Short Wave Autism: debunking Trump claims, and what scientists still don't know
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Feb 3, 2026 
Jon Hamilton, NPR science correspondent who covers neuroscience and health, clears up persistent myths about autism. He tackles claims about who can have autism, prenatal Tylenol links, and proposed vitamin fixes. He also outlines diagnostic behaviors, genetic and environmental research, and how brain studies may point to biological subtypes.
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Early Blame On Parents Hurt Families
- Early scientists like Leo Kanner and Bruno Bettelheim blamed 'refrigerator mothers' for autism.
- Jon Hamilton explains that this theory persisted and left lasting harm in the autism community.
Twin Studies Show Strong Genetic Role
- Twin studies showed high heritability: identical twins often both have autism, with concordance up to 60–90% in some studies.
- Jon Hamilton highlights strong genetic contributions revealed by twin research.
Spontaneous Mutations Drive Many Cases
- Spontaneous (de novo) mutations, often from older fathers, explain many autism cases in low-risk families.
- Jon Hamilton notes these mutations can arise in sperm, eggs, or embryos.