Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked controversy by suggesting a link between circumcision and autism during a Cabinet meeting. However, experts are pushing back against his claims, citing methodological issues with the studies he cited and the need for rigorous research to establish causality.
Kennedy suggested that children who undergo circumcision early in life may be more likely to develop autism due to exposure to Tylenol. But experts say potential matches between circumcision rates and autism diagnoses have significant flaws, including confounding variables such as cultural and socioeconomic factors.
“The relationship between circumcision practices and autism diagnoses is complex and influenced by many factors,” said Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor. “Circumcision practices are also tied to culture and religion, which can affect autism diagnoses and healthcare use.”
In fact, studies have found that the association between circumcision and autism disappears after age 5. This suggests that any potential link may be due to factors other than the procedure itself, such as increased healthcare access or socioeconomic status.
Other experts agree that Kennedy’s claims are unfounded. “There is absolutely no evidence establishing causality,” said Dr. Steven Abelowitz, a pediatrician with over 30 years of experience. “We almost never use Tylenol after circumcision.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that acetaminophen can be safely used in children under 12 weeks, and most circumcisions occur before this age.
Kennedy’s comments have sparked international concern, with the United Kingdom’s National Autistic Society warning against the risks of unfounded claims. The Food and Drug Administration has also defended its stance on acetaminophen during pregnancy, stating that there is no evidence to support a causal link between the medication and autism.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-circumcision-linked-autism-experts