The scientific community have hit back at US President Donald Trump’s claims that taking a well know pain relief drug during pregnancy is the cause of autism.

Trump joined administration officials to announce what he described as “major progress in understanding the root causes of autism, which has exploded in diagnoses over the past two decades”. He added there was clear evidence that taking pain relief medication acetaminophen (more commonly known as Paracetamol or Tylenol)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The Trump Administration does not believe popping more pills is always the answer for better health. There is mounting evidence finding a connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism – and that’s why the Administration is courageously issuing this new health guidance.

“Additionally, the Trump Administration is approving a new treatment option that has been found to improve some autism symptoms. President Trump pledged to address America’s skyrocketing rates of autism, and his team is deploying Gold Standard Science to deliver on this pledge. We will not be deterred in these efforts as we know millions across America are grateful.”

However, his claims have been dismissed by scientific and medical experts from across the world.

Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “Paracetamol has been used safely by millions of people for decades, including during pregnancy, when taken as directed. It is the first-line choice for pain management and fever control in a variety of patients, including pregnant women, children and the elderly.

“A large study conducted in 2024 found no evidence of a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. This research, which followed over 2.4 million children, provides reassurance for expectant parents that paracetamol remains a safe option for managing pain or fever during pregnancy when used as recommended.”

Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society said Trump’s statements were misinformation and dangerous

“This is dangerous, it’s anti-science and it’s irresponsible,” she said. “President Donald Trump is peddling the worst myths of recent decades. Such dangerous pseudo-science is putting pregnant women and children at risk and devaluing autistic people.

“Let’s be clear – painkillers do not cause autism and vaccines do not cause autism. Large-scale studies have shown that there is no robust, scientific evidence to support this claim. It’s nothing more than fearmongering.

“The incessant misinformation about autism from President Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr risks undermining decades of research by respected experts in the field.”

Dr Edward Mullins, clinical associate professor at The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, said the claims made risk treatment being denied or refused for no scientific reason.

“The best available evidence is that paracetamol use in pregnancy is not linked to autism,” he said. “In the absence of any new evidence, the reported press release from the Trump administration claiming it is would appear to be an unsubstantiated theory which is likely to lead to an essential treatment for fever and pain being denied to women in pregnancy without good reason, contrary to US and European medical guidance.”