Autism: Is Tylenol to Blame? Is Leucovorin the Answer? A conversation with a fellow pediatrician and developmental behavioral pediatrician

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Dr. Mona Amin

Medicine, Kids & Family, Health & Fitness, Parenting

4.9 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 15 October 2025

⏱️ 60 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This week, I sit down with two incredible guests to unpack one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) press conferences in recent months. I’m joined by Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and founder of Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center, and Dr. Anshu Batra, developmental-behavioral pediatrician and autism specialist, to separate fact from fear when it comes to Tylenol, leucovorin, and autism. We talk about what the latest research actually shows, what parents should know, and why conversations about autism deserve more nuance and empathy than political headlines. We discuss: What current research tells us about autism’s causes, including the strong role of genetics and the complex mix of environmental and developmental factors. Why studies on Tylenol and autism don’t prove causation, and how correlation has been misunderstood in headlines and online discussions. How leucovorin (folinic acid) may support some children with autism, why it’s not a cure, and what doctors are actually seeing in practice. The connection between micronutrients, gut health, and neurodevelopment, plus real barriers families face in getting lab work and supplements covered. What early screen exposure can do to developing brains, and why less screen time and more real-world interaction matter for young children. Where research and funding need to go next, from identifying subtypes of autism to improving access to early intervention and therapeutic schools. To connect with Dr. Tanya Altmann check out all her resources at Drtanya.com. Follow her on Instagram at @drtanyaaltmann. 00:00 Introduction 02:05 Meet the Guests 04:09 The Tylenol Controversy 06:41 What We Know About Autism Causes 09:02 Advances in Autism Research 14:15 The Role of Genetics and Environment 18:15 What Is Leucovorin 22:25 What Parents Are Seeing 27:10 Who Might Benefit 29:20 Micronutrients, Gut Health, and Screen Time 38:28 What Research Still Needs to Happen 45:54 Reactions to the White House Press Conference 52:41 Final Takeaways for Parents and Clinicians 55:29 Outro and Reflection We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you! Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Yes, I definitely think Colony to Cural is misleading, and I wish it was because it's actually
0:05.0	a very inexpensive vitamin that's easy to get through prescription. So you know that it's regulated
0:11.9	since you get it from a pharmacy. And it would be wonderful if we could just give it to everybody
0:16.2	for all different reasons and it fixed everything. I think, you know, we're learning a lot more about
0:21.5	methylation and the methyl pathways. And leukoborin is folinic acid, which is an important
0:27.3	vitamin that your brain needs. And in some kids with neurodevelopmental issues, not just autism,
0:32.9	but others as well, there are things called folate receptor auto antibodies. And that sort of makes it so your
0:40.5	brain doesn't get enough folinic acid. So by giving folinic acid, it can go straight into the brain
0:45.6	where it's needed to be. And in some kids with autism, and we have some studies that show
0:50.9	this, it can help either mildly or even dramatically with increased
0:56.0	language, help with behavioral issues.
1:04.3	Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the Pete's Doc Talk podcast. I love the show. I think you know
1:10.8	that I love this show. Not only do I get
1:12.8	to give you solo episodes, but I also get to invite the most amazing guests and sometimes address
1:18.6	current events, which is what I'm doing today. Back in September, there was a press conference
1:22.8	from our current administration talking about the causes of autism, blaming acetaminopin
1:28.4	or Tylenol, and also talking about a medication called leukovorin.
1:32.8	And I'll be honest, my initial reaction was frustration.
1:36.1	There wasn't a single developmental or medical professional who actually works with
1:40.9	autistic children on that stage.
1:43.1	The message was oversimplified, filled with cherry
1:45.8	pick data and missing the nuance families deserve. But after that frustration settled,
	...

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