Donald Trump has promised what he calls “the biggest medical announcement in the history of the country” regarding autism. At Charlie Kirk’s memorial, he said: “I think we have an answer to autism.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump would speak alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on September 22, asking the public to keep “open ears” and “tone down the judgement.” Reports suggested they would link autism to Tylenol, a common painkiller containing acetaminophen.
Autism, according to the UK’s National Autistic Society, “is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability” that affects how people experience and interact with the world. It can influence communication, social interaction, and sensory responses.
Trump claimed autism cases have risen sharply, from “one in 10,000 children” to “one in 31 in some areas.” He said the FDA now advises limiting Tylenol use during pregnancy and personally argued: “I think you shouldn’t take it, and you shouldn’t take it during the entire pregnancy.”
Tylenol denied the accusations, telling the BBC: “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.”