Tylenol-maker Kenvue has defended the safety of Tylenol after reports suggested US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing a report that may link its use in pregnancy to autism. The company’s shares dropped 14% before closing September 5 down 9.5%.
The report is expected to also highlight folinic acid (leucovorin), a folate-derived treatment, as potentially helpful for easing autism symptoms.
But while some studies suggest acetaminophen could affect fetal development, major medical organizations still consider it safe when used properly.
Kennedy’s past claims about vaccines and autism have drawn criticism, and it's unclear whether vaccines will be mentioned in the upcoming report. Public health experts caution that autism’s rise is largely due to better diagnosis and broader definitions. Lawsuits and social media posts have fueled public debate, but scientific consensus remains cautious.
Autism diagnoses are on the rise, and, while that might sound alarming, it’s not necessarily a sign that autism itself is becoming more common. What’s likely changed is our awareness. Improved screening tools and broader understanding have helped more people receive the diagnoses they might have missed years ago, especially those from historically underdiagnosed groups like Black and Hispanic children.
Since 2000, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows a steady increase in reported cases. So, are we seeing more instances of autism, or just finally noticing it in places we hadn’t before? Click through this gallery to find out.