What causes autism is not yet known. While researchers suspect that both genetics and environmental factors play a role, no single cause has been identified.
Hence, it is important to invest in continuing research into both genetic and environmental issues. Any person or group who claims to know what causes autism is misleading the public and should listen to the science.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union (EU), and British health agencies have disputed the warning issued by the United States government linking paracetamol use during pregnancy with autism. They have said that evidence of a link remained inconsistent and urged caution in drawing conclusions.
Numerous specialists from all over the world have fact checked the claims by the US government and debunked them (see links below). A 2025 review of 46 studies suggested a possible correlation, but this did not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Other large-scale studies, including a major Swedish study of over two million children published in 2024, have found no causal link. This research used “sibling control analysis”, which compares siblings where one was exposed to paracetamol in the womb and the other was not.
This method helps to control for “familial confounding”, which means factors like genetics and shared home environment that could be the real reason for the observed association in other studies. When these factors were accounted for, the link between paracetamol and autism disappeared.
It is very important when reading data and research that we distinguish between correlation, i.e., a coincidence due to other shared factors and causation, i.e., a direct cause.
Hence, the current evidence does not support a causative link between paracetamol use during pregnancy with autism, but continued research should be encouraged.
It should be pointed out that there is potential harm of not treating fever during pregnancy, which could have adverse effects on the foetus (baby).
Having said that, any medication should be used judiciously (cautiously) in pregnancy; it should be used only when required, not for long periods and in consultation with a health care provider.
- Trump Claims Paracetamol Link To Autism. Five Experts Explain What’s Wrong With That Statement.
- Is Paracetamol Safe During Pregnancy And Does It Have Links To Autism?
- Fact Check: Can Taking Tylenol During Pregnancy Cause Autism In Children?
- ‘Sick to My Stomach’: Trump Distorts Facts on Autism, Tylenol, and Vaccines, Scientists Say
Dr Amar-Singh HSS is a consultant paediatrician and child disability activist.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
