“There is mounting evidence finding a connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism,” Press Secretary Kathrine Leavitt said on September 22, 2025.
Multiple studies have been made trying to determine the correlation between Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and the increased likelihood of autism or ADHD. The issue, though, is that the idea that autism can be prevented or cured in some way is being presented.
Another issue lies within the fact that, in a JAMA study with over 2.8 million children, when the subjects were compared with their siblings, the link between autism and Tylenol intake during pregnancy ended up not being consistent.
Whether or not there is a link between acetaminophen and autism , the mass panic about having children with autism is concerning. RFK, Jr. has been a strong advocate for finding the cause of autism and how to prevent the rising rate of diagnosis in children, but that leads to a larger question: why do we have to “prevent” autism, or, at that, any other neurological condition?
RFK, Jr. has said, “And these are kids who will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted” said RFK, Jr.
Autism is being viewed through a very linear lens that endangers children with autism or other developmental disabilities. Autistic individuals can in fact experience art and sports, they can do the things other children do. And something often not accounted for is the fact that autistic children are people. Autistic individuals are people with feelings, not just the neurological disorder they were born with.
Autism Society, an autism advocacy group says, “Referring to Autism as a “chronic disease” or an “epidemic” relies on outdated medical-model language that dehumanizes Autistic individuals, perpetuates stigma and stereotypes, and undermines decades of progress in disability rights,” said Autism Society.
The mindset that RFK, Jr. has is one that he is not alone in; many people believe in this idea that having autism is a very miserable experience, but many may not sit down with autistic kids or adults to try and understand their perspectives. The main reason autism rates have increased is because the definition for autism has broadened, and individuals who tick less boxes on the spectrum can be diagnosed with it. Evaluation methods and public acceptance of autism have evolved over time, leading to more individuals being diagnosed on the spectrum.
While the studies are either uncertain or only suggesting a link, it’s important to remember that autism is a very real condition, but it doesn’t make anybody less or more human, just different, and being an active advocate for those you know with autism and humanizing them more can make a huge difference.
