October 1, 2025

Resources For Clinicians and Families On Tylenol and Autism

What the research says:

Nature has published an article examining the evidence and includes this comment

“The evidence does not support a causal link between acetaminaphen or vaccines and autism. Suggesting otherwise may fuel misinformation and undermine confidence in safe treatments and immunizations.” ~ Sura Alwan, Clinical teratologist, UBC 

Trump links autism and Tylenol: is there any truth to it? September 23, 2025

Yale School of Public Health has summarized their recent research: What the research says about autism and Tylenol use during pregnancy September 23, 2025

A just released, in-depth evidence review in The British Medical Journal found: "no clear link between taking (acetaminaphen) paracetamol in pregnancy and the chances of a child having autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in life."
Paracetamol (Tylenol): No clear link between use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children, rapid review finds The BMJ News, November 10, 2025

What the health professionals say: 

Health Canada has issued a public advisory, “Acetaminophen is a recommended treatment for fever and pain during pregnancy” — September 23 2024

The European Union has issued Use of paracetamol during pregnancy unchanged in the EU; Paracetamol medicines can be used in pregnancy, in accordance with official recommendations — September 23, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterates that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to confirm a possible link between autism and the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. WHO statement on autism-related issues — September 24, 2025

WHO also states:

“As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families.  WHO is committed to advancing this goal working together with partners including autistic-led organizations and other organizations representing persons with lived experience. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma.”

The Science of Physiologic Birth Research Cluster has launched a webinar series on research exploring adverse impacts of climate change on perinatal health. Our next webinar, October 9, explores “prenatal Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Childhood Autism and Behavioural Problems” with Rebecca J Schmidt, PhD. Register here: https://scienceofbirthwildfiresandpregnancy.eventbrite.ca 


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