Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to release a report later this month that could link autism to Tylenol use during pregnancy and folate deficiencies.
The report is expected around September 25.
Cabinet Meeting
During a recent Cabinet meeting, Kennedy told colleagues that HHS had identified “certain interventions” almost certainly driving America’s autism crisis.
President Trump called the rise in autism “a tremendous horror show” devastating families.
Kennedy highlighted the numbers: in 1970, a Wisconsin study of 900,000 children found autism rates below 1 in 10,000.
Today, the nationwide figure is 1 in 31. In California, the rate is 1 in 19.
Report Details
According to The Wall Street Journal, the report will suggest:
- Tylenol use during pregnancy may be linked to higher autism risk.
- Folate deficiency could also play a role.
- Folinic acid (leucovorin) may help reduce autism symptoms in some patients.
Tylenol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, is widely used by pregnant women.
Past studies have shown mixed results on possible risks.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains it is generally safe in pregnancy but advises women to consult their doctors.
