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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dismissed claims that autism is linked to the use of Tylenol/acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.
Recall on Monday, Sept 22, 2025, the United States (US) President, Donald Trump, warned against the use of Tylenol, stating it is linked to the increasing cases of Autism.
Reacting to this comment, the WHO released a statement via its official X handle on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
This X post contained the link to the full statement titled “WHO statement on autism-related issues.”
The statement noted that there is no conclusive scientific evidence that confirms a link between autism and the medicine.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.”
The organisation revealed that there are nearly 62 million people, that is, one in 127 globally, who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
WHO noted that ASD is a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain.
Stating that awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the organisation noted that the exact cause(s) of Autism have not been established. It also said that it understands multiple factors can be involved.
“Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established.”
Therefore, the WHO recommends that all women continue to follow the advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines.
“Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.”
Addressing the part of Trump’s claim that linked Autism to vaccines, the WHO said childhood vaccine schedules are developed through a careful, extensive, and evidence-based process involving global experts and country input.
WHO’s carefully guided childhood immunisation schedule has been adopted by all countries and has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. The organisation said this schedule remains essential for the health and well-being of every child and every community.
WHO added that these schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents, and adults against 30 infectious diseases.
“Robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines – including those with thiomersal or aluminium – do not cause autism or other developmental disorders.
“Every vaccine recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), an independent advisory group to WHO, is grounded in rigorous review of evidence and carefully designed to offer the best protection against serious diseases and to be delivered when most needed.”
The WHO warned that delayed, disrupted, or altered immunisation schedules without a review of the evidence sharply increase the risk of infection for both the child and the wider community.
This puts infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions at the most significant risk.
WHO noted that Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the priority mental health and neurological conditions being discussed at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases(NCDs) and mental health on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.
The organisation acknowledged the need for the global community to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families.
It also stated its commitment to advancing this goal, working with partners, including autistic-led organisations and other organisations representing persons with lived experience.
“WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma”, they added.
