Health officials debunk Trump’s "autism linked to Tylenol" claim In detail

US President Donald Trump has sparked alarm among medical professionals with his recent comments linking the common painkiller Tylenol to autism in children and questioning the safety of vaccines.

According to BBC analysis, his remarks conflict with current scientific research and established medical guidance, potentially risking public trust in vital healthcare practices.

During a White House appearance, Trump asserted that Tylenol, known as paracetamol in many countries, “is no good” and suggested that pregnant women should “fight like hell” to only take it in extreme cases, such as high fevers. This stance contradicts the advice of medical authorities worldwide, who recommend acetaminophen as the first-line treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy. 

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC, “I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this.”

Another BBC analysis highlights that while some studies have suggested an association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism, no causal link has been established. For instance, a review led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai examined 46 studies, finding that 27 suggested a potential association between acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD, while nine showed no significant link, and four suggested a protective effect. The researchers emphasized that further study is needed. 

Similarly, a 2024 Swedish study controlling for genetic factors found no evidence of a causal link, while a 2025 Japanese study identified only a small potential risk, noting that misclassification and other biases may partly explain the findings.

The Autism Science Foundation states that current data do not support a link between Tylenol and autism, though it advises that any medication during pregnancy should be used cautiously and under medical supervision. 

Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue also reinforced this position, saying: “We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”

BBC also situates Trump’s comments within a broader context of public misinformation. Experts warn that unfounded claims about vaccines and medications can undermine confidence in immunization programs, which have been a major public health success. 

Trump criticized combination vaccines, particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, suggesting that doses should be administered separately. BBC notes this mirrors the discredited theories of Andrew Wakefield, whose claims linking MMR to autism were thoroughly debunked. Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society, described the comments as “dangerous, it’s anti-science and it’s irresponsible.”

“President Donald Trump is peddling the worst myths of recent decades. Such dangerous pseudo-science is putting pregnant women and children at risk and devaluing autistic people. Let’s be clear – painkillers do not cause autism and vaccines do not cause autism,” Merritt added. 

Medical bodies in both the UK and US continue to advocate for paracetamol as the safest option for pregnant women. Ibuprofen or aspirin is generally not recommended during pregnancy because of potential effects on the baby’s circulation. 

Health officials advise using paracetamol at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest time possible, and only when needed. The article underscores that avoiding the medicine unnecessarily could expose pregnant women to untreated pain and fever, which themselves carry risks, including preterm birth or birth defects.

The article also situates autism in context, explaining that it is a lifelong neurodivergence affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior. 

According to the BBC, one in 31 children in the US were diagnosed with autism in 2022, up from one in 149 in 2000, while UK data suggest a prevalence of one in 34 among children aged 10 to 14. Experts attribute the rise primarily to increased awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria, rather than an actual surge in cases. Autism is believed to arise from a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors, and no single cause has been identified.

In addition to painkillers, Trump and his administration have spotlighted alternative interventions, including folinic acid, a drug usually used in cancer treatment, as a potential therapy for autism. BBC notes that research is still preliminary, with small trials suggesting possible improvements in communication for some autistic children, but results remain far from conclusive.

The public is urged to follow medical advice and rely on robust scientific evidence rather than unverified claims from political figures.

By Sabina Mammadli