Donald Trump has stirred new debate about autism with a pair of bold claims. He argued that Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism and warned women to limit its use.
At the same time, he celebrated the
FDA’s approval of leucovorin, a folinic acid supplement, as a breakthrough in
autism treatment. Trump described autism as an “epidemic” and promised more investigations into possible causes.
Does Tylenol Cause Autism?
The short answer: no proven link exists.
Some studies have suggested a possible association between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and higher rates of autism diagnoses, but the evidence is weak and inconclusive.
Major health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to consider Tylenol safe when used as directed. Experts caution against drawing sweeping conclusions from preliminary research.
What Is Leucovorin and How Does It Relate to Autism?
Leucovorin is a form of folinic acid. The FDA recently approved it to treat symptoms in patients with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), a rare condition that can overlap with autism in some individuals. In those specific cases, leucovorin may help improve speech, behavior, or motor function.
However, leucovorin is not a universal treatment for autism. It benefits only a small subgroup of patients, and researchers emphasize that it should not be seen as a cure.
Why are Trump’s Claims Controversial?
Medical professionals and autism advocacy groups have criticized Trump’s remarks for two main reasons.
First, suggesting that Tylenol causes autism risks stigmatizing pregnant women and creating unnecessary fear. Second, promoting leucovorin as a broad “autism treatment” risks raising false hope among families who will not benefit from it.
Experts stress that autism is complex, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and cannot be explained—or solved—by a single drug or exposure.
Key Takeaway
The FDA’s leucovorin approval is an important step for patients with cerebral folate deficiency, but Trump’s wider claims about Tylenol and autism remain unproven. Families are encouraged to follow guidance from medical professionals, not political speeches, when it comes to pregnancy and autism care.
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FAQs
Does Tylenol use during pregnancy cause autism?
No. While some studies have suggested a possible association between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism, there is no proven cause-and-effect relationship. Major health organizations still consider Tylenol safe for pregnant women when used as directed.
What is leucovorin and how does it help with autism?
Leucovorin is a form of folinic acid. The FDA recently approved it to treat symptoms in patients with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), a rare condition that overlaps with some autism cases. It may improve symptoms in those patients but is not a cure for autism.
Why are Trump’s autism claims controversial?
Experts argue that Trump’s comments oversimplify autism, a complex condition with multiple causes. Linking Tylenol to autism risks stigmatizing pregnant women, and promoting leucovorin as a broad autism treatment could create false hope for families outside the small group it actually helps.
Sources:
- https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-trump-kennedy-autism-initiatives-leucovorin-tylenol-research-2025.html
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/22/health/trump-autism-announcement-cause-tylenol
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/09/21/trump-autism-announcement-tylenol-leucovorin/
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-action-make-treatment-available-autism-symptoms
- https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/why-is-leucovorin-being-considered-an-autism-treatment-2025-09-22/
