The NPR Politics Podcast Ignoring Scientific Evidence, Trump Blames Tylenol For Autism
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Sep 25, 2025 Yuki Noguchi, NPR health correspondent, dives into President Trump's controversial suggestion linking Tylenol to autism and proposing leucovorin as a treatment. He clarifies that extensive studies show no causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism, highlighting the role of genetics. The discussion also explores the political motivations behind Trump's claims and the impact on families, emphasizing the need for therapy access over quick-fix solutions, amidst rising distrust in scientific experts.
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No Scientific Link Between Tylenol And Autism
- Scientific evidence does not support the claim that acetaminophen causes autism during pregnancy.
- Yuki Noguchi emphasizes genetics as the primary driver and warns correlation ≠ causation.
Treat High Fevers During Pregnancy And Infancy
- Do not avoid treating high fevers in pregnancy or infancy based on unsupported claims.
- Yuki Noguchi and hosts stress that untreated fever can cause neural defects, heart damage, preterm birth, or miscarriage.
Leucovorin Is Not A Proven Autism Cure
- Leucovorin shows very limited, preliminary evidence for a small subgroup of children with a B‑vitamin deficiency.
- Yuki Noguchi calls claims it 'reverses' autism premature and lacking strong research.