Autismis a subject that Brittany Slawter is very passionate about. All three of her children − aged 11, 12, and 13 − haveAutism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, the scientific name for the condition commonly known asautism. She mentions that her two older daughters, who have ASD Level 3, do not speak and will need continuous support for their fundamental needs throughout their lives.
So, when the 37-year-old Pennsylvania woman learned about aWhite House press conference where President Donald Trumphad pledged days earlier to disclose his “response to”autism,” she tuned in.
She claims the president’s “response” −Tylenolduring pregnancy − left her “furious.”
Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all the essential news in your inbox every morning.
Slawter states that she did not use Tylenol during any of her pregnancies. Neither did othersother mothers of children with autism, who have shown comparable disappointment in the president’s comments. “I have 5 children with autism and I can confirm I never used Tylenol,” wrote a mother onFacebook”I never used Tylenol or acetaminophen during my pregnancy,” wroteanotherNothing led to this — he was born with it.
“I believe that since my children were diagnosed 12 years ago, we’ve made significant progress in creating more inclusive environments and helping people overcome their fear of the autistic mind,” Slawter says.
According to Slawter, the entire press conference only shifted responsibility onto mothers for issues she feels are mostly beyond their influence.
I didn’t take Tylenol. I was very careful in looking after myself,” she says. “I just feel like it was really a blow to parents.
What does scientific research indicate regarding the use of Tylenol during pregnancy?
Trump’s announcement came after Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.pledged to discover the reason behind the increasing autism rates by September 2025.
We’ll be making an announcement regarding autism on Monday,” Trump stated on September 20 during a dinner hosted by the conservative American Cornerstone Institute. “I believe it will be a significant announcement. I think it will be one of the most important actions we take.
Trump expressed similar views the next day, at a memorial gathering for the deceased.conservative activist Charlie KirkI believe you’re going to find it truly remarkable,” Trump stated at the event. “I think we have discovered a solution for autism.
Acetaminophen, often marketed under the trademark name Tylenol, has long been regarded as the most secure choice for addressing headaches, fever, and other types of pain during pregnancy. Extensive studies have found that between 40% to 65% of pregnant women take acetaminophen at some stage throughout their pregnancy,as stated by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
Years of study have not provided clear insights into what causes autism, yet numerous researchers think that genetics, possibly along with environmental factors, may be involved. They also suggest that the growing number of autism cases might be due to better availability of diagnostic methods and advances in early identification.
A comprehensive study involving more than 100,000 individuals revealed that research of better quality often identified a connection between acetaminophen consumption during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental issues in children,as stated in a report released on August 14 in BMC Environmental Health.Over two dozen research studies conducted globally have associated regular use of acetaminophen while pregnant with autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, in offspring. However, a number of studies have also presented contradictory findings.
A 2024 research study conducted in SwedenApproximately 2 million children, with more than 180,000 having been exposed to acetaminophen while in the womb, showed no links between the pain reliever and the likelihood of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in the children.
Some experts argue that the data is not as clear-cut. Numerous health issues that lead to pain or fever, often managed with Tylenol, are also linked to a higher likelihood of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. For instance, a 2024 study conducted in Sweden revealed that parents who used “higher levels of acetaminophen” were more prone to have children diagnosed with mental health or neurodevelopmental disorders, and were also more likely to smoke or use additional medications.
According to Slawter, the reason for autism is still mostly unclear and, likely, doesn’t have one straightforward explanation.
He mentioned he intended to have a reason by September, and thus they clung to anything they could find,” she says. “So many mothers said, ‘I never used Tylenol, and I have multiple children on the spectrum.’ So I just felt, when I heard it, that it was almost ridiculous.
‘They’re amazing little people’
Numerous parents of children with autism, she notes, already experience sufficient guilt. Many question whether they made a mistake. Many ponder if there was anything they could have done differently.
The government’s statements regarding Tylenol, she fears, could exacerbate the situation.
I felt it was painful,” she said. “Hearing the press conference where he said, ‘Just endure it and don’t let it get to you.’ I believe it instills fear in women.
As a mother of three children on the autism spectrum, Slawter states she supports additional research, scientific exploration, and greater comprehension of autism’s causes.
Yet, what is equally important to her is discovering methods for autistic children to succeed as adults. She emphasizes that educating others on how they discuss autism is also significant.
In the meantime, Slawter, who is set to marry this weekend, anticipates carrying on with her responsibilities towards her children and family. Her objective is to ensure her children never forget their value.
I never want my children to believe they are something awful,” Slawter states. “They are wonderful little individuals.
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez
This piece first was published on USA TODAY:She did not take Tylenol during her pregnancy. Despite this, all three of her children were still diagnosed with autism.
