RFK Jr. Plans to Suggest a Link Between Tylenol Use and Autism: Reports

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to publish a report claiming that Tylenol use by pregnant women is potentially linked to autism, according to reports.

The report will suggest that the pain-relieving medication is among the potential causes of autism, along with low levels of folate (a vitamin that promotes cell growth), according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The document prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be distributed later this month.

The claims of the potential effects of Tylenol on autism presented in the report are based on “a review of existing research,” with ways of treating the symptoms of the disorder also included in the report, per the WSJ.

“The agency also plans to pinpoint a form of folate known as folinic acid, or leucovorin, as a way to decrease the symptoms of autism, which affected roughly one in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. in 2022,” WSJ reported.

Autism or autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that can cause limited and repeated patterns of behavior, challenges in communicating with others, and a breakdown of speech, according to Mayo Clinic.

Pregnant women are typically advised to take Tylenol for pain relief or another form of acetaminophen, sold as Advil, the BBC News reported.

The incoming report comes after Kennedy controversially promised he would reveal the causes of autism by September during a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump in April. 

According to WSJ, “a measured approach” is being taken with the report, after receiving criticism questioning the validity of scientific research on the matter. The report will list possible causes for autism based on a review of research, while also outlining the research that is still unknown on the subject.

“We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America’s unprecedented rise in autism rates,” an HHS spokesperson told the outlet. “Until we release the final report, any claims about its contents are nothing more than speculation.”

Tylenol is manufactured by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Kenvue.

Following WSJ’s report published on Friday, Kenvue shares declined rapidly, falling 9.3% lower the same day, according to the outlet.

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“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products,” a Kenvue spokeswoman told WSJ. “We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”

PEOPLE has reached out to Kennedy, HHS and Kenvue for comment.