Reacción a "A study claims that exposure to fine particulate matter pollution during pregnancy is associated with an increase in autism diagnoses"

This paper shows a correlation between prenatal exposure to sulfate and ammonium components and childhood autism diagnoses. There is absolutely no evidence within the paper to suggest that the former caused the latter. It could potentially cause great worry to the general population if they thought this paper demonstrated a causal effect, having already been exposed to inaccurate claims around Tylenol and vaccines as causes of autism. Reports like this contribute to the very harmful myth that autism is increasing in prevalence: robust evidence from many studies indicates that this is not the case, but rather more autistic people, especially women and adults, are being recognised and diagnosed (which is an excellent thing, both on a personal level but also on a socioeconomic one, since late diagnosis is associated with poorer health and suicidality). The wording and framing of the article, talking about 'autism risk', also contributes to harmful narratives in which autism is presented such as a disease, something negative to be eradicated or avoided; we know that these kind of messages are felt as deeply detrimental by autistic people and their families, who feel they're living in a world where they're unwanted and unacceptable. It is deeply disappointing that authors continue to contribute to these harmful narratives rather than following responsible guidelines in the way they speak about autism - thus harming the community they're studying.