Claims made by Donald Trump that using paracetamol during pregnancy can cause autism have been criticised as “unhelpful” and “wrong” by a local charity dedicated to supporting islanders on the autistic spectrum.
Autism Jersey released a statement clarifying that “there is no convincing evidence at all to show any causal relationship between the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children”.
The charity pointed to scientists and experts who generally concur that there is no single cause of autism.
It comes after the US President said that the pain reliever Tylenol, known in the UK as paracetamol, was “no good” for pregnant women to use and they should “fight like hell not to take it”, while citing a heavily disputed link between the drug and autism.
However, health authorities across Britain have been quick to reject Mr Trump’s claim.
Autism Jersey is there for you throughout your life, whenever and however you need us.
Nick Hutchinson, chair of autism jersey
We will not allow ill-judged comments to derail us from our long-term purpose.
Autism Jersey chair Nick Hutchinson said: “We understand that some autistic people, and those around them, may be upset, worried, confused, even angry, after such an incorrect message has been shared so widely.
“Please don’t be alarmed by what you have heard. Stay calm and search out support appropriate to your own circumstances.
“Locally we can draw strength from our two decades of experience of autism in the island, and in turn nationally we can look to the well-resourced National Autistic Society, and to the National Health Service.”
He added: “Being autistic is an aspect of an individual’s make-up that colours their whole life.
“Autism Jersey is there for you throughout your life, whenever and however you need us.
“We will not allow ill-judged comments to derail us from our long-term purpose.”
Paracetamol is recommended for pain relief during pregnancy by multiple sources, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the NHS Foundation.