The Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (PSDBP) supports families and clinicians by promoting careful, unbiased use of science in discussions about autism. Autism is complex—shaped by both genetics and environment—and no single factor has been proven to cause it. It is not the result of anything parents did or did not do.
Clarification on Terminology:
Acetaminophen and paracetamol refer to the same medicine
The terms acetaminophen and paracetamol refer to the same medicine. “Acetaminophen” is the name commonly used in the United States and Canada, while “paracetamol” is the name used in the Philippines, Europe, and many other countries. Both names describe the same drug that works the same way in the body.
● No proven cause-and-effect link. Research to date does not establish that taking acetaminophen/paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism. Some reviews and studies see small statistical links, but these can be explained by other factors (like genetics, a mother’s health, or the reasons for taking the medicine such as fever or infection).
● Stronger study designs don’t show a causal link. Studies that compare siblings (a rigorous “quasi-experimental” approach that better controls for family factors) do not support a causal connection between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism.
● Clinical guidance remains consistent. International medical bodies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), continue to consider acetaminophen/paracetamol an acceptable option in pregnancy when used as directed and with medical guidance.
What this means for families
● If you’re pregnant and need pain or fever relief, acetaminophen/paracetamol remains a reasonable choice when used as needed, at recommended doses, and in consultation with your clinician.
● Beware of oversimplified or alarming claims that can create unnecessary fear or guilt. Our focus is on your health and your child’s well-being, guided by the best available science.
Guidance for clinicians and the public
● Use acetaminophen/paracetamol in pregnancy judiciously and only when indicated, following product labeling and clinician advice.
● Consider the reason for use (e.g., fever), since underlying conditions may carry their own risks and can confound study findings.
● Continue to support high-quality research and evidence-based communication that respects and includes autistic individuals and their families.
REFERENCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP Statement on White House Autism Announcement. Lifted from: https://bit.ly/4gBDNEc
Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. A Statement from the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics On Recent Autism Claims. Lifted from: https://sdbp.org/wp content/uploads/2025/09/SDBP_Autism-Statement_9.2025.pdf
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Acetaminophen in Pregnancy Lifted from: https://bit.ly/4mqIzWr
Prada D, Ritz B, Bauer AZ, Baccarelli AA. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology. Environ Health. 2025 Aug 14;24(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0. PMID: 40804730; PMCID: PMC12351903.
Ahlqvist VH, Sjöqvist H, Dalman C, et al. Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. JAMA. 2024;331(14):1205–1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172
Alemany S, Avella-García C, Liew Z, García-Esteban R, Inoue K, Cadman T, López-Vicente M, González L, Riaño Galán I, Andiarena A, Casas M, Margetaki K, Strandberg-Larsen K, Lawlor DA, El Marroun H, Tiemeier H, Iñiguez C, Tardón A, Santa-Marina L, Júlvez J, Porta D, Chatzi L, Sunyer J. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts. Eur J Epidemiol. 2021 Oct;36(10):993-1004. doi: 10.1007/s10654-021-00754-4. Epub 2021 May 28. PMID: 34046850; PMCID: PMC8542535.
Masarwa R, Levine H, Gorelik E, Reif S, Perlman A, Matok I. Prenatal Exposure to Acetaminophen and Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis of Cohort Studies. Am J Epidemiol. 2018 Aug 1;187(8):1817-1827. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwy086. PMID: 29688261.