential, and to ensure that children and adults with autism are empowered to live their best lives.”
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