Almost one in four Americans believe misinformation about the cause of autism

AI Summary

A survey reported that nearly one in four Americans believe unsupported claims linking childhood vaccines or acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism. Published in JAMA Health Forum, the findings point to persistent misinformation and a need for stronger public health communication.

Nearly a quarter of Americans believe that childhood vaccines and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy cause autism, despite no evidence to support those claims, a survey published in JAMA Health Forum notes. The findings suggest that misinformation about autism persists and that better public health messaging is needed to combat it.