The Trump administration and autism: a joint statement from leading UK autism charities

Joint statement from: Ambitious about Autism, Autism Alliance UK, Autistica and National Autistic Society.

Today, the Trump administration has issued a statement linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism. Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen/Tylenol in the USA. The evidence to suggest paracetamol use in pregnancy increases the likelihood of a baby being autistic is very weak and based on poorly conducted studies. High-quality, well-controlled studies suggest there is no link between paracetamol in pregnancy and autism. Pregnant people should continue to follow existing NHS advice.

The Trump administration has regularly referred to rising rates of autism and named various incorrect causes. The rising rates of autism that we have seen in recent years are most likely due to increased awareness and changes to diagnosis. Hundreds of studies have been carried out to look at the causes of autism but none have found a major environmental cause. 

There are no proven therapies or drugs that ‘cure’ autism. Most autistic people and families want research to focus on better understanding and support.

We are concerned by the multiple recent inaccurate claims from the Trump administration. These claims are not only stigmatising, they are a distraction and act as an impediment to progress. As a group of charities who exist to make the world better for autistic people, we want to see governments focusing on following high-quality evidence to help autistic people to thrive instead of focusing on disproven theories.