Core Viewpoint - The increase in autism diagnoses in the U.S. has raised public concern, but there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence linking the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy to autism [1][2] Group 1: Autism Diagnosis and Prevalence - The U.S. government reported that in 2022, the diagnosis rate of autism among 8-year-old children reached a historic high, with 1 in 31 children diagnosed [1] - The global prevalence of autism among children is estimated at 1%, up from approximately 0.6% a decade ago [2] - The average age for autism diagnosis globally is 5 years, while in the U.S., it remains close to 4 years [3] Group 2: Causes and Risk Factors - The etiology of autism is not fully understood, but it is believed that neurodevelopmental characteristics may form during fetal brain development [3][4] - Genetic factors account for approximately 80% of the risk for autism, with increasing research focusing on the interaction between genetic and environmental factors [4] - Potential risk factors for autism include low birth weight, neonatal jaundice, complications during pregnancy or delivery, and parental health conditions such as obesity and diabetes [4] Group 3: Treatment and Research - Currently, there are no effective therapies to reverse autism, and treatment remains challenging [5][6] - The FDA recently approved a therapy involving calcium folinate (folic acid) for improving autism symptoms, but research on its efficacy is still in early stages [6] - Advances in understanding the neuroanatomy of autism are limited, making treatment development more difficult compared to other neurodevelopmental disorders like depression [7]