Tylenol And Autism: Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Does Not Cause Autism, According To Yale Doctor

For decades, acetaminophen, commonly known as paracetamol and branded Tylenol in the US has been considered the safest over-the-counter pain reliever for pregnant women. From headaches to fever relief, it has been the go-to medication recommended by doctors worldwide. However, thanks to the recent press conference in White House, President Donald Trump has now linked its use during pregnancy with autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted this concern, announcing a $50 million Autism Data Science Initiative in May and issuing a warning in September about the potential link between acetaminophen and autism.Despite such concerns, researchers stress that there is still no proven causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism.What the Research Shows So FarDr. Zeyan Liew, Associate Professor at the Yale School of Public Health, has spent years investigating the environmental and medical contributors to neurodevelopmental disorders. His team’s work examines not only medication safety but also maternal health factors that may affect child development.“We do not know yet for sure whether acetaminophen causes autism,” Dr. Liew explained. “Multiple observational studies across different populations have shown associations between frequent and long-term use in pregnancy and some negative effects on a child’s neurodevelopment. However, not all studies are specific about autism.”These studies are important, but they also have limitations. Observational studies can show correlations, but they cannot confirm direct causation. Other health conditions may explain the link. For instance, fever during pregnancy is itself known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental delays. Genetics, maternal illnesses, or concurrent use of other medications could also play a role.In other words, while researchers have observed patterns, they cannot yet conclude that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is the cause of autism.Yale’s Current InvestigationsDr. Liew is currently leading two major projects to shed more light on the issue.One is an international collaborative study that looks at acetaminophen use in pregnancy and its relationship to six domains of neurodevelopment, from early to late childhood. “The project will also evaluate related factors, including maternal medical conditions, other treatments taken with acetaminophen, and family history of mental or physical health problems,” Liew said.The second project, based at Yale, focuses on maternal behaviors and decision-making when it comes to using over-the-counter medications. Researchers are studying perceived risks, barriers to clinical consultation, and how safety information shapes women’s choices during pregnancy.These studies aim to provide a clearer picture of how acetaminophen is used, the contexts in which it is taken, and whether its risks differ depending on frequency, dosage, or co-existing health conditions.Are There Safe Alternatives?When it comes to pain relief during pregnancy, acetaminophen has long been seen as the only widely recommended option. Alternatives such as ibuprofen or aspirin are generally discouraged, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy, because of potential risks to fetal health.“Unfortunately, there is no equivalent alternative for acetaminophen at the moment,” Dr. Liew noted. That means medical guidelines will continue to emphasize its use, at least until stronger evidence suggests otherwise.For now, health authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to recommend acetaminophen as the safest over-the-counter pain reliever for pregnant women, provided it is used in the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.Balancing Benefits and RisksOne of the biggest challenges is communicating medication safety without creating unnecessary alarm.“These are nuances in medication safety communication,” Dr. Liew said. “We do not want people to fear using a treatment, but we also need to be mindful about limiting potential harm and risks.”Pregnant women may worry about prolonged or frequent acetaminophen use. However, untreated fever or significant pain can also be harmful to both mother and child. Conditions such as high fever have well-documented risks for pregnancy outcomes and fetal development.The balance, therefore, lies in careful, guided use: only when necessary, at the lowest dose, and in consultation with a healthcare provider.Autism: A Complex PuzzleEven as researchers probe possible links with medications, it’s important to remember that autism is not caused by a single factor.“Autism is a highly complex disorder,” Dr. Liew explained. “As of now, researchers have not been able to pinpoint a single causal genetic or environmental factor. Hence, it is premature to declare we know for sure what is causing autism.”Experts emphasize that continuing research into both genetic influences and environmental exposures remains crucial. The reality is that autism likely arises from a combination of multiple factors, some inherited, some related to prenatal conditions, and possibly others not yet understood.For now, acetaminophen remains the standard and safest option for pain relief during pregnancy, but with an important caveat: moderation and medical guidance are key.While some studies suggest associations between prolonged use and developmental outcomes, researchers like Dr. Liew caution against drawing premature conclusions. Until more definitive answers emerge, the best advice is simple: pregnant women should consult their doctors, use the lowest effective dose, and avoid unnecessary prolonged use.The conversation about acetaminophen and autism is far from over, but ongoing global studies may soon bring more clarity to this pressing public health question.

Tylenol And Autism: Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Does Not Cause Autism, According To Yale Doctor

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Tylenol And Autism: Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Does Not Cause Autism, According To Yale Doctor