Acetaminophen and Autism & ADHD – What’s the Connection?
Acetaminophen—better known as Tylenol—is a household staple. It’s in over 600 medications and often recommended to pregnant women as the “safe” choice. But what if that trust has been misplaced?
Growing scientific evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Despite this, manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson and major retailers have not updated their warning labels. Parents are left in the dark—until it’s too late. If your child was diagnosed with autism or ADHD and you used acetaminophen during pregnancy, you may be eligible for compensation. We are actively pursuing justice for families like yours.
New Science, New Warnings
Recent studies are sounding the alarm: prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may significantly increase the risk of autism and ADHD in children. In fact, one 2025 study found that children with acetaminophen biomarkers in their cord blood were over 3 times more likely to develop ADHD—and girls were 6 times more likely.
And that’s not all:
- A 2024 JAMA study confirmed a statistically significant rise in both autism and ADHD diagnoses linked to prenatal acetaminophen use.
- A European study of 73,000+ mother-child pairs found a 19% higher risk of autism and 21% higher risk of ADHD in exposed children.
What’s Happening In The Womb?
Scientists believe acetaminophen may interfere with fetal brain development by:
- Triggering oxidative stress and DNA damage
- Disrupting the endocannabinoid system, which is vital for brain growth
- Altering neurotransmitter signaling
Even at recommended doses, acetaminophen crosses the placenta—and may be doing more harm than we ever imagined. While it is known to cause liver toxicity at high doses, these findings suggest that even lower concentrations may pose risks to the developing brain.
Meet Our Acetaminophen Attorneys
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