23/09/2025
A reminder that correlation does not equal causation!
Please note that in Australia acetaminophen is known as paracetamol (active ingredient in brands such as Panadol, Panamax and Dymadon).
Correlation does not equal causation!
The causal fallacy is a tactic that can trip up the best of us! Why? Our brains like to take shortcuts wherever possible (1). So when we see…
A followed by B .
Our brains want to jump to: A caused B.
While causation and correlation can exist at the same time, the two events are often unrelated.
Here is a current example of a causal fallacy.
MISINFORMER: “Autism is caused by acetaminophen (Tylenol) use and low folic acid during pregnancy. A report says so!”
REALITY: One recent meta-analysis found a correlation between these factors and autism. But even the authors stress this does not prove causation (2). Other large-scale studies and reports found no clear link (3,4,5). Cherry-picking one study that shows a correlation and treating it as proof of causation misrepresents the science and ignores the bigger picture.
That doesn’t mean research should stop, only that right now, the evidence does not support a causal connection, even if some studies hint at correlation (6). In other words: Just because a rooster crows before the sun rises doesn’t mean the crowing makes the sun come up.
This claim is also dangerous: acetaminophen is one of the few safe pain relief options for pregnant people. Suggesting they avoid it could leave them without safe treatment when they need it (6,7). Like any medication, acetaminophen isn’t perfect, and has well-known side effects if overused. But there is nowhere near enough evidence to suggest it causes autism. If you are pregnant and in pain, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you’re using it safely for both you and your baby.
We’re here to help answer your questions! Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send us a DM. And share this post as a good critical thinking reminder!
Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFCausalFallacy
