Recent changes in diagnostic criteria and increased public awareness have contributed to more individuals receiving autism diagnoses. According to Lerner, the representation of autism in media and the presence of notable figures who are openly autistic has heightened awareness over the past few decades.
A question of ongoing research involves the potential link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism in children. Some studies have investigated whether pregnant women who use this medication have a higher incidence of autism in their children compared to those who do not. However, these epidemiological studies can be difficult to interpret due to various biases. For instance, women may use acetaminophen due to pre-existing conditions such as infections or autoimmune diseases, which may themselves influence autism risk.
Epidemiologist Ian Douglas notes that underlying health issues could be linked to both acetaminophen use and autism. Additionally, genetic predisposition might play a role, as some women more likely to take acetaminophen may also have certain medical conditions linked to autism risk.
Some studies have attempted to mitigate confounding variables by analyzing siblings of mothers who used acetaminophen during only one pregnancy. A significant 2024 study involving nearly 2.5 million children born in Sweden found an initial association between acetaminophen use and autism and ADHD, but this correlation diminished in sibling analyses.
Overall, it is understood that genetic factors are predominant in autism risk, with twin studies suggesting that 60% to 90% of the risk is attributed to genetics. Environmental factors, including paternal age—specifically, older fathers—are also considered influential.
Despite these discussions, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) maintains that acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter pain reliever deemed safe for pregnant women when used as needed. Experts caution against avoiding it without medical consultation, as high fevers during pregnancy can pose significant risks to both the pregnant person and the fetus.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/24/1124029/trump-leucovorin-autism-tylenol/