Autism, Research, and Responsibility

Recently, headlines have circulated linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to higher rates of Autism in children. As someone who has spent a career studying health and medicine, I felt compelled to share perspective because I see this happen a lot with research. 

Everything we do here at 91WhiskeyRX is based on real science, and rarely for any disease or disorder is there a single cause. It’s not always what people want to hear – it would be good news if there was a pinpoint reason because we could more easily address it. But often, it’s a combination of many factors. Let me break it down!

Why Autism Numbers Are Rising: It’s true that Autism diagnoses have increased significantly over the past two decades. But the explanation isn’t a “smoking gun” like Tylenol. Autism used to be defined by a narrow set of behaviors. Today, it’s classified as a spectrum disorder, meaning the diagnosis can apply to a wide range of experiences, from subtle difficulties to significant cognitive and behavior challenges. 

When we cast a wider net, we naturally identify more people. This is by design, not out of malice. The goal is to ensure that even those on the fringe are recognized and supported. Combine that with the subjective nature of many diagnostic criteria, often left to individual interpretation, and it’s no surprise that prevalence has grown.

Autism Is Complex, Not Simple: Autism isn’t one thing. It affects multiple systems in the brain and presents in countless ways. There simply isn’t one single cause we can point to and eliminate. Suggesting otherwise oversimplifies a deeply complex condition.

The Problem With “Correlation” Studies: The studies being cited to implicate acetaminophen are correlational. In plain language: they show an association, not proof of cause.

Think about it this way: Most car accidents happen in the morning, shortly after people eat breakfast. Does that mean eating breakfast causes car accidents? Of course not. The same faulty logic is at play here. 

Now, that doesn’t mean that this correlation isn’t worth exploring, but further research is needed to identify any potential impact especially when it comes to Autism.

Why This Matters for Mothers: Acetaminophen is one of the very few pain relief options considered safe during pregnancy. Study after study has shown little to no measurable harm to babies. Suggesting otherwise not only risks unnecessary suffering, it also puts a heavy burden of fear and guilt on mothers.

In addition to relieving pain, acetaminophen also reduces fever, which is crucial during pregnancy. Elevated maternal body temperature has been linked to complications like early delivery and impaired fetal development. Treating a fever can help support healthier outcomes by allowing the baby to continue developing for as long as possible.

Many parents of Autistic children are already navigating unfair self-blame. To push a narrative that implies they “caused” Autism by taking Tylenol is cruel, baseless, and simply untrue.

Read the Research for Yourself: Don’t just take my word for it. Here is the study being cited:

• Boston Birth Cohort Study (JAMA Psychiatry, 2020)

I encourage anyone curious to review them directly. You’ll see that what they show is correlation, not causation.

At 91WhiskeyRX, we believe in truth through science. But here’s the reality: even science isn’t immune to bias. Every study has limitations. Every headline has an angle. I’ve seen too many smart people, including medical professionals, default to mainstream reporting instead of reviewing the data for themselves.

That’s why we push for transparency. That’s why we read the research firsthand. And that’s why we urge you to do the same.

We’re doing everything we can to provide the most fact-based, comprehensive, and actionable information possible. We won’t always get it perfect, but we’ll always tell you the truth, and we’ll never stop digging for better answers.

If you’re a parent, a patient, or just someone trying to make sense of the headlines: we hope this helps.

Because information should empower you, not scare you.