What is autism and what are Trump's unproven claims about a Tylenol link?

"Getty Images US President Donald Trump has claimed there is a link between the use of painkiller Tylenol by pregnant women and an increased risk of autism in some children. Going against current scientific advice and medical opinion, he said the drug, known as paracetamol in many countries, "is no good" and women should "fight like hell" to only take it in extreme cases, such as for high fevers."

"Autism is a form of lifelong neurodivergence and disability that affects how people experience and interact with the world. It is a spectrum, meaning it includes a wide range of characteristics which vary from person to person. It can include those with high support needs who are non-speaking, and those with above-average intelligence who might struggle with social interaction or communication."

"There is no blood test or brain scan to determine who has autism. Instead, a diagnosis is based on a doctor's observations. The number of children diagnosed with autism has risen sharply in many countries. In the US, one in 31 children were identified with autism in 2022, up from 1 in 149 in 2000. The rate for eight-year-old boys was significantly higher than for girls."

Donald Trump asserted a link between maternal Tylenol use and increased autism risk, urging women to avoid the drug except for extreme cases such as high fevers. Medical bodies maintain paracetamol is safe and remains the preferred treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy. Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability affecting perception and interaction, presenting as a spectrum with varied characteristics. Some autistic people are non-speaking or may have above-average intelligence while facing social or communication difficulties; many prefer routine and engage in repetitive movements. Diagnosis relies on clinical observation rather than biological tests. Reported autism diagnoses have risen sharply, with US and UK prevalence increasing in recent decades, though cross-country comparisons are complicated by changing diagnostic practices and awareness.

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