It all began with a claim that using Tylenol during pregnancy might increase the risk of autism in children. Recently, President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took this further, suggesting that infants and young children should avoid the medication altogether.
Trump went so far as to say, “Don’t give it to the baby when the baby’s born.” Kennedy added a connection between circumcision and autism rates, stating that Tylenol is often given during the procedure, which he believes may be linked to autism.
However, many researchers find this idea hard to believe. David Mandell, a psychiatry professor at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized that the evidence connecting Tylenol to autism—especially in children—is weak at best.
The majority of studies indicate that using Tylenol in moderation during pregnancy is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics also states that Tylenol is safe for young children when used properly. However, they recommend not giving it to babies under 12 weeks without a doctor’s advice, as it can hide symptoms of serious conditions.
Trump and Kennedy made their first announcement on September 22. Trump warned pregnant women against Tylenol, suggesting they should “fight like hell not to take it.” The FDA then released a letter suggesting doctors limit Tylenol for low-grade fevers in pregnant women. Yet, the agency reaffirmed that Tylenol is typically the safest pain reliever during pregnancy and noted that no causal link to autism has been established.
Despite this, Trump and Kennedy continue to warn against using Tylenol in children. Two weeks ago, Trump declared on Truth Social that young children should avoid it “for virtually any reason.” Kennedy reiterated his claims, connecting circumcision and autism through Tylenol exposure.
Dr. Joshua Gordon from Columbia University pointed out that this kind of argument is common among those trying to link autism to medications or vaccines. He believes this debate will continue to evolve, much like previous discussions around vaccines and autism.
The Department of Health and Human Services hasn’t commented on this issue. However, White House spokesperson Kush Desai noted that it’s wise to heed FDA guidelines regarding medication use.
Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, stated that extensive studies support its safety in children when used correctly. They added that scientific evidence suggests no connection to autism.
Mandell criticized the notion that Tylenol causes autism, pointing out that studies claiming such connections often lack solid evidence. For example, a small study suggested children with autism frequently use Tylenol, but it relied on parents’ memory, which can be unreliable.
One scientist, immunologist William Parker, has supported the theory linking Tylenol to autism. He highlighted a paper he wrote, but it hasn’t been peer-reviewed or published. Kennedy referred to a 2015 Danish study linking circumcision and autism, but the researchers didn’t connect it to Tylenol.
Dr. Sian Jones-Jobst, a pediatrician and president of Complete Children’s Health in Nebraska, shared her perspective. She noted that pediatricians generally don’t use Tylenol for circumcisions; instead, numbing medicines are preferred. Jones-Jobst emphasized that parents shouldn’t hesitate to use Tylenol for their children if they are in pain.
In summary, while concerns about Tylenol and autism are gaining attention, current scientific agreements suggest that Tylenol remains a safe option when used appropriately. Discussions about infant health always spark passionate debates, but relying on credible evidence is crucial as we navigate these issues.
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