Autism diagnoses have skyrocketed in recent decades, with prevalence among American children now estimated at one in 31 compared to one in 110 just twenty years ago. Parents have long questioned whether the explosion of required childhood vaccines might be part of the cause. While mainstream studies deny a link, vaccines have not been completely ruled out. Also, multiple large-scale reviews now show an association between prenatal Tylenol use and higher risks of autism and ADHD in children. While these studies cannot prove direct cause, the consistency across data sets is troubling. Even the FDA is acknowledging the evidence, warning expectant mothers to weigh risks more carefully.
The pharmaceutical industry, however, pushes back hard. The parent company of Tylenol, Kenvue, told The Epoch Times: “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.” Their position is consistent with how major drug companies respond when safety concerns arise. They emphasize “independent” science, yet much of that science is funded, designed, or overseen by the industry itself. That raises serious concerns about bias and whether the public can trust the conclusions. Expecting mothers are left caught between conflicting claims.
This is not a new problem. The COVID mRNA vaccine saga exposed how drug companies and government agencies often worked in lockstep, presenting one side of the science while suppressing dissenting voices. The same dynamic plays out in climate debates, where research is often funded by the very groups with the most to gain from its findings. A study published in the National Institutes of Health library found that industry-sponsored studies are more likely to report positive outcomes favorable to their funders. When “independent” science means “funded by the interested party,” credibility suffers. The public sees not pure science, but results purchased to support policy and profits.
So where does this leave expectant mothers? On one side, government agencies and independent researchers warn that Tylenol use during pregnancy may increase autism risk. On the other side, the drug manufacturer insists no such link exists and appeals to “sound science.” When science contradicts itself this sharply, the safe path is simple: avoid unnecessary risk. If there is even a possibility that vaccines or common drugs like Tylenol could contribute to autism, it makes sense to minimize, or in Tylenol’s case, eliminate their use during pregnancy unless medically necessary. Blindly trusting corporations that profit from your choices—especially when history shows their “science” often serves themselves—is, say it with me…stupidocrisy.
Sources
Yale School of Public Health – Autism prevalence and acetaminophen research
https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-the-research-says-about-autism-and-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy
Mount Sinai – Systematic review on prenatal acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders
https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2025/mount-sinai-study-supports-evidence-that-prenatal-acetaminophen-use-may-be-linked-to-increased-risk-of-autism-and-adhd
Harvard School of Public Health – Acetaminophen during pregnancy linked to autism/ADHD risk
https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/using-acetaminophen-during-pregnancy-may-increase-childrens-autism-and-adhd-risk
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Vaccines and autism
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/about/autism.html
U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Statement on acetaminophen and autism evidence
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-responds-evidence-possible-association-between-autism-and-acetaminophen-use-during-pregnancy
Kenvue spokesperson statement to The Epoch Times
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/health-officials-warn-of-link-between-tylenol-and-autism-what-to-know-5918823
National Institutes of Health – Study on bias in industry-sponsored science
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2908388
