Finding the root causes of autism and developmental delay has been central to our practice from the very beginning. Yesterday marked a historic day: the President of the United States, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and other national leaders in medicine publicly shared recommendations that closely align with what we have been doing for years.
It was a moment I once thought I might never see. Yet here it is—national recognition that the approaches we have used in our clinic can change lives, and we’ve watched those changes transform families for good.
Key Takeaways from Their Recommendations
1. Skip Tylenol
This is something we’ve emphasized for a long time. Federal leaders acknowledged a link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use and autism. They didn’t explain the “why,” but here’s what we know: Tylenol depletes glutathione, your body’s most powerful antioxidant that protects both the brain and the liver.
This is also why Tylenol after vaccines is not recommended. It worsens oxidative stress triggered by the injection and leaves the body more vulnerable. Importantly, vaccine studies have never included the combined effect of injections with acetaminophen, even though this practice remains common.
If acetaminophen is absolutely necessary—and sometimes it is, especially when it’s part of combination pain medications—taking glutathione or N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) can help restore what is lost and reduce potential harm.
2. Leucovorin as a Treatment Option
Many of our families are already familiar with Leucovorin, a prescription form of folinic acid. We’ve been using it in our practice for more than a decade, often wondering why it wasn’t considered standard of care for autism.
Leucovorin isn’t just a “drug”—it’s a targeted vitamin therapy. Folinic acid is the only form of folate that can cross the blood-brain barrier and correct deficiencies in the central nervous system. While standard bloodwork won’t reveal a cerebral folate deficiency, specialized testing (the FRAT test) can detect folate receptor antibodies that block transport into the brain. When present, Leucovorin can be life-changing.
Typical therapeutic dosing is 25 mg twice daily—much higher than what is found in standard supplements. That’s why, although I include folinic acid in our Neuro Nutrients formulations, the prescription strength is sometimes needed to truly help children.
I am thrilled that Medicaid will now cover Leucovorin for children. This is a victory built on years of research, teaching, and clinical experience, and I’ve seen firsthand how profoundly it can improve communication, cognition, and overall functioning in children with autism.
3. Genetics: A More Nuanced View
The conference also addressed genetics. Leaders acknowledged that genetics alone cannot explain the sharp rise in autism, and that focusing only on non-modifiable genetic factors is not useful for families. I wholeheartedly agree.
The reality is this: rare, non-modifiable genetic causes account for about 10% of autism cases. The other 90% involves modifiable risk factors. These include challenges in folate metabolism, detoxification pathways, methylation, and antioxidant production.
For example, certain genetic variants can slow the body’s ability to make glutathione. Children with these variants are more vulnerable to toxic exposures, but supporting them with glutathione or NAC can dramatically improve resilience. This is what we mean by “modifiable” genetics—genes that give us actionable information and guide effective, individualized treatment.
4. A New Word for an Old Concept: Exposomics
One of the most exciting moments for me was hearing the word exposomics—a scientific approach that integrates environmental, nutritional, medical, pregnancy, biological, and genetic factors to better understand autism.
In many ways, exposomics is simply another name for functional medicine. For years, we’ve taken this very approach: looking at the whole picture, uncovering root causes, and treating children as the unique individuals they are. It’s validating to see this framework embraced on a national stage.
Moving Forward
The message is clear: the root causes of autism are multifactorial, and the best path forward is one that integrates environment, nutrition, and biology alongside genetics. This is what functional medicine has always done, and now, it finally has a place in the national conversation.
I share this news with excitement, gratitude, and hope—for the children we serve, and for the families who have long been waiting to see this day.
With hope for healing,
Dr. Emily Gutierrez, DNP, PNP-C, APRN, PCMHS, IFM-CP, CCN, FMAPS
