The Science Behind Autism and Medications

The Science Behind Autism and Medications

Author: Children's Hospital Colorado November 20, 2025 Duration: 35:38

Recently, leucovorin and acetaminophen have been at the center of new discussions in pediatric medicine. Could leucovorin really help some children with autism? Does the latest evidence suggest acetaminophen has any impact on neurodevelopment? In today's episode, we'll break down what the science actually tells us, what remains uncertain and how pediatricians can confidently guide families through these complex topics.

Joining us for this important discussion is Abigail Angulo, MD. She is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Children's Hospital Colorado. She is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

  • The science behind autism 
  • The role of Tylenol in pregnancy and newborn development 
  • What leucovorin is used for and when it should be prescribed 
  • How to navigate difficult conversations with families who expect certain outcomes

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 


For those dedicated to the health of children, Charting Pediatrics serves as a vital, ongoing conversation directly from the front lines of pediatric care. Produced by the multidisciplinary experts at Children's Hospital Colorado, this weekly podcast delves into the nuanced realities of modern medicine for young patients. Each episode moves beyond textbook summaries to explore the practical application of groundbreaking research, emerging innovations, and essential educational resources. The discussions are candid, often tackling the complex challenges that clinicians face daily, from evolving treatment protocols to systemic issues within the healthcare community. Now in its eighth season, the program has established itself as a trusted source for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and refine their practice. Listening to this podcast feels like gaining direct access to a roundtable of specialists, all focused on a single goal: empowering medical providers with the context and confidence needed to make the best decisions for their patients. The tone is collegial and insightful, transforming the latest evidence and clinical experience into actionable understanding. It’s where the science of pediatrics meets the art of its application, fostering a supportive dialogue for anyone committed to advancing child health.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charting Pediatrics
Podcast Episodes
Caring for Kids in Conflict [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
Pediatric providers around the world are focused on helping sick children — finding cures, creating new treatment options and developing innovative techniques to improve care. But when it comes to conflict zones and bord…
100 Years of Children's Rights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:26
2024 marks 100 years since the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child. In the aftermath of World War I, this declaration called for universal attention to the needs of children, including their health. A century l…
Support for Post-Partum Depression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:35
Bringing a baby into this world is the start of many significant changes, yet one change that some families may not anticipate is post-partum depression (PPD). This condition affects more than the parent's wellbeing, it…
Top CEOs Provide Pediatric Insight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:23
From startups to global corporations, CEOs have the power to make immense strides in any respective industry. In pediatric medicine, they drive advancements in child health through high-quality care, coordinated programs…
Can We Prevent Congenital CMV? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:44
The most common congenital viral infection in children is cytomegalovirus infection (CMV). Oftentimes the mother will experience little to no symptoms, but the virus can significantly affect the newborn, with outcomes ra…
When is a Bloody Nose Concerning? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:57
As a child, a nosebleed can be painful and embarrassing. Surprisingly, it's also something primary care providers run into often in their practices. While the great majority of nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, are limi…
Addressing Neurologic Conditions with Precision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
One of the great medical accomplishments of our time is the evolution of precision medicine. The ability to understand a patient's unique genetic profile has become more accessible to our patients, and now, there are mul…
Courageous Conversations Around Suicide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:48
Many of us avoid talking about suicide, not only because it's a difficult conversation, but also because we don't know how to. And avoiding that conversation can be a barrier to helping those most at risk. One family fro…
How Substance Abuse Affects Newborns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:30
In the state of Colorado, cases of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) increased by 120% from 2011 to 2016. Clinicians provide critical support to improve outcomes for these…
The Fight Against Child Trafficking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:35
Despite the pervasiveness of child trafficking in the United States, many communities aren't aware of the scope of the issue. Here in Colorado, the University of Colorado's Kempe Center is recognized as a leader in the f…