Introduction to the Debate
It started with an unsubstantiated warning that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could raise a child’s risk of autism. But the message from President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seems to have quickly expanded to suggest that babies and young children should avoid the common painkiller.
The Administration’s Stance
“Don’t give it to the baby when the baby’s born,” Trump said of Tylenol at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Kennedy jumped in to suggest that children who are circumcised have higher autism rates, “likely because they’re given Tylenol.” As the administration’s stance on the medication has broadened over the last few weeks, researchers say the notion that young children may develop autism as a result of taking Tylenol is particularly far-fetched.
Scientific Evidence
“There’s even less evidence that there’s a link between Tylenol in early childhood and autism than there is that Tylenol taken during pregnancy causes autism,” said David Mandell, a psychiatry professor at the University of Pennsylvania. The bulk of scientific evidence suggests moderate Tylenol use is safe in pregnancy, and many autism researchers say data does not support a causal link to autism. When it comes to young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics says Tylenol is safe when taken correctly under the guidance of a pediatrician. The medication shouldn’t be given to children younger than 12 weeks, the group says, unless a doctor recommends it, since Tylenol can mask fevers or early signs of sepsis, which require immediate medical attention.
Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP via Getty Images
Packages of Tylenol and generic pain and fever relief medicine for sale on a shelf in a pharmacy in Houston on Sept. 23.
Regulatory Actions and Reactions
Trump and Kennedy’s first announcement about Tylenol and autism came on Sept. 22, when they unveiled regulatory actions to limit the medication’s use in pregnancy. Though Trump warned pregnant women to “fight like hell not to take it,” the actual policy changes were more subdued. The Food and Drug Administration issued a letter asking physicians to “consider minimizing the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy for routine low-grade fevers.” (Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol.) The FDA acknowledged, however, that Tylenol is the safest over-the-counter pain reliever in pregnancy and that “a causal relationship has not been established” with autism.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Joshua Gordon, chair of the psychiatry department at Columbia University, said the snowballing warnings about Tylenol represent a common tactic among those looking to attribute autism to vaccines or medications. “Robert F. Kennedy and his colleagues will start with asking one question, and when the scientific community answers that question, they’ll tweak the question slightly to prolong, if you will, the debate on the topic,” Gordon said. He pointed to the way the anti-vaccine community first raised concerns about the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in connection to autism, then pivoted to focus on a mercury-based preservative in vaccines and on the cumulative amount of vaccines administered in childhood. (Each of these concerns has been debunked.)
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the use of Tylenol in young children and its potential link to autism remains controversial. However, the scientific consensus is clear: there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that Tylenol causes autism. Parents should consult with their pediatricians to determine the best course of treatment for their child’s specific needs.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to give Tylenol to young children?
A: Yes, when taken correctly under the guidance of a pediatrician, Tylenol is safe for young children.
Q: Can Tylenol cause autism in children?
A: There is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that Tylenol causes autism.
Q: What is the FDA’s stance on Tylenol use in pregnancy?
A: The FDA acknowledges that Tylenol is the safest over-the-counter pain reliever in pregnancy and that “a causal relationship has not been established” with autism.
Q: Should parents avoid giving Tylenol to their children altogether?
A: No, parents should consult with their pediatricians to determine the best course of treatment for their child’s specific needs. Tylenol can be a useful tool to reduce fever or pain when used correctly.
