Acetaminophen and Autism: What the Science Really Says

Sep 23

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Many mothers today are worried after hearing claims that taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy “causes autism.” These messages can feel terrifying—especially when you already carry the weight of wanting to do everything right for your child.

Let’s slow down, take a deep breath, and look at what the evidence actually shows.

A Brief History of Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (also called paracetamol) has been around for over a century. First discovered in the late 1800s, it became widely available in the United States as Tylenol in 1955. Since then, it has become one of the most commonly used pain relievers and fever reducers worldwide.

It is often recommended in pregnancy because alternatives like ibuprofen and aspirin carry clear risks for both mother and baby. Fever itself, if left untreated, can increase risks for complications—so safe relief matters.

When Autism Was First Recognized

Autism is not a new condition. It was first described as a distinct diagnosis in the 1940s, when psychiatrist Leo Kanner in the U.S. and Hans Asperger in Austria separately published case studies of children with unique social and behavioral differences.

Since then, our understanding of autism has expanded dramatically. In 1980, “infantile autism” was officially included in the DSM-III, and today autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is recognized as a broad, diverse neurodevelopmental condition.

This means autism was identified long before Tylenol was even widely available—another reminder that it is not caused by a single medication.

Where the Concern Came From

Over the past decade, some observational studies suggested that children exposed to acetaminophen in the womb were slightly more likely to be diagnosed with autism or ADHD. These studies made headlines, but it’s very important to understand what they mean.

Observational research can only show a correlation—two things happening at the same time—not a cause.

Example: Ice cream sales and sunburns both rise in the summer, but ice cream doesn’t cause sunburn.

In pregnancy, fever, infection, or inflammation may independently affect fetal development—and those are also reasons a parent might take acetaminophen. Without accounting for these factors, it’s easy to mistake association for causation.

The Strongest Evidence Available

The most powerful study to date looked at 2.48 million children in Sweden [1]. Researchers compared siblings—one exposed to acetaminophen prenatally, one not. This design controls for shared genetics and family environment.

Result: once these factors were accounted for, there was no increased risk of autism linked to acetaminophen. The small associations seen in earlier studies were likely due to confounding, not the medication itself.

Current Medical Consensus

No causal link has been found between acetaminophen and autism.
Health agencies, including the FDA, still recommend acetaminophen as an appropriate option in pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time [2,3].
Fever itself can be harmful in pregnancy, so safe treatment is important.

Why the Timing Matters

The recent surge in warnings is not based on new research. The strongest studies we have do not support the claim that acetaminophen causes autism. The timing of this “announcement” appears more political than medical.
Unfortunately, fear and blame are being used as distractions by people with other agendas.

A Note From Me

I’m not a doctor. I am, however, someone who takes the time to carefully study the science and understands the difference between correlation and causation, so I can explain it in plain, compassionate language. My goal is to help mothers feel supported with accurate information—because you deserve care, not fear.

All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider,
not influenced by talking heads or snake oil salesmen.

Takeaway for Mothers

💛 You did not “cause” autism by taking Tylenol.
💛 The evidence shows no causal link.
💛 Use acetaminophen only when necessary, and always under your provider’s guidance.
💛 You deserve compassion, not blame.

With Love & Radical Honesty,
Anne Catherine
@AnneCatherineYoga | Yoga & Care for the Long Arc of Motherhood

All content © Anne Catherine Yoga. This blog and any affiliated handouts is for personal use only. Please do not distribute or reproduce without permission. Yoga practices are offered as general education and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your provider before beginning any new movement practice.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider before making decisions about medication use in pregnancy.

References

Liew Z, et al. Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure and Childhood Autism and ADHD: A Nationwide Swedish Cohort Study. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023.
Alemany S, et al. Paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2021.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Response to evidence on acetaminophen and pregnancy. 2021.

“Dharma is the path of right action, rooted in service, truth, and integrity.”
— Anne Catherine

“It is better to follow one’s own dharma, even imperfectly, than to follow another’s dharma perfectly.”
(Bhagavad Gita 3.35, translation)

✨ A Note on Yoga + Politics

Yoga has always been more than poses—it’s a philosophy of how we live in the world. The Bhagavad Gita, one of yoga’s root texts, is set on a battlefield. Arjuna, a warrior, is paralyzed with despair and uncertainty. Krishna responds by teaching him yoga—not just as physical practice, but as a way of living in alignment with dharma (sacred duty).

In the Gita, yoga means acting with truth, integrity, and compassion even in the midst of conflict. That’s why yoga has always been political: it asks us to engage with the world as it is, to dismantle fear and injustice, and to choose right action over silence.

Dharma—our sacred duty—is to act with truth and integrity even in times of conflict. Contemporary teachers like Michelle Cassandra Jackson and Susanna Barkataki remind us that yoga is not just about poses—it’s about dismantling oppression, standing for justice, and creating a world where all people are cared for.

Speaking out against fear-mongering and advocating for compassionate, evidence-based maternal care is part of living yoga.

Bhagavad Gita by one of my root Bhakti Yoga teachers Hari Kirtana is a new interpretation of this ancient classic tale. I think you will appreciate Hari’s approach, insights, and gentle nature. I wish this version had been available when I was first studying the Gita.

Skill in Action Michelle Cassandra Jackson writes about social justice, how it IS yoga. Always has been, always will be. One can simply look to the foundational Eight Limbs of Yoga to see it is founded in ethics.
This book was one we studied in my latest 200 hour YTT and I firmly believe it should be required reading for any dedicated yogi.

Susanna Barkataki writes in Embrace Yoga’s Roots about where yoga originated, why, and how to continue upholding theses values. In an age where high-end spandex fashion and pretzel poses dominate the media, her book is a refreshing reminder that yoga is not just poses, stretching, or trendy fitness.