The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced claims on the use of Tylenol (Paracetamol) by pregnant women and vaccines and supposed links to autism. Our response to the report and information about autism are included below. 

Our response to the US Department of Health and Human Services announcement  

Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society said: "This is dangerous, it's anti-science and it's irresponsible. President Donald Trump is peddling the worst myths of recent decades. Such dangerous pseudo-science is putting pregnant women and children at risk and devaluing autistic people. 

“Let's be clear – painkillers do not cause autism and vaccines do not cause autism. Large-scale studies have shown that there is no robust, scientific evidence to support this claim. It’s nothing more than fearmongering. 

“The incessant misinformation about autism from President Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr risks undermining decades of research by respected experts in the field. 

“Understandably, autistic people will be dismayed and frightened by this announcement, and we would urge our Government and the NHS to stand by autistic people and to condemn this misinformation. To do otherwise risks creating further fear, stigmatisation and harm. 

“We urge anyone looking for information about autism to visit websites from trusted organisations such as the NHS and the National Autistic Society.” 

What is autism? 

Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability which influences how people experience and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are autistic and there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. 

Autism is understood as a spectrum and autistic people can be very different to each other, with different sets of strengths and challenges. You can read more about autism on our website here. 

What are the causes of autism? 

The causes of autism are still being looked into. Many experts believe there isn’t one specific cause and that there are genetic factors. 

There is no link between autism and vaccines. Much research has been devoted to this issue over the years and the results have comprehensively shown there is no link. Autism is not caused by emotional deprivation or the way a person has been brought up. 

There is no known cure for autism. We also believe that autism does not need a cure and should be seen as a difference, not a disadvantage. You can read more on our website here. 

Further information 

• Read our previous response to comments about autism by President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 
• Find out more about autism. 
• Read more about the causes of autism. 
• Find out more about our work to support autistic people and their families. 
• Read the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency guidance which confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe. 
• Read NHS information about the MMR vaccine which confirms there is no link between the vaccine and autism.