Introduction to RFK Jr.’s Claims

In his search to identify the cause of autism, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. floated a shocking theory that links infant circumcision and Tylenol use to autism.

The remarks came just two weeks after President Trump also took aim at acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — warning it’s “not good” for pregnant women and could increase the risk of autism in their children.

Is there any research to back up RFK Jr.’s claims?

Kennedy didn’t cite specific studies, but one is likely a 2015 Danish paper that followed more than 340,000 boys and found a slightly higher autism rate by age 10, among those who were circumcised. Autism — diagnosed in 1 in 31 US children, a rate that’s on the rise — affects how people learn, behave, communicate and interact with others.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin from the penis. fotoinfot – stock.adobe.com
The study authors suggested that pain or stress from the procedure — the surgical removal of the foreskin — could impact brain development. But without data on what medications were used, they couldn’t determine if Tylenol was involved.
Critics later called the research “flawed,” noting that it has significant limitations.
Another study from 2013 compared national circumcision and autism rates in eight countries and also found a weak correlation, but no cause.
“To really understand causation, you have to first explain what autism is and what is actually happening in the brain, and nobody is doing that at any level,” Melillo said.
“You can’t speak to causation if you don’t understand what the actual problem is, and that’s part of the confusion,” he continued.
Still, Trump backed up Kennedy’s remarks, saying: “There’s a tremendous amount of proof or evidence, I would say as a non-doctor,” adding that he studied the topic “a long time ago.”

Does Tylenol cause autism?

“There is no clear or conclusive evidence that the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy causes autism,” Dr. Sarah Oreck, reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavida Health, told The Post.
Kennedy’s claims come shortly after the President Trump claimed that Tylenol is “not good” for pregnant women. Birch Photography – stock.adobe.com
The over-the-counter drug has been used safely for decades to treat pain and reduce fever, and doctors still consider it one of the safest options for pregnant women and young children when used as directed.
“If you said that Tylenol causes autism, then first of all, any mom who ever took Tylenol should have a child with autism — and that’s clearly not the case,” Melillo said.
Instead, Melillo and Oreck said the real focus should be on what the Tylenol is treating — not the drug itself.
“Here’s the problem: people take acetaminophen when they have fevers, migraines or chronic pain. These conditions themselves affect the pregnant person and the fetus,” Oreck said.
“The research couldn’t separate the medication from the illness being treated. It’s like blaming umbrellas for rain — just because they show up together,” she added.
Autism rates have been on the rise in the US in recent years. pressmaster – stock.adobe.com
Melillo also emphasized that many autism risk factors are in play long before pregnancy even begins — a point he explores in his book, “Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders — and What Parents Can Do Now.”
For example, research suggests that obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes in either parent can increase the risk of having a child with autism.
“There is clearly an increase in autism, and some lifestyle and environmental factors are driving it,” Melillo said. “But these are the same factors driving the rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and autoimmunity. They’re not specific to autism.”

What are experts saying about circumcision and autism rates?

“That doesn’t make sense,” Melillo said.
He pointed out that circumcision has been practiced for thousands of years and not all children are given Tylenol afterward.
“No credible scientific evidence supports this claim,” Oreck added. “The theory relies on weak correlations that do not establish causation, and it has not been validated through peer-reviewed research.”
Melillo said he’d be more concerned about other early-life factors — such as oxygen deprivation at birth, delivery trauma or signs of an overactive immune system — as potential contributors to autism.
“I think circumcision would be on the low end of it, and that’s why it’s surprising they’re making such a big deal about it,” Melillo said.
“The messaging is confusing and creating a lot of anxiety.”

Conclusion

The claims made by RFK Jr. about the link between infant circumcision, Tylenol use, and autism have been met with skepticism by medical experts. While some studies suggest a possible correlation, the evidence is not conclusive, and many factors contribute to the risk of autism. It is essential to approach this topic with caution and consider the potential harm that misinformation can cause.

FAQs

Q: Is there a link between circumcision and autism?
A: Some studies suggest a possible correlation, but the evidence is not conclusive, and many factors contribute to the risk of autism.
Q: Does Tylenol cause autism?
A: There is no clear or conclusive evidence that the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy causes autism.
Q: What are the risk factors for autism?
A: Many factors contribute to the risk of autism, including lifestyle and environmental factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes in either parent.
Q: Is circumcision a significant contributor to autism?
A: Experts do not consider circumcision a significant contributor to autism, and many other early-life factors are more likely to play a role.
Q: What is the current understanding of autism?
A: Autism is a complex condition that affects how people learn, behave, communicate, and interact with others. While the exact causes of autism are not fully understood, research suggests that it is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.