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Can Tylenol cause autism?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
6 peer-reviewed research articles
3 professionally-backed sources
5 articles from healthcare institutions
1 general health and web source
Overview
Current evidence does not support a direct causal link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy and autism in children. While some studies have found an association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, the highest-quality research and expert guidelines indicate that these associations are likely due to other factors, not the medication itself.
Key Points
What the Research Shows
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Large, High-Quality Studies: The largest and most rigorous studies, including sibling-control analyses involving over 2 million children, have found no significant association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), or intellectual disability. When comparing siblings—one exposed and one not exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy—no increased risk was found, suggesting that earlier associations were likely due to other familial or environmental factors rather than the medication itself.
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children's Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability - PubMedAcetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children's risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analysis. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to familial confounding.Read full articleSource: PubMedStudy reveals no causal link between neurodevelopmental disorders and acetaminophen exposure before birth | National Institutes of Health (NIH)NIH-funded research in siblings finds previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children's autism riskAdvertised as a pain reliever and ... ingredient in Tylenol and is an ingredient in versions of other drugs, such as Theraflu, Excedrin, and Mucinex, among others. Following each child up to 26 years after birth, the team found a small increased riskofautism, ADHD and intellectual ...Read full articleSource: Drexel UniversityResearch shows no causal link between Tylenol and autism | Autism SpeaksA new study shows that there is no link between Tylenol and autism and that the previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.Read full articleSource: Autism SpeaksDoes taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism? The evidence says 'no.' - UCHealth TodayTaking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism spectrum disorder in children, according to the best-available data, and there are good reasons for moms-to-be to take the drug — also known as Tylenol and paracetamol — for pain and fever. The pregnancy-related risks associated ...Read full articleSource: UCHealth
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Earlier Studies and Associations: Some earlier and smaller studies did report a slight increase in risk for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders among children exposed to acetaminophen in utero. However, these studies often did not adequately account for confounding factors, such as the underlying reason for taking the medication (e.g., fever, infection, pain), genetics, or other environmental exposures.
Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology | Environmental Health | Full TextNumerous well-designed studies have indicated that pregnant mothers exposed to acetaminophen have children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), at higher rates than children of pregnant ...Using acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase children’s autism and ADHD risk | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthThis story was updated on Sept. 23, 2025. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology · Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHDMount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHD | Mount Sinai - New YorkResearchers at the Icahn School ... the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in children. The study, published today in BMC Environmental Health, is the first to apply the rigorous Navigation Guide methodology ...Paracetamol use during pregnancy - a call for precautionary action - PubMedAdditionally, epidemiological studies ... neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, language delay (in girls) and decreased intelligence quotient....Read full articleSource: PubMedAcetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability - PMCA meta-analysis of 6 European cohorts (none of which used sibling controls) concluded that children prenatally exposed to acetaminophen had 19% and 21% higher odds of symptoms of autism and ADHD, respectively.13 However, results were driven by the largest cohort of 61 430 children, because ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralPrenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: A review - ScienceDirectAssociations were strongest for ... outcomes. ... Controlling for indication for use, when possible, did not explain associations. ... Given these findings, pregnant women should be cautioned against indiscriminate APAP use. The non-prescription medication paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) is currently recommended as a safe pain and fever treatment during pregnancy. However, recent studies suggest a possible association between APAP use in pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment...Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.comPrenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts - PubMedBoys and girls showed higher odds for ASC and ADHD symptoms after prenatal exposure, though these associations were slightly stronger among boys. Postnatal exposure to acetaminophen was not associated with ASC or ADHD symptoms. These results replicate previous work and support providing clear ...Read full articleSource: PubMed
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Recent Reviews and Guidelines: Systematic reviews and statements from major organizations (such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) continue to state that acetaminophen is considered the safest over-the-counter pain and fever medication during pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating labels to reflect the ongoing research and possible associations, but emphasizes that a causal relationship has not been established.
FDA Responds to Evidence of Possible Association Between Autism and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy | FDAEvidence in recent years has suggested a correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and subsequent diagnosis of conditions like autism and ADHD. Multiple large-scale cohort studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Boston Birth Cohort, find this association.What the research says about autism and acetaminophen use during pregnancyPublished reports have previously raised concerns about a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, but there are no studies that have established a causal link.Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism? The evidence says 'no.' - UCHealth TodayTaking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism spectrum disorder in children, according to the best-available data, and there are good reasons for moms-to-be to take the drug — also known as Tylenol and paracetamol — for pain and fever. The pregnancy-related risks associated ...Read full articleSource: UCHealthACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy | ACOG“In more than two decades of ... the two highest-quality studies on this subject—one of which was published in JAMA last year—found no significant associations between use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual ...
Why the Evidence Is Mixed
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Confounding Factors: Many studies that found an association did not control for the reasons acetaminophen was used (such as fever or infection, which themselves can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders), or for genetic and environmental factors shared within families.
Research shows no causal link between Tylenol and autism | Autism SpeaksA new study shows that there is no link between Tylenol and autism and that the previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.Read full articleSource: Autism SpeaksDoes taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism? The evidence says 'no.' - UCHealth TodayTaking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism spectrum disorder in children, according to the best-available data, and there are good reasons for moms-to-be to take the drug — also known as Tylenol and paracetamol — for pain and fever. The pregnancy-related risks associated ...Read full articleSource: UCHealthAcetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability - PMCA meta-analysis of 6 European cohorts (none of which used sibling controls) concluded that children prenatally exposed to acetaminophen had 19% and 21% higher odds of symptoms of autism and ADHD, respectively.13 However, results were driven by the largest cohort of 61 430 children, because ...Read full articleSource: PubMed Central
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Sibling-Control Studies: These studies are considered more reliable because they compare siblings who share genetics and environment. When these factors are accounted for, the association between acetaminophen and autism disappears.
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children's Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability - PubMedAcetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children's risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analysis. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to familial confounding.Read full articleSource: PubMedStudy reveals no causal link between neurodevelopmental disorders and acetaminophen exposure before birth | National Institutes of Health (NIH)NIH-funded research in siblings finds previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children's autism riskAdvertised as a pain reliever and ... ingredient in Tylenol and is an ingredient in versions of other drugs, such as Theraflu, Excedrin, and Mucinex, among others. Following each child up to 26 years after birth, the team found a small increased riskofautism, ADHD and intellectual ...Read full articleSource: Drexel UniversityResearch shows no causal link between Tylenol and autism | Autism SpeaksA new study shows that there is no link between Tylenol and autism and that the previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.Read full articleSource: Autism Speaks
Current Recommendations
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Use When Needed: Acetaminophen remains the recommended first-line medication for pain and fever during pregnancy, as untreated fever and pain can pose risks to both the pregnant person and the developing fetus.
Using acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase children’s autism and ADHD risk | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthThis story was updated on Sept. 23, 2025. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology · Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHDWhat the research says about autism and acetaminophen use during pregnancyPublished reports have previously raised concerns about a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, but there are no studies that have established a causal link.Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism? The evidence says 'no.' - UCHealth TodayTaking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism spectrum disorder in children, according to the best-available data, and there are good reasons for moms-to-be to take the drug — also known as Tylenol and paracetamol — for pain and fever. The pregnancy-related risks associated ...Read full articleSource: UCHealthACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy | ACOG“In more than two decades of ... the two highest-quality studies on this subject—one of which was published in JAMA last year—found no significant associations between use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual ...
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Lowest Effective Dose, Shortest Duration: Experts recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, and only when necessary. If you have concerns or need to use acetaminophen frequently, it might be beneficial to discuss your options with your OB/GYN, who can work with you based on your specific medical history.
Using acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase children’s autism and ADHD risk | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthThis story was updated on Sept. 23, 2025. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology · Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHDMount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHD | Mount Sinai - New YorkResearchers at the Icahn School ... the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in children. The study, published today in BMC Environmental Health, is the first to apply the rigorous Navigation Guide methodology ...What the research says about autism and acetaminophen use during pregnancyPublished reports have previously raised concerns about a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, but there are no studies that have established a causal link.
Summary
Based on the best available evidence, Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy does not cause autism. While some studies have observed an association, the most robust and recent research shows no causal link, and expert guidelines continue to support its use for pain and fever when needed during pregnancy. If you have questions about medication use or need frequent pain relief, you might want to consider discussing this with your OB/GYN, who can work with you on your personal course of care.
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children's Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability - PubMed
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children's risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analysis. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to familial confounding.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Using acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase children’s autism and ADHD risk | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
This story was updated on Sept. 23, 2025. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology · Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHD
Study reveals no causal link between neurodevelopmental disorders and acetaminophen exposure before birth | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH-funded research in siblings finds previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.
No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children's autism risk
Advertised as a pain reliever and ... ingredient in Tylenol and is an ingredient in versions of other drugs, such as Theraflu, Excedrin, and Mucinex, among others. Following each child up to 26 years after birth, the team found a small increased riskofautism, ADHD and intellectual ...
Read full article
Source:
Drexel University
Research shows no causal link between Tylenol and autism | Autism Speaks
A new study shows that there is no link between Tylenol and autism and that the previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.
Read full article
Source:
Autism Speaks
Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism? The evidence says 'no.' - UCHealth Today
Taking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism spectrum disorder in children, according to the best-available data, and there are good reasons for moms-to-be to take the drug — also known as Tylenol and paracetamol — for pain and fever. The pregnancy-related risks associated ...
Read full article
Source:
UCHealth
FDA Responds to Evidence of Possible Association Between Autism and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy | FDA
Evidence in recent years has suggested a correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and subsequent diagnosis of conditions like autism and ADHD. Multiple large-scale cohort studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Boston Birth Cohort, find this association.
What the research says about autism and acetaminophen use during pregnancy
Published reports have previously raised concerns about a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, but there are no studies that have established a causal link.
ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy | ACOG
“In more than two decades of ... the two highest-quality studies on this subject—one of which was published in JAMA last year—found no significant associations between use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual ...
Providing feedback helps us improve Penny's responses.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
1
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children's Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability - PubMed
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children's risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analysis. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to familial confounding.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
6
Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology | Environmental Health | Full Text
Numerous well-designed studies have indicated that pregnant mothers exposed to acetaminophen have children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), at higher rates than children of pregnant ...
Trump links autism and Tylenol: is there any truth to it?
But researchers interviewed by Nature point instead to the contrasting results of a review4 of high-quality studies on the topic. That review, published in February, concluded that “in utero exposure to acetaminophen is unlikely to confer a clinically important increased risk” of autism ...
Read full article
Source:
Nature
9
Paracetamol use during pregnancy - a call for precautionary action - PubMed
Additionally, epidemiological studies ... neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, language delay (in girls) and decreased intelligence quotient....
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
10
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability - PMC
A meta-analysis of 6 European cohorts (none of which used sibling controls) concluded that children prenatally exposed to acetaminophen had 19% and 21% higher odds of symptoms of autism and ADHD, respectively.13 However, results were driven by the largest cohort of 61 430 children, because ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
11
Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: A review - ScienceDirect
Associations were strongest for ... outcomes. ... Controlling for indication for use, when possible, did not explain associations. ... Given these findings, pregnant women should be cautioned against indiscriminate APAP use. The non-prescription medication paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) is currently recommended as a safe pain and fever treatment during pregnancy. However, recent studies suggest a possible association between APAP use in pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment...
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
12
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts - PubMed
Boys and girls showed higher odds for ASC and ADHD symptoms after prenatal exposure, though these associations were slightly stronger among boys. Postnatal exposure to acetaminophen was not associated with ASC or ADHD symptoms. These results replicate previous work and support providing clear ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: a sibling-controlled cohort study - PubMed
Children exposed prenatally to ... with long-term use. Ibuprofen exposure was not associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusion: Children exposed to long-term use of paracetamol during pregnancy had substantially adverse developmental outcomes at 3 years of ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Prenatal paracetamol exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preschool‐aged children - Trønnes - 2020 - Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology - Wiley Online Library
Recent studies have suggested an association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and adverse neurodevelopmentaloutcomes in children. Given the widespread use of paracetamolduringpregnancy, establishing its long-term neurodevelopmental safety is of great public health interest.
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts | European Journal of Epidemiology
The potential etiological role of early acetaminophen exposure on Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is inconclusive. We aimed to study this association in a collaborative study of six European population-based birth/child cohorts.
Read full article
Source:
SpringerLink
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
2
Study reveals no causal link between neurodevelopmental disorders and acetaminophen exposure before birth | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH-funded research in siblings finds previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.
13
FDA Responds to Evidence of Possible Association Between Autism and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy | FDA
Evidence in recent years has suggested a correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and subsequent diagnosis of conditions like autism and ADHD. Multiple large-scale cohort studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Boston Birth Cohort, find this association.
15
ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy | ACOG
“In more than two decades of ... the two highest-quality studies on this subject—one of which was published in JAMA last year—found no significant associations between use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual ...
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
3
No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children's autism risk
Advertised as a pain reliever and ... ingredient in Tylenol and is an ingredient in versions of other drugs, such as Theraflu, Excedrin, and Mucinex, among others. Following each child up to 26 years after birth, the team found a small increased riskofautism, ADHD and intellectual ...
Read full article
Source:
Drexel University
5
Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism? The evidence says 'no.' - UCHealth Today
Taking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism spectrum disorder in children, according to the best-available data, and there are good reasons for moms-to-be to take the drug — also known as Tylenol and paracetamol — for pain and fever. The pregnancy-related risks associated ...
Read full article
Source:
UCHealth
7
Using acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase children’s autism and ADHD risk | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
This story was updated on Sept. 23, 2025. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology · Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHD
8
Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHD | Mount Sinai - New York
Researchers at the Icahn School ... the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in children. The study, published today in BMC Environmental Health, is the first to apply the rigorous Navigation Guide methodology ...
14
What the research says about autism and acetaminophen use during pregnancy
Published reports have previously raised concerns about a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, but there are no studies that have established a causal link.
Child ADHD risk linked to mother’s use of acetaminophen - UW Medicine | Newsroom
Acetaminophen is widely used during pregnancy, with · 41–70% of pregnant individuals in the United States, Europe and Asia reporting use. Despite acetaminophen’s classification as low risk by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, accumulating evidence suggests a potential link between prenatal ...
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
4
Research shows no causal link between Tylenol and autism | Autism Speaks
A new study shows that there is no link between Tylenol and autism and that the previously reported connection is likely due to other underlying factors.
Read full article
Source:
Autism Speaks