Post Reports The confusion over Tylenol, pregnancy and autism
Sep 23, 2025
Dan Diamond, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, delves into the recent controversial FDA warning about Tylenol and its alleged connection to autism. He clarifies the origins of these concerns, tracing back to research that reignited public fears. Additionally, Diamond discusses the implications for pregnant women, the challenges of mixed messaging from the Trump administration, and the proposed use of leucovorin as a treatment. The autism community's mixed reactions to this agenda are also explored, highlighting the impact of presidential statements on public perception.
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Pregnant Woman's Research And Decision
- Sarah Weller dug into studies after hearing concerns linking Tylenol to autism while pregnant.
- She ultimately decided she'd use Tylenol when needed but worried others would be confused and scared.
Warnings Without Proven Causation
- The administration highlighted new warnings about acetaminophen despite admitting no proven causal link to autism.
- Officials leaned on associative studies and urged discussion with physicians rather than claiming certainty.
Study Shows Association, Not Cause
- The Mount Sinai/Harvard review found associations between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD, not causation.
- Researchers warn associations may reflect fever or infection rather than Tylenol itself, requiring more study.