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What the research says about autism and Tylenol use during pregnancy

Unfortunately, there is no equivalent alternative for acetaminophen at the moment, as other over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, are recommended to be avoided during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks of gestation. Existing guidelines may be challenged if new and stronger research data emerge that suggest potential risks during pregnancy and child development. These are nuances in medication safety communication. We do not want people to fear using a treatment—but we also need to be mindful about limiting potential harm and risks. In this case, frequent and prolonged use of acetaminophen during pregnancy might, potentially, be a risk. That said, untreated maternal fever or…

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 Autism Scientists Strongly Oppose HHS Report Suggesting Links Between Tylenol and Autism; Use of Leucovorin

While a recent summary analysis found some evidence for a weak association, it does not evaluate the quality of the studies informing the analysis. Importantly, these studies fail to address the fact that fevers during pregnancy are known to increase risk for autism, and that’s why mothers take acetaminophen in the first place. Rather, the most recent, rigorous study that controlled for unmeasured familiar risks found that acetaminophen did not cause autism. Given that use of acetaminophen during pregnancy has not increased over the past two decades alongside rates of autism, it’s clearly not the cause of the increased diagnoses of autism and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agrees.

 Health Experts Push Back Against Claim Tylenol Causes Autism

The evidence that Trump and RFK Jr. are leaning on comes from studies that can show correlation, not causation. A major Swedish study even found that once sibling data was factored in, the supposed Tylenol-autism connection disappeared. There’s also the fact that autism rates have risen even as acetaminophen use in pregnancy has declined.

 RFK Jr.'s Autism "Cure" Isn't About Tylenol, It's About "Fixing" Autistic People Like Me

Today, that cure is preventing pregnant people from taking Tylenol, but as disabled people, we know that this is likely not going to be the final cure — and we are terrified for what comes next.

Articles of Interest

Acetaminophen’s Role in Autism and ADHD: A Mitochondrial Perspective

One in 36 children were identified with autism in 2020, a 22% increase from 2018 and a 98% increase from 2010. Simultaneously, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses increased 36% from 2003 to 2016–2019. Despite this surge, their etiologies remain largely unknown. However, numerous studies document higher incidences of mitochondrial abnormalities in affected individuals. Additionally, acetaminophen has been implicated in these disorders in longitudinal studies and murine models.

Does Acetaminophen Deplete Glutathione? Understanding the Connection

Research has indicated that acetaminophen can indeed lead to a depletion of glutathione levels, particularly at higher doses or with prolonged use.

Experts alarmed as Trump pushes unproven link between Tylenol and autism

Doctors call president’s warning that pregnant women should limit use of acetaminophen – also known as paracetamol – ‘highly concerning’ and ‘irresponsible’

Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHD

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have found that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in children. The study, published today in BMC Environmental Health, is the first to apply the rigorous Navigation Guide methodology to systematically evaluate the rigor and quality of the scientific literature.

Research shows no causal link between Tylenol and autism

Sibling study finds previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.

Trump blames Tylenol for autism. Science doesn't back him up

In a White House press conference Monday, President Trump and several deputies said the Food and Drug Administration would be updating drug labeling to discourage the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women, suggesting a link between the common painkiller and autism.

Trump links autism and Tylenol: is there any truth to it?

The US president repeatedly advised people, “Don't take Tylenol,” but scientists say that strong evidence between the medication and autism is lacking.

Trump makes unproven link between autism and Tylenol

The US president claimed on Monday that taking Tylenol, known as paracetamol elsewhere, "is no good" and that pregnant women should "fight like hell" to only take it in cases of extreme fever. Medical experts have strongly pushed back on the claims, with some calling the president's comments dangerous. Health officials in the UK have stressed that paracetamol remains the safest painkiller available to pregnant women.

Tylenol, Autism, and Leucovorin: What Parents Need to Know

There are many nuances and complexities here, and the full truth is yet to be revealed. But one thing is clear – no parent should feel guilty for the decisions they made with the information they had at hand. Now is our opportunity to keep the dialogue open, pave the way for unbiased research, provide proactive health optimization solutions, and move forward with knowledge. Knowledge is power. And I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you as a fellow mom and practitioner, trying to do the best we can for our children.

Using acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase children’s autism and ADHD risk

When children are exposed to acetaminophen—also known by the brand name Tylenol or as paracetamol—during pregnancy, they may be more likely to develop neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) including autism and ADHD, according to a new study. The study was published August 14 in BMC Environmental Health. Andrea Baccarelli, dean of the faculty at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and professor of environmental health, was senior author. The study was led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and also included co-authors from other institutions.

What the evidence tells us about Tylenol, leucovorin, and autism

The questions of whether acetaminophen can cause the condition, or leucovorin can treat it, have been studied to a fair degree.