Autism: Setting it straight

Written By Marina Heifetz

By Dr. Marina Heifetz, C.Psych

There has been a lot of recent talks about Tylenol/ acetaminophen use in pregnancy contributing to autism; setting the record straight - in short, we have absolutely NO research evidence that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy causes autism. Here is some breakdown:

What do we know about the causes of autism?

  • Autism has many complex causes and scientists have found hundreds of different genes that may contribute to autism.

  • Vaccines are safe and effective - they do not cause autism!

  • What parents do or don’t do is not a cause for autism.

Tylenol and autism - is there a connection?

  • Research does not show that pregnant women taking Tylenol/ acetaminophen cause autism in their baies. Tylenol is considered safe during prengancy (and necessary if a pregnant woman has a fever!).

What we can do

  • Continue to learn more about autism and provide a safe space for autistic individuals to build confidence and stay healthy.

  • We can discuss with child’s healthcare provider about any concerns we may have - healthcare providers will help understand new research about ways to support autistic children.

Good resources for more information on this

https://www.autismontario.com/news/autism-ontario-responds-recent-claims-linking-tylenol-autism - Autism Ontario response

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJGn4j6QTiw - Russell Barkley, PhD on this news

https://www.additudemag.com/tylenol-and-autism-leucovorin/?ecd=wnl_additude_251005_cons_adhd_pro&goal=0_a767e6fc3c-ac395f6643-319589898 - More in-depth article on this topic

Marina Heifetz
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