US Health Secretary plans autism links to Tylenol, folate deficiency

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to release a report this month linking pregnant women's use of Tylenol and folate deficiency to autism, a claim that has sparked controversy among experts and families affected by autism. Kennedy asserted during a Cabinet meeting with President Trump that certain interventions, including acetaminophen use during pregnancy, are almost certainly causing autism, with President Trump describing the autism crisis as devastating to American families. The report is expected to also highlight the potential for folinic acid, a derivative of folate, to reduce autism symptoms in some individuals. However, these views conflict with mainstream scientific consensus, with many experts calling Kennedy's timeline and assertions unrealistic and unsupported by rigorous research. Tylenol's manufacturer, Kenvue, strongly denies any causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, emphasizing ongoing evaluations of safety. The debate continues amid ongoing research efforts and public concern, with calls for more scientifically grounded investigations into autism's causes and treatments.