Acetaminophen, Autism, and What Matters

A number of people have asked me what I think of the recent “revelations" about autism and acetaminophen. I’ve kept quiet thus far for no other reason than to allow the noise to pass.

My reaction is the same today as it was when the announcement happened:

It doesn’t matter.

For the millions of people who are feeling the impact of autism each day–children, parents, doctors, therapists, teachers, aides, home care workers, and others, the announcement changes nothing. Our day-to-day life is not impacted because, even if true (which it isn’t), the announcement has zero impact on what we do today or tomorrow.

What DOES impact what we do each day is the impact of behavioral, supplemental, medical and technological interventions that, separately and together, can improve symptoms and behaviors. Every time a symptom is reduced, a behavior is controlled, a function is achieved, there is a direct correlation with overall quality of life for the person with autism and everyone around them. 

So…

Wake me when there are new treatments that directly reduce symptoms.

Wake me when there are new supplements or combinations that curb aggression.

Wake me when research suggests that a new protocol, diet, or method works to toilet train, talk, or tamps down stimming.

Wake me when a new technology helps people with autism interact with the world so we can learn from their brilliance.

Until then, nothing else matters. 

About David S. Williams III, CEO of Care3

David is a digital health visionary and entrepreneur who has used real world data and technology to improve the lives of 3 million people with chronic conditions–including his two children on the autism spectrum. His son has achieved a 40% improvement in behaviors and his daughter has achieved functional recovery from autism. Learn how he achieved these results for his children here.