President Donald Trump on Monday announced new actions to address America’s autism epidemic. These include federal guidance warning that acetaminophen, sold under the brand name Tylenol, may increase the risk of autism when taken during pregnancy.
Speaking from the Roosevelt Room, Trump urged mothers-to-be to avoid the drug. “With Tylenol, don’t take it! Don’t take it,” the president said. “Ideally, you don’t take it at all. But if you have to, if you can’t tough it out, if there’s a problem, you’re going to end up doing it.”
He added that the only situation where pregnant women should use the drug is in cases of high-risk fever.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that the Food and Drug Administration will issue a physician notice. The FDA will also begin the process of changing safety labels on acetaminophen products. Doctors are being told to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration when treatment is required.
The Trump administration pointed to major studies that reported associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These included the Boston Birth Cohort at Johns Hopkins, the Nurses’ Health Study II, and research at Harvard and Mount Sinai. A 2021 international consensus statement also urged women to minimize use during pregnancy.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the new warnings are about courage. “There is mounting evidence finding a connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. That’s why the Administration is issuing this new health guidance,” she said.
Medical groups cautioned against overreaction. Acetaminophen has long been considered the safest pain reliever during pregnancy. More than half of pregnant women report using it. HHS noted that while many studies show an association, no causal link has been proven. Scandinavian research even found no significant connection.
Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, rejected the new claims. The company said the science shows “no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.”
The administration also announced other steps. The FDA is authorizing leucovorin, or folinic acid, as the first recognized treatment for children with cerebral folate deficiency. That condition is often linked to autistic symptoms.
Studies show that 85 percent of patients benefit, with many improving in speech and communication. Medicaid will now cover the drug for autism-related treatment. The NIH will also launch new trials to confirm safety and effectiveness.
In addition, the National Institutes of Health launched the Autism Data Science Initiative. This $50 million research program will fund 13 projects. The studies will examine genetic, biological, environmental, and nutritional factors that may contribute to autism.
Researchers will use advanced tools like machine learning and organoid models. NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said the initiative will “open the door to breakthroughs that will deepen our understanding of autism and improve lives.”
Trump described autism as “one of the most alarming public health developments in history.” He said rates have risen 400 percent since 2000. According to CDC data, 1 in 31 children born in 2014 are now diagnosed with autism. Boys are disproportionately affected, and California has the highest rates.
The president also gave personal recommendations on prevention. He said pregnant women should avoid Tylenol unless absolutely necessary. He endorsed folate-based treatment for children already showing autistic symptoms. He also advised parents to spread out childhood vaccines over several visits.
Trump added that the Hepatitis B vaccine should not be given until age 12. He pointed to the Amish community’s lower rates of autism and chronic disease as an example of why fewer drugs and vaccines may make a difference.
Officials said that the Tylenol findings are based on associations rather than proven cause. Still, they argued the administration is showing leadership. “We will follow the science, restore trust, and deliver hope to millions of American families,” Secretary Kennedy said.