Leucovorin for autism? Many scientists — and parents — are skeptical

Jon Hamilton

Yuki Noguchi

September 25, 2025 / 6:02 am

President Trump is promising a new treatment for autism spectrum disorder: a prescription form of vitamin B9 called leucovorin .

But many scientists and medical organizations are skeptical; some families are excited, and many are wary.

"I think that this entire thing has been a bit misleading," says Caitee Donovan, referring to a White House press conference Monday in which Trump and his deputies blamed Tylenol for autism and encouraged the use of leucovorin to treat it.

Donovan's daughter, Scarlett Donovan-New, was diagnosed with autism at 17 months. Donovan, who lives in Mahopec, N.Y., said she was dismayed to hear Trump and several high-level health of

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