Can Tylenol cause autism?
Penny cited the following
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.
1ArticleAcetaminophen 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.→
PubMed
2ArticleStudy 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.→National Institutes of Health (NIH) Homepage
3ArticleNo 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 ...→Drexel University
4ArticleResearch 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.→Autism Speaks
5ArticleDoes 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 ...→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.
6ArticleEvaluation 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 ...→
Environmental Health
7ArticleUsing 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 ADHD→Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
8ArticleMount 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 ...→Mount Sinai Health System
9ArticleParacetamol 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....→10ArticleAcetaminophen 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 ...→PubMed Central
11ArticlePrenatal 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...→sciencedirect.com
12ArticlePrenatal 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 ...→ -
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.
5ArticleDoes 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 ...→13ArticleFDA 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.→
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
14ArticleWhat 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.→Yale School of Public Health
15ArticleACOG 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 ...→American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
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.
4ArticleResearch 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.→5ArticleDoes 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 ...→10ArticleAcetaminophen 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 ...→
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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.
1ArticleAcetaminophen 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.→2ArticleStudy 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.→3ArticleNo 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 ...→4ArticleResearch 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.→
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.
5ArticleDoes 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 ...→7ArticleUsing 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 ADHD→14ArticleWhat 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.→15ArticleACOG 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.
7ArticleUsing 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 ADHD→8ArticleMount 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 ...→14ArticleWhat 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.
1
Article
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.
2
Article
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.
3
Article
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 ...
4
Article
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.
5
Article
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 ...
7
Article
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
13
Article
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.
14
Article
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.
15
Article
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 ...