Former President Donald Trump has advised pregnant women to refrain from using Tylenol, citing an unverified assertion that the common pain reliever may be linked to autism.
During a statement delivered from the Oval Office alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump criticized acetaminophen-the active ingredient in Tylenol, known globally as paracetamol-labeling it as “not good” and recommending its use during pregnancy only in cases of severe fever.
He proceeded to announce measures his administration intends to implement to limit acetaminophen consumption among expectant mothers, making several claims that lack scientific backing and, in some instances, are demonstrably false.
Below is a breakdown of Trump’s remarks, the scientific evidence regarding acetaminophen and autism, and an examination of his claim that Cuba reportedly has no autism cases.
Summary of Trump’s Announcement
Trump began by describing autism as a “terrible, terrible crisis.”
He stated, “The rapid increase in autism diagnoses is one of the most concerning public health issues ever seen. Nothing like this has happened before,” despite experts clarifying that the rise in numbers largely reflects improved diagnosis rather than an actual surge in autism prevalence.
He then outlined his administration’s approach to addressing what he termed the “crisis.”
“Effective immediately, the FDA will alert healthcare providers that acetaminophen-commonly known as Tylenol-when used during pregnancy, may be linked to a significantly increased risk of autism,” Trump declared.
He cautioned pregnant women to avoid Tylenol unless absolutely necessary.
“Taking Tylenol is not advisable. I’ll be straightforward-it’s not good. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended that pregnant women limit its use unless there’s a medical necessity, such as a dangerously high fever that cannot be endured otherwise,” he added.
Trump also voiced skepticism about vaccines, particularly combination immunizations like the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella, despite extensive research confirming their safety.
He questioned the timing of the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, stating, “Hepatitis B is transmitted sexually. There’s no justification for vaccinating a newborn. I would recommend waiting until the child is around 12 years old before administering the hepatitis B vaccine.”
Lastly, Trump repeated an unsubstantiated claim that countries lacking access to Tylenol, such as Cuba, have little to no autism cases, presenting this as evidence.
“There’s a rumor-though I’m not sure if it’s true-that Cuba doesn’t have Tylenol because they can’t afford it, and they have virtually no autism. What do you make of that?” he asked.
President Donald J. Trump, @SecKennedy, @DrOzCMS, @NIHDirector_Jay, & @DrMakaryFDA announce the Autism Action Plan.
Make America Healthy Again. pic.twitter.com/1inEvIecYU
– The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 22, 2025
As with many of his other statements during the event, the claim about Cuba does not hold up under scrutiny, as will be discussed shortly.
Understanding Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that manifests uniquely in each individual. In the U.S., it is recognized as a form of neurodiversity and a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that autism influences how people communicate, learn, and engage with their surroundings, often differing significantly from typical developmental patterns.
Children with autism may face challenges in social interaction, emotional regulation, and communication skills, which can impact their ability to connect with others and learn effectively.
What Factors Contribute to Autism?
Autism arises from a multifaceted interplay of genetic and environmental influences, with each case presenting distinct characteristics. Researchers have identified numerous genes involved, some inherited and others resulting from new mutations during early brain development.
The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences highlights several environmental factors that may elevate autism risk, including:
- Older parental age at conception
- Exposure to air pollution or specific pesticides during pregnancy
- Maternal health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or immune disorders
- Premature birth or very low birth weight
- Complications during birth causing oxygen deprivation to the infant’s brain
Is Autism Increasing in the United States?
At first glance, statistics suggest a rise.
CDC data from 2022 indicates that approximately 1 in 31 eight-year-old children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism, a significant increase from 1 in 149 in 2000.
The CDC also notes that autism is about three times more prevalent in boys than girls.
Globally, prevalence estimates vary. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2021 that roughly 1 in 127 individuals worldwide are on the autism spectrum. A 2022 meta-analysis of 71 studies found an average prevalence near 1%.
These figures have been cited by some, including supporters of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to argue that the U.S. faces a particularly severe autism challenge, justifying stricter controls on medications like Tylenol.
However, experts caution that these numbers do not necessarily support such conclusions or the policy responses proposed by the Trump administration.
Why Are Autism Diagnoses Rising?
Experts emphasize that comparing autism rates internationally is complicated by variations in diagnostic criteria, public awareness, and healthcare access, all of which influence reported prevalence.
The apparent increase in the U.S. primarily reflects a surge in diagnoses rather than a true rise in autism cases.
Two key factors explain this trend: the broadening of autism’s diagnostic definition to encompass a wider spectrum of symptoms, and heightened awareness prompting more parents to seek evaluations for their children.
Examining the Acetaminophen Connection
Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, is a widely used over-the-counter medication for pain relief and fever reduction.
For over ten years, scientists have investigated whether prenatal acetaminophen exposure is linked to developmental disorders. Results have been inconsistent: some studies suggest associations with autism, while a 2025 review from Mount Sinai indicated potential risks for broader neurodevelopmental issues.
However, correlation does not imply causation. The most comprehensive and methodologically sound study to date, published in 2024, found no evidence connecting prenatal acetaminophen use with autism, ADHD, or other developmental disorders. Leading experts agree that the highest-quality research shows no harm from acetaminophen during pregnancy.
The Autism Science Foundation describes claims of a link as “limited, conflicting, and inconsistent.”
Arthur L. Caplan, a bioethics professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told Al Jazeera, “The big reveal about autism was a complete failure filled with misinformation.”
He added, “There is no scientific data supporting that Tylenol causes autism, but there is substantial evidence that fever during pregnancy can harm the fetus.”
Nonetheless, most physicians advise pregnant women to exercise caution with any medication. Catherine Lord, a UCLA psychiatry professor specializing in autism, noted, “Doctors typically recommend that pregnant women avoid unnecessary medications but also stress that untreated high fever or pain can be harmful to the developing baby, so consultation with a healthcare provider is essential.”
Other Misconceptions About Autism Causes
Over time, autism has been mistakenly attributed to various causes. The most infamous was the debunked 1998 study falsely linking the MMR vaccine to autism-a claim Trump echoed during his speech. The Lancet, which published the study, retracted it in 2010 after it was discredited.
Other proposed factors, such as prenatal antidepressant use, environmental toxins, and dietary influences, lack consistent or strong evidence. Historically, the discredited “refrigerator mother” theory blamed cold parenting for autism, a notion now fully rejected.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Claim About Autism in Cuba
Contrary to Trump’s assertion, autism is recognized and diagnosed in Cuba, which undermines his argument.
Cuba officially acknowledges autism spectrum disorder and operates specialized schools and pediatric clinics dedicated to diagnosis and therapy for autistic children.
Acetaminophen, known locally as paracetamol, is widely available in Cuban government pharmacies, indicating that the drug is accessible and used similarly to other countries.
A 2022 study reported autism prevalence in Cuba at approximately 2 to 4 cases per 10,000 children in certain regions. Although research on autism in Cuba is limited compared to the U.S., these figures show a much lower reported rate despite the presence of acetaminophen.
