The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy to autism. The clarification followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had claimed such a connection existed at a press conference earlier that day.
According to the WHO, around 62 million people worldwide, roughly one in 127, live with autism spectrum disorder, a diverse range of conditions tied to brain development. While awareness and diagnostic tools have improved in recent years, the exact causes remain unknown and are likely the result of many factors combined.
Over the past decade, large-scale studies have examined a potential link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. So far, no consistent evidence has been found.
The WHO urged women to continue following the advice of their doctors or healthcare providers, who can assess individual circumstances and recommend safe treatments tailored to their specific needs. Like all medications, paracetamol should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, and only under medical supervision.
The organization also reiterated that vaccines do not cause autism. “Since 1999, independent experts advising the WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines, including those containing thimerosal or aluminum, do not cause autism or other developmental disorders,” the WHO said.
The importance of vaccination schedules
Childhood vaccination schedules, the WHO added, are created through a rigorous and evidence-based process that includes international experts and national health authorities. These schedules, adopted globally, have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years and continue to protect children, adolescents, and adults from 30 infectious diseases. The guidelines are regularly updated in line with scientific advances.
When vaccination schedules are delayed, disrupted, or altered without evidence-based review, the WHO warned, the risk of outbreaks rises sharply, not only for children but also for vulnerable groups such as infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders will be among the key issues on the agenda at the UN’s fourth high-level meeting on noncommunicable diseases and mental health, set to take place on Thursday.
“As a global community, we must do more to understand the causes of autism and how to best treat and support the needs of autistic people and their families,” the WHO said. “The organization is committed to this goal in partnership with autistic-led groups and other organizations representing those with lived experience.
"The WHO also stands alongside autistic individuals and their families, a respected community deserving of evidence-based, stigma-free considerations.”