A recent statement by President Donald Trump, suggesting a potential link between the pain reliever Tylenol and increased autism rates in the US, has drawn significant backlash. This controversial claim has been met with widespread criticism, including from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Among the many who have spoken out against the president’s remarks is James Burnett, a Canadian father of a child with autism. Burnett took to social media to express his outrage, directly addressing Trump and Kennedy Jr.’s statements. He stated, “I’m the father of an autistic child. If any of my followers believe Trump and RFK’s bullshit about autism, unfollow me and get a lobotomy now and kindly f**k all the way off.”
Burnett emphasized that autism existed long before Tylenol was available, stating, “Autism has been around FAR longer than Tylenol. This is an embarrassment for Americans. #Autism.”
Social media users echoed Burnett’s sentiments. One user, also a parent of a child with autism, expressed dismay, pointing out the potential harm of such misinformation for expectant mothers who might need acetaminophen during pregnancy. Another user questioned the logic, highlighting that millions of people have autism, and it would be illogical to test them all for Tylenol exposure.
A third commenter, a grandmother of an autistic child, also voiced her embarrassment as an American regarding the government’s stance.
Meanwhile, Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, has refuted these claims, defending the safe use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. The company stated, “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.”
Medical experts also weighed in, emphasizing that there is no single cause for autism. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology noted that studies have not found a clear link between the prudent use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and fetal developmental issues.