Why the President’s Claim Misses the Science
When former President Donald Trump warned expectant mothers to avoid Tylenol, he sparked a wave of anxiety across prenatal clinics. Helen Tager‑Flusberg, a professor emerita at Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences and director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence, says the warning isn’t backed by data. “The idea that acetaminophen causes autism is simply not supported by the research we have,” she told The Brink.
Tager‑Flusberg’s career spans decades of autism studies: from tracking brain development in infants flagged as high‑risk, to dissecting language delays in teens, and testing behavioral therapies for minimally verbal children. Her work consistently points to genetics as the strongest predictor of autism spectrum disorders, which affect roughly 1 in 31 children in the United States.
Even though some observational studies have hinted at a possible association between high‑dose acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental outcomes, the evidence is far from conclusive. "Correlation does not equal causation," Tager‑Flusberg notes, emphasizing that many factors—maternal health, infection, stress—intersect during pregnancy.
Medical Guidelines and the Risks of Ignoring Fever
The Society for Maternal‑Fetal Medicine quickly re‑affirmed its stance: acetaminophen remains an appropriate medication for treating fever and pain in pregnancy. Untreated fever, especially in the first trimester, can raise the odds of miscarriage, birth defects, or preterm birth, making a safe fever‑reducer indispensable.
“If a pregnant woman avoids Tylenol because of unfounded fears, she might be putting herself and her baby at greater risk,” the Society warned. Their guidance aligns with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which lists acetaminophen as the first‑line option when a pregnant patient needs relief.
Tager‑Flusberg also runs the Coalition of Autism Scientists, a group dedicated to battling misinformation about autism. She says the coalition’s mission is especially urgent now, as social media amplifies unverified claims. “We need clear, evidence‑based messages, not sound bites that stir panic,” she insists.
In practice, doctors advise pregnant patients to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. They also recommend monitoring other pain‑relief options and discussing any concerns directly with healthcare providers.
While research on prenatal exposures continues, the current consensus underscores genetics as the primary driver of autism, not the occasional use of a common over‑the‑counter drug. The acetaminophen autism link remains a hypothesis, not a proven fact, and health professionals caution against letting speculation dictate medical decisions.
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