Unexplainable Does Tylenol cause autism?
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Oct 6, 2025 
Meryl Horn, a senior producer at Science Vs, dives into the complex debate about acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism. She discusses initial studies linking the pain reliever to neurodevelopment issues, as well as the mixed evidence from recent research. Meryl highlights the importance of considering genetic and familial factors that may confound observations. She emphasizes that current expert guidance suggests Tylenol is safe when used as needed during pregnancy, despite public concerns.
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High-Profile Claims Meet Mixed Science
- Many public figures claimed acetaminophen causes autism, but the underlying science is complex and mixed.
- Science Versus investigates the studies and finds reasons to be skeptical of a direct causal link.
Biological Plausibility Sparked The Research
- Early research suggested acetaminophen might act like an endocrine disruptor and affect fetal development.
- That biological plausibility prompted studies linking prenatal acetaminophen exposure to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Observational Results Were Patchy
- Observational studies often found associations between prenatal acetaminophen and outcomes like autism or ADHD.
- Results varied by subgroup, timing, and dose, producing a patchy and inconsistent pattern.