Health & Fitness
4 min read
New Study Rebukes Tylenol Autism Claim: What You Need to Know
Genetic Literacy Project
January 20, 2026•2 days ago

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A comprehensive review of 43 studies, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, refutes claims that Tylenol (acetaminophen/paracetamol) use during pregnancy causes autism. Researchers found no significant link between the medication, when used as directed, and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability. This evidence supports existing recommendations regarding paracetamol's safety for pregnant individuals.
US President Donald Trump said in September there had been a “meteoric rise” in cases of autism and that Tylenol, which is called paracetamol in Ireland, was a potential cause.
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His comments were criticised by autism campaigners and scientists.
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Researchers have conducted a wide-reaching review on the topic, which has been published in the journal The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health.
Some 43 studies were included in a systematic review, an overarching review of the data, and 17 studies in the meta-analysis – a research method for systematically combining findings from multiple studies.
A number of so-called sibling comparison studies were also included.
These studies compare children born to the same mother, where in one pregnancy the mother took paracetamol and another pregnancy, she did not take paracetamol.
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“Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed, supporting existing recommendations on its safety,” the authors wrote.
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