The message is: listen to your GP, not an unqualified politician. Almost everything stated at the widely publicised press conference held by US President Donald Trump a few weeks ago regarding paracetamol advice for pregnant women, was incorrect.

1. There is no epidemic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The rates increased slightly to between 2-3% of births. What’s changed are the criteria for diagnosis. Years ago, children on the spectrum were given a label called Asperger’s syndrome, which was unhelpful and stigmatising. Additionally, the only children to receive an autism diagnosis were those with intellectual disability and severe repetitive behaviours. The recognition that issues with communication and repetition exist on a spectrum has allowed more people to access help.
2. ASD is largely genetic with only minor contributions from the environment, such as prematurity and perhaps maternal and paternal age.
3. The allegation that the MMR vaccine causes autism is based on fraudulent research, and exhaustive studies have shown the vaccine to be safe.
4. As for paracetamol in pregnancy – the evidence shows that it is safe. A large Swedish study followed 2.5 million children from birth to the age of 26 and found no link with autism.
5. Pregnant women should not “tough it out” when they have a fever. What we do know is that having a fever in pregnancy can be dangerous for the baby. That’s why paracetamol is needed.

For a comprehensive overview of what’s known about autism spectrum disorder, listen to the recent ABC Health Report.