Tylenol is being linked to Autism.

Getty Images

Update, Sept. 22: This story, originally published on Sept. 6, has been updated to include President Trump’s Sept. 21 announcement at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service regarding his administration’s findings on autism.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to release a report on the causes of autism, with particular attention to acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and its use during pregnancy, according to a statement President Donald Trump made at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday.

The news, which The Wall Street Journal first reported on earlier this month, has sparked concern and confusion, particularly since acetaminophen has long been seen by the medical community as a pain reliever and fever reducer that is safe for pregnant women. Patients are left wondering if it is riskier to take the medication while pregnant or face the harm from an untreated illness? In anticipation of this report, it is important for the public to understand how physicians interpret current research and their clinical recommendations.

Does Any Current Research Prove Acetaminophen Causes Autism?

At this time, there are no studies that show acetaminophen causes autism.

It’s crucial to recognize that causation differs from association, correlation or link, terms often used in headlines that may create confusion. Association, correlation or link means that two events happen together but may not be related. Causation means one event directly causes another.

“There are studies that have linked the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy with neurodevelopmental disorders, although there are conflicting studies about this association,” says board certified obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Franziska Haydanek.

An April 2024 study published in JAMA did not demonstrate association with acetaminophen and autism for pregnant patients. However, an August 2025 study describes an association between Tylenol use and neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism, in 27 of the 46 studies reviewed.

Dr. Shannon Clark, obstetrician-gynecologist and professor at UTMB-Galveston, explains that for the 2024 JAMA study, “when they looked at numerous different pain relievers in pregnancy, all were associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, but the associations went away in the sibling control analysis. This lends additional evidence to a genetic cause for NDDs.”

In sibling-control studies, researchers compare outcomes between siblings in the same family, which helps account for shared genetics and environment. If an association disappears in this study design, it suggests the cause is more likely family-related factors, like genetics, rather than the medication itself.

Why Is There Conflicting Research In This Issue?

“The studies that do show an association have serious flaws and limitations as they do not control for confounding variables,” adds Clark. Confounding variables are hidden factors that influence both the exposure and the outcome. For example, if a pregnant woman takes Tylenol for a fever, the fever itself or the infection causing the fever could be the factor affecting autism risk.

“Another important point is even if we all agreed, according to these studies, that Tylenol is associated with autism, the difference in autism rates between those who took Tylenol and those who did not take Tylenol is very, very low. The vast majority of pregnant individuals who took Tylenol in the reported studies did not have children with autism,” says Clark. She reminds her patients that NDDs will remain challenging to attribute with one isolated culprit because they are multifactorial in origin with genetics playing a leading role.

How Long Have Doctors Been Studying Acetaminophen And Autism?

Research exploring the relationship between acetaminophen and autism dates back to the early 2000s. “And 20 years later, we still don’t have any data that supports causation. While some of these studies show an association, none have proven that just taking even a singular dose of Tylenol increases the rates of autism or ADHD in offspring,” says Haydanek.

Should Pregnant Women Take Acetaminophen When Indicated?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “Acetaminophen remains a safe, trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy. Despite recent unfounded claims, there’s no clear evidence linking prudent use to issues with fetal development.”

Haydanek said she continues to recommend acetaminophen use as she does with any medication. “Use it when needed, in the lowest doses that achieve the desired outcome. We continue to recommend non-pharmaceutical treatments first, and if those do not work, Tylenol is one of our first-line treatments in pregnancy for pain and for fevers.” She reminds patients that there are documented risks of maternal fevers, such as unnecessary antibiotics, labor complications leading to C-section or hemorrhage and neurologic harm for the fetus.

The dosing for pregnant patients is standard: no more than 4,000 mg per day, typically dosed at 650 to 1,000 mg every four to six hours.

Where Do Doctors Stand With The Current Data?

“The current data is still not strong enough for me to consider not prescribing Tylenol in my patients where the benefits outweigh the risks. It’s a well tolerated medication, and one of the only ones we can use for pain and or fevers in pregnancy,” says Haydanek.

Clark adds, “as a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I say with confidence that pregnant individuals should not be afraid to take Tylenol when indicated. I will continue to recommend Tylenol as the first-line treatment for maternal fever and pain, for which it has known benefits. Untreated pain and fever have known adverse effects in pregnancy.”

What Doctors Fear Trump’s Announcement could Mean?

The lack of reliable evidence has created unease in the medical community, especially following the Wall Street Journal article that heightened anticipation for the release of the Trump administration’s findings.

If today’s conclusions are drawn only from previously published literature, evidence that is widely considered inadequate to establish causation between acetaminophen and autism, doctors worry that inaccurate claims will cause significant harm.

Pregnant patients might avoid treating pain or fever, despite well-established risks of leaving these conditions untreated. The autism community, especially autistic people and their parents, could face further stigmatization if acetaminophen use in pregnancy is portrayed as a “choice” and “wrong.” Major evidence-based healthcare organizations, which continue to state that acetaminophen is safe in pregnancy, may be undermined. Patient trust in a medical community that has dedicated its work to their care may weaken further.

What Is Most Important To Remember About Autism?

Research should focus on identifying the true causes of autism and resources to support the community, rather than highlighting associations that may cause unnecessary alarm for pregnant patients. Misinterpreted or overstated reports or research can undermine trust between patients and clinicians. Efforts should also prioritize public education, reducing stigma and strengthening support for members of the autism community.