RFK Jr. to draw link between Tylenol and autism: Report
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Kennedy in April discussing the rise in autism diagnoses. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s forthcoming report on the causes of autism will link the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to the neurodevelopmental disorder and suggest that a form of folate can treat the condition, according to a published report.
Why it matters: Kennedy, who has promoted debunked theories about the disorder, said some of the report's conclusions could be revealed this month.
Driving the news: The mention of a Tylenol connection, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, would revive a medical controversy over the use of Tylenol's active ingredient acetaminophen during pregnancy.
- Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever and fever reducer that's found in a variety of medicines. It is often taken during pregnancy instead of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Some studies have found that prenatal exposure to the pain medication increased the risk of both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
- But a large study of data from more than 2 million children in Sweden concluded in 2024 there was no connection, instead pointing to possible genetic factors.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists earlier concluded there's no clear evidence of a relationship between prudent use of acetaminophen and fetal developmental issues.
Between the lines: Kennedy's report is also expected to pinpoint a form of folate known as folinic acid, or leucovorin, as a way to decrease the symptoms of autism, the WSJ reported.
- Some studies suggest that forms of folate can improve communication and language skills in some children with autism spectrum disorder, but evidence is limited.
The other side: "We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America's unprecedented rise in autism rates. Until we release the final report, any claims about its contents are nothing more than speculation," an HHS spokesperson said.
The intrigue: Far-right activist Laura Loomer has recently suggested connections between Tylenol use and autism and said Kennedy's findings could provide a remedy to what she called the autism epidemic.
- Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue fell sharply on Friday after the new report. A company spokesperson told the WSJ that it had "continuously evaluated the science and continues to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism."
This story has been updated with a response from HHS.
