Government Confirms Link Between Autism/ADHD & Acetaminophen Use

Scientific studies have increasingly pointed to a troubling connection: taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy may raise the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Now, the issue has reached the highest levels of government.

On September 22, 2025, the U.S. government confirmed the connection between prenatal Tylenol use and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Autism Rates Are Rising

The statistics are alarming:

• Autism once affected 1 in 10,000 children just a few decades ago.
• Today, it impacts 1 in 31 children nationwide, with even higher rates in some areas.
• Among boys in California, the rate is as high as 1 in 12.
• Since 2000, autism diagnoses have surged by 400%.

What the Research Shows

Peer-reviewed studies have found that acetaminophen can pass through the placenta and may affect how a baby’s brain develops. Long-term or high-dose use during pregnancy has been linked to a higher chance of autism and ADHD in children.
For years, Tylenol and other acetaminophen products have been promoted as safe for pregnant women. If companies knew—or should have known—about these risks and didn’t warn the public, families may be able to seek compensation for the harm caused.

What You Can Do

Beasley Allen is leading Tylenol autism and ADHD lawsuits nationwide, representing families whose children were diagnosed after prenatal exposure to acetaminophen. Our attorneys have secured billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in complex pharmaceutical and product liability cases. We are committed to holding companies accountable and ensuring families have the resources they need to care for affected children.

If you took Tylenol or another acetaminophen product during pregnancy and your child was later diagnosed with autism or ADHD, you may have legal options. The upcoming federal report could make your case even stronger. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.