Our Statement to the US Administration's Claim That Tylenol is Linked to Autism

Please note there are hyperlinks. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Hamilton, Ontario - September 23, 2025

We are dismayed and angry over the recent White House announcement about autism. Trump claimed that taking Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen and paracetamol) during pregnancy is linked with an increased risk of autism.

There is no credible scientific evidence proving a causal relationship. The largest study to date, an NIH-funded collaboration between U.S. and Swedish scientists, "found no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy was associated with children’s risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability."

Furthermore, a U.S. District Court reached a similar conclusion in a product liability case.

From "Refrigerator Mothers" to the anti-vax movement, there's a long and troubled history of mothers being blamed for their children being autistic. Acetaminophen is commonly used during pregnancy to manage fever, pain or stress. Left untreated, there's an increased risk of neural tube defects and other complications. With the evidence that is available, declaring that Tylenol use in pregnant people can lead to autism, is scientifically irresponsible and fear-mongering.

In addition, Trump said the FDA is approving the medication Leucovorin for autistic children upon prescription and also urged parents to ignore vaccine schedules for their children.

The link between vaccines and autism has been long debunked. While there have been some studies on Leucovorin improving communication skills for autistic people, these studies have been very small, not replicated or have found inconsistent findings. With such limited research, it would be reckless to market Leucovorin as a blanket “treatment” for autism. No medication should be a replacement for the supports, accommodations, and care that autistic people actually need.

This spreading of disinformation, gaslighting of mothers, vaccine conspiracy theories, and overstating correlation as causation only further stigmatizes the autism community. It's not raising awareness or providing answers. It's creating more confusion and harm.

Autism is a different neurotype. It's not a disease or condition that needs to be "treated" or eradicated. If the U.S. administration truly cared about autism, they would not be endorsing pseudoscience. Instead, they should be investing in what autistic people and their families need - better access to healthcare, public education and social services.

Autistic individuals are not problems that need to be solved. They're humans deserving of understanding, acceptance and support.

For more information, please contact our team at balanceSSCS@gmail.com

Links:

SOGC Statement on Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy

Health Canada Public Advisory

Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability

MHRA confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children

Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology

Balance Support & Self Care Studios was created with parents and caregivers of individuals with diverse needs in mind. We recognize the value of the staff and community. We are committed to striving for excellence through inclusiveness, team collaboration, quality of services, and the participation and contributions of volunteers and community members. To learn more, please check out our website

-30-