Trump's claim and the White House response
During a Sunday briefing, President Donald Trump said he believes the everyday painkiller acetaminophen – sold as Tylenol – is "a very big factor" in the rise of autism. The remark came weeks after the administration released a vague notice warning pregnant women about a possible link between the drug and developmental disorders.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the announcement as proof that the entire administration is "committed to addressing root causes of chronic conditions and diseases." She stopped short of giving any data, saying the White House was still reviewing the science.
Trump and his ally, Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., promised "bold new actions" to combat what they call an "autism epidemic," but their plan has yet to be spelled out. In the meantime, the statement has sparked a flurry of headlines and social‑media chatter.
Scientific community pushes back
Autism researchers were quick to point out that the claim rests on shaky ground. James Cusack, chief executive of the UK charity Autistica and an autistic adult himself, warned that any observed association between acetaminophen and autism is "very, very small" and far from proving causation.
Studies that have examined the issue are limited and often contradictory. A 2021 review in JAMA Pediatrics found a modest increase in risk among children whose mothers used acetaminophen late in pregnancy, but the authors stressed that confounding factors – such as underlying illness, fever, or socioeconomic status – could explain the finding.
Most major health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to deem acetaminophen the safest over‑the‑counter option for pain and fever during pregnancy when used as directed.
- Acetaminophen is taken by roughly 50 % of pregnant people worldwide.
- Current evidence does not establish a causal link to autism.
- Health experts advise pregnant women to discuss any medication with their providers.
- Misleading claims risk causing unnecessary anxiety and could lead some women to avoid needed pain relief.
Medical professionals stress that autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with many genetic and environmental influences. "Looking for a single culprit is like trying to fix a car by only checking the tires," said Dr. Lena Morales, a pediatric neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital.
For now, the debate remains unsettled. While the Trump administration signals a willingness to investigate, researchers say any future policy must be rooted in rigorous, peer‑reviewed studies rather than political rhetoric. Expect more hearings, expert panels, and perhaps new funding for large‑scale longitudinal studies – but until then, the best advice for expectant mothers is to follow their doctor’s guidance and not let unverified claims dictate medical decisions.