On September 22nd, US President Donald Trump made an announcement regarding the “Autism Epidemic,” a name to suggest that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased in the American population in recent years. Trump advised doctors to not prescribe the pain reliever Tylenol, formally known as acetaminophen, to pregnant women. He claimed the drug is associated with the increase of autism, repeating multiple times, “Don’t take it.” As supposed evidence, he pointed to Cuba, claiming the country does not have notable cases of ASD because “there’s a rumor... that in Cuba, they don’t have Tylenol.” No factual evidence was presented to support this claim.
Trump later introduces FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary to discuss the matter further. Dr. Makary stated, “There is a causal relationship between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.” His use of the word “causal” implied certainty, despite admitting that research is still ongoing. When a journalist cited the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ position that “acetaminophen remains a safe trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy,” Trump dismissed the statement, replying, “Maybe they’re right,” but insisting that the facts don’t “bear it out at all.” He remarked that “common sense” was more reliable than scientific research. This research comes as many top CDC officials have resigned, citing a “weaponization of public health.”
The Autism Science Foundation pushed back, noting, “No new data or scientific studies were presented or shared.” The foundation emphasized that autism results from “a complex mix of genetics and environmental factors,” and that untreated fevers during pregnancy is a known factor that contributes to a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. They affirmed, “There is not sufficient evidence to support a link between acetaminophen and autism.”
Tylenol is currently the only safe painkiller recommended for pregnant women to treat pain and fevers. Without Tylenol, both mothers and babies could face greater risks. As stated by the National Library of Medicine, the possible effects of an untreated fever are birth defects, miscarriage, and preterm delivery. There were even studies done that showed “an increased chance for problems such as attention deficit disorder and autism,” without the use of Tylenol to manage fevers and pain, which completely contradicts Trump’s statement. More complications can occur without taking Tylenol than by taking acetaminophen while pregnant.
Autism was first identified in 1943, while Tylenol was not introduced until 1950, making the link even less plausible. Current research remains in its earliest stages and does not demonstrate any causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism. Spreading misinformation about Tylenol and autism not only misleads the public but also endangers pregnant women who rely on safe, evidence-based medical care. The current medical consensus is that acetaminophen remains safe for pregnant women when used as directed.