A comprehensive review published Monday found no clear link between the use of paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, by pregnant women and autism in their children. This conclusion comes in response to claims made by President Donald Trump, who suggested that paracetamol is associated with higher autism rates. His comments, made in September, drew criticism from the medical community, as he advised pregnant women to avoid the painkiller and “tough it out.” Health researchers warned that such statements could deter women from using a safe option for pain relief and could further stigmatize individuals with autism.

The World Health Organization has stated that there is no strong evidence to support the idea that paracetamol, a common ingredient in widely used pain relievers like Tylenol and Panadol, causes autism. The recent review, referred to as an “umbrella” study, analyzed all existing scientific research on the topic and was published in the British medical journal BMJ. The UK-led research team concluded, "Existing evidence does not show a clear link between in utero exposure to paracetamol and autism and ADHD in offspring."

While some earlier studies hinted at a possible connection between paracetamol and autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the review criticized the quality of those studies as “low to critically low.” It noted that many did not adequately account for confounding factors, such as family history of autism. Additionally, these studies failed to clarify how paracetamol might lead to autism.

The review called for improved research in this area, highlighting a historical lack of investment in women's health research. Several experts praised the findings. Dimitrios Siassakos, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University College London, stated that the review “confirms what experts around the globe have been saying.”

Steven Kapp, a researcher and autistic individual with ADHD from the University of Portsmouth, emphasized that paracetamol does not cause neurodivergence. He noted, “Autistic and neurodivergent people are more likely to experience chronic pain, and they are also much more likely to have neurodivergent children.” Kapp added that the focus should be on improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals rather than trying to prevent neurodivergence.

In addition to paracetamol, Trump and his vaccine-skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made various unfounded claims regarding autism, including the assertion of an “epidemic” of cases. Experts argue that the rise in autism diagnoses is primarily due to enhanced diagnostic methods and increased awareness of the condition.