For many parents, raising children with autism and navigating daily life is already challenging.

But hearing powerful leaders make claims without scientific backing — they say — can lead to stigma, guilt, and even blame.

As the mother of a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with autism, Ana Maldonado said she’s advocated for early intervention, therapy, and support for other families in her community.

On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that pregnant women should not take acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, and cited unproven claims linking Tylenol and autism.

READ MORE: Trump makes unfounded claims about Tylenol and repeats discredited link between vaccines and autism

Linking autism to pregnant mothers who take Tylenol felt like a punch to the gut, Maldonado said.

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