Commandment for dealing with autism: do not take the name of science in vain

(Article originally published in Folha de S.Paulo, April 2, 2026; exclusive access for subscribers)

In recent decades, autism has gone from a rare diagnosis to a common condition, known to everyone, one that can bring suffering and disability, but also impressive abilities, creativity, and joy. Autism illustrates the complexity of the human brain and mind, and how far we still are from unraveling its mysteries.

Thanks to the efforts of family associations and researchers, a vast body of knowledge has been built. Research has validated the suffering of many, shed light on the diagnosis of those who previously felt “defective,” and brought innovative ways to support, treat, and include. But the scientific method has been misused — and often deliberately so — leading families and society to enormous expense, confusion, and frustration.

The volume of false information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the internet grew by more than 15,000% between 2019 and 2024 in Latin America and the Caribbean, in a march of folly led by Brazil, which has 2.4 million people diagnosed (1.2% of the population). A study conducted in partnership between FGV and the association Autistas Brasil identified 150 false causes attributed to ASD, among them the consumption of snacks, vaccination, and parasitic infections.

In an era of supersonic information speed, pseudo-specialists seek profit by offering absurd treatments — miracle diets and deworming — wrapped in scientific studies that promise to be revolutionary but are either false or deeply flawed. In other cases, the study exists and is serious, the rationale for a new treatment makes sense, but a long road still needs to be traveled before it can be recommended responsibly.

The most recent example is leucovorin (folinic acid), which gained even more traction following the unfounded claim that taking Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism in the fetus. There is evidence linking folate metabolism to neurodevelopmental problems, and studies suggesting improvement in autism symptoms with folinic acid supplementation. But it is relatively easy to identify methodological flaws and a lack of clinical relevance. It is no coincidence that the largest study on the subject was retracted. In other words, the problem also lies with researchers who may fabricate results or lack sufficient rigor, and with journals that publish studies with little scrutiny.

The dispute can become even more fraught when we look at the justice system. Empathetic toward the suffering of families, but misled by pseudoscience — or by legitimate science being used in bad faith — judges grant access to expensive and ineffective treatments, generating enormous costs to the public purse with no real benefit.

The debate is full of variables, which reinforces the need to respect the proper processes of scientific research. The urgency families feel in their search for relief is understandable, especially for those living in extreme situations, with autistic relatives who have severe behavioral difficulties and disabilities.

Early intervention — essential for the development of skills and self-esteem — must be grounded in reliable evidence, obtained through accredited professionals. Value-based services and treatments must become part of the world of autism and be accessible to all.

But the data we need are also right in front of us, within our own homes. Observing the child attentively allows us to identify their strengths and the areas where they need support. Above all, we must balance expectations and celebrate each person’s achievements and their own unique forms of expression.

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Guilherme V. Polanczyk — Physician, Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, and Vice-President of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (Iacapap)

Julio Cruz Neto — Journalist, Communication Consultant at Juntô, the Brazilian initiative of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Child Mind Institute