Let's Talk About Autism

What to say when talking about the Trump Administration’s new “evidence” linking Tylenol use in pregnant women to autism

The Trump administration’s new guidance that pregnant women should limit the use of acetaminophen is not based on science. It’s also not the big “cause of autism” reveal that Trump promised. The only thing this announcement “reveals” is the extreme prejudice – led by the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – against the autism community.

We’re not letting their BS go unchecked. Here’s what to say to those confused about this latest round of disinformation.

Question: “What’s wrong with wanting to cure autism?”

Answer: Autistic people are not broken or diseased. They experience the world differently and have strengths and struggles, just like every other human being on the planet, and no two autistic people are alike. They may need assistance (speech therapy, behavioral interventions, etc), but many autistic people love the way their mind works.

Fun fact! A lot of people you have heard of and probably admire are on the autism spectrum, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, actor Anthony Hopkins (who was diagnosed in his 70s!), and renowned scientist Temple Grandin.

Greta Thunberg, Anthony Hopkins, & Temple Grandin

Question: “Hasn’t there been a steep rise in cases of autism? Isn’t that cause for concern?”

Answer: Diagnoses of autism have increased, but remember, we now have an improved understanding of signs and more knowledgeable parents, teachers, and doctors. Improved recognition of autism is not a bad thing! It allows autistic people to understand their diagnosis and seek available interventions and help.

Question: “They have a study backing this up. Shouldn’t we listen to scientists?”

Answer: They’re actually ignoring scientists, including an author of a key study stating that more research is needed on the relationship between autism and acetaminophen use during pregnancy. In reality, acetaminophen is one of the oldest and most-studied drugs in the world, and scientists have studied its supposed link to autism for decades. The scientific consensus does not align with the administration’s claim.

If you want to get geeky about it: A study of nearly 2.5 million children that used sibling control analysis found no evidence of increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy. This suggests that associations observed in other models cited by RFK Jr. may have been attributable to a lack of sibling control analysis.

Question: “What would you say to parents who worry about their children and are desperate to do more to help?”

Answer: The administration is giving these parents false hope for a magical “cure” through unproven science, while simultaneously saying vile things about their children and taking away things that would help autistic kids and their parents, such as well-funded public schools, affordable childcare, expanded healthcare access, and even social-emotional learning in schools.

We can’t let the Trump Administration keep spreading misinformation about autism. It’s up to us to speak out and share the real science with our friends and family — because we know Trump and RFK Jr. won’t.