26/09/2025
You may have seen recent reports about comments from the US President suggesting that using Tylenol (Paracetamol in Aus) during pregnancy may increase the risk of Autism. Understandably, this has caused concern for many people, particularly expectant parents and the autistic community.
The Autistic community is already experiencing significant distress following changes to the NDIS. To now add to this distress by suggesting - without evidence - that parents could be to blame for taking an everyday, safe medication is harmful and unfair.
Autism is not a disease to be prevented or feared. It is a neurodevelopmental difference. At AAPi, we stand firmly with the neurodivergent community and promote a neurodiversity-affirming approach, one that respects and values the lived experiences of autistic individuals and their families.
As psychologists, we are bound by ethical and professional standards to work in evidence-based ways, guided by research and clinical consensus. Public narratives that imply Autism is preventable only fuel stigma, misinformation, and psychological harm.
While psychologists provide vital support, we are not medical doctors. If you or your clients are concerned about medications in pregnancy, we encourage you to rely on your medical practitioner’s advice.
We are grateful to A/Prof Josephine Barbaro, President of the Australasian Society for Autism Research and AAPi Director, for providing additional perspective, reminding us that:
• Decades of large-scale research, involving hundreds of thousands of families, show no causal link between paracetamol and autism.
• The studies suggesting a connection are based on correlation, not causation. In fact, other studies have found no correlation at all.
• Paracetamol is often used during pregnancy for very real and valid reasons, such as reducing fever, which itself can carry risks if untreated.
We remain committed to promoting accurate information and supporting the wellbeing of Autistic people, their families, and the psychologists who work alongside them.
For reassurance, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has reaffirmed the safety of paracetamol use in pregnancy: http://bit.ly/42eGplL
