Meds, Vaccines, and Autism

By Lisa Babb, LCSW

Mental health and wellbeing is incredibly important during the perinatal period and parenthood, not only for individuals but for families and communities.

Recent claims about medications, vaccines, and autism have left many folks feeling anxious, scared, and confused. This can be especially true for people experiencing mental health challenges related to pregnancy, postpartum, and loss, as well as those navigating the transition to parenthood.

False claims that acetaminophen and vaccines cause autism recently sent a wave of misleading information to expectant parents and caregivers. This can not only stoke worry and confusion, but it also harms our autistic communities.

The fact is, research does not suggest that acetaminophen (taken during pregnancy or given to children as directed) or vaccines cause autism. Neurodiversity enriches our lives, and autism describes one way our brains and bodies can experience and respond to the world.

Autism is not a disease or disorder. However, it is a disability, because many of our spaces are not set up to support autistic people. Support tailored to the unique strengths and needs of individuals can help improve outcomes that are meaningful to autistic individuals and their families.

“There is no single root cause of autism, and there is no single medication that will give every autistic child or adult what they need,” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The more we all learn about autism, the more we can celebrate the unique and complex ways all of our nervous systems work. It also helps us show up with care and compassion as we engage with folks whose brains and bodies operate differently than ours. The best way to learn about autism is from autistic people!

If you are feeling stressed and confused, know that you are not alone and there are resources to support you. We have included a list of many of these below.

If you have specific questions regarding the impact of medications or vaccines for you or your family, it is best to consult your pediatrician, OB-GYN, or other trusted healthcare provider.

Additional Resources:

• Visit postpartum.net to find information, resources, and support for perinatal mental health (the period before conception to one year after birth). PSI en Español.
• Call or text the PSI HelpLine for basic information, support, and resources. Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD), #1 (Español) or #2 (English). Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or text (Español) 971-203-7773.
• Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) for free, confidential help, 24/7.
• Join a free virtual peer support group.
• Search the PSI online directory to find qualified perinatal mental health professionals who specialize in perinatal mental health.
• Visit MotherToBaby to find evidence-based information on the benefits/risk of medications and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Visit Autistic Self Advocacy Network for resources compiled by a nonprofit run by and for autistic people.
• Check out this guide for parents of autistic kids.