TYLENOL (ACETAMINOPHEN) AND AUTISM: WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS

Tylenol, also known by its generic name acetaminophen, is one of the most widely used pain relievers and fever reducers worldwide. Concerns have been raised about a possible link between Tylenol use during pregnancy or infancy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, current scientific evidence does not support the conclusion that Tylenol causes autism.

What Is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Its exact causes are complex and likely involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.

What is Tylenol (acetaminophen)?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is commonly used for:

• Reducing fever
• Alleviating headaches and other mild to moderate pain
• Safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed

What the Research Shows

No conclusive causal link: Some observational studies have reported associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risk of neurodevelopmental issues. However, these studies cannot prove causation.

Confounding factors: These studies often do not fully account for other factors like underlying illness, genetics, or environmental exposures that may affect development.

Experts and health agencies agree that occasional, appropriate use of Tylenol during pregnancy is considered safe.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2015): "We are not aware of any specific data that indicates using acetaminophen during pregnancy causes adverse developmental outcomes."

Meta-analyses call for further research, not conclusions: Reviews emphasize the need for better-designed studies, not immediate changes to medical recommendations.

Recommendations

• Use Tylenol only as directed by your healthcare provider.
• If you are pregnant, or caring for a young child, and have concerns, consult your doctor before using any medication.
• Be cautious of misinformation online—stick to peer-reviewed sources and expert advice.

References

1. Bauer, A. Z., et al. (2021). Eur J Epidemiol, 36, 993–1004. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-021-00754-4
2. FDA Drug Safety Communication (2015). "Acetaminophen use in pregnancy." https://www.fda.gov
3. Masarwa, R., et al. (2018). Am J Epidemiol, 187(8), 1817–1827. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy086
4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2021). "ACOG Guidance on Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy." https://www.acog.org

This handout is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

Author

Valerie Ramsay, CNM Valerie Ramsay, CNM, is a board-certified nurse midwife at Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology in Maitland and Oviedo, Florida. She is proud to empower women and encourage them to be active participants in their own healthcare. She is extremely excited to be a part of the Premier OB-GYN family. Valerie graduated from Valencia College in Orlando with her associate degree in nursing, where she earned an award for the highest overall GPA. Valerie then pursued her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida, where she earned cum laude honors. She received her master’s degree in nurse-midwifery from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio in 2019. Valerie has worked as a nurse in the obstetric field for the past 15 years and considers it her passion and personal calling. She chose to pursue midwifery because she felt a deep passion to care for women and their families. Valerie is happily married and is the proud mother of two beautiful children, Paige and Jacob.