HHS Report to Suggest Link Between Prenatal Acetaminophen Use and Autism

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reportedly preparing to release a report suggesting a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. The report is also expected to propose folinic acid, a derivative of folate, as a potential treatment for autism symptoms.

Medical experts have expressed skepticism regarding these claims. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine stated that acetaminophen is safe and recommended for use during pregnancy, particularly for treating fever and pain. They emphasized that untreated fever in the first trimester can increase risks such as miscarriage, birth defects, and premature birth, while untreated pain may lead to maternal depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Dr. Alycia Halladay, chief science officer at the Autism Science Foundation, commented on the complexity of autism's causes, noting that hundreds of genes are linked to the disorder. She stated that any association between acetaminophen and autism is based on limited, conflicting, and inconsistent science, and is premature given the current evidence.

Some studies have suggested a possible association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, a 2024 NIH-funded study involving 2.5 million children found no increased risk of autism associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

Regarding folinic acid, also known as leucovorin, it is sometimes prescribed off-label as a treatment for autism, though evidence supporting its efficacy is limited. The Autism Science Foundation noted that while some studies suggest low folate levels in pregnant women could increase the risk of autism, the science is still in early stages, and more research is necessary before reaching definitive conclusions.

The HHS has cautioned that claims about the report are speculative until its official release.