09/23/2025
🚫 Let’s clear up some misinformation 🚫
Recently, claims have been circulating suggesting that Tylenol causes autism. This is not true.
Autism was first identified in 1911 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler. Tylenol (acetaminophen), however, wasn’t introduced to the public until 1959 — nearly 50 years later.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic foundations. It is not caused by medications like Tylenol.
New Research Update: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) & Neurodevelopment
A new study published in JAMA and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found no association between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.
Conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Drexel University, this is the largest study of its kind, analyzing data from nearly 2.5 million Swedish children born between 1995–2019.
Researchers initially observed a slight increase in risk among children exposed to acetaminophen. However, when comparing siblings—who share both genetics and home environments—this risk disappeared. This type of sibling analysis makes the results much stronger and reduces the chance of outside factors influencing findings.
What this means: Acetaminophen, when used appropriately, is not linked to autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability. This research helps put to rest recent claims that have caused unnecessary concern for parents.
At ABA Results, we are committed to sharing facts, supporting families, and dispelling myths so that parents can make informed decisions with confidence. 💙💛