When it comes to parenting and pregnancy, the flood of information online can be overwhelming. Recently, Understood.org published an article examining the question: Does Tylenol cause ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders?
Dr. Vidya Krishnan, Chief Psychiatrist & Medical Director at Children’s Health Council, offered an important perspective in response:
“For parents navigating uncertain times, separating fact from speculation can be challenging. Recently, Understood published a well-researched article addressing the question: Does Tylenol cause ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders? It offers a balanced review of the evidence, with two key takeaways:
- Correlation is not causation. The fact that Tylenol use and the incidence of ADHD or autism may occur in the same pregnancy does not mean one causes the other. Establishing causation requires rigorous, well-designed research that carefully accounts for the many factors influencing neurodevelopment, distinguishing true associations from mere coincidence.
2. There is no free lunch. Fever—the most common reason for Tylenol use during pregnancy—carries its own risks. Untreated fever and its underlying causes have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and birth defects affecting the brain, spine, heart, palate, and abdominal wall.
At such a critical crossroad, personalized medical guidance is essential. Only the physician overseeing your pregnancy—who understands both the research and your medical history—can help you thoughtfully weigh the risks and benefits in your specific context.”
You know your child best. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please speak with your pediatrician or another trusted specialist. Use our checklist to note your observations as you prepare for your conversation.
