Forum: Insufficient evidence linking paracetamol intake during pregnancy and childhood autism
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We refer to the article, “ Trump links autism with paracetamol and vaccines, claims not backed by science
The article reports that the Trump administration has linked the active ingredient in Tylenol (known as acetaminophen in the US and paracetamol in Singapore) to autism, specifically implying that its use by mothers-to-be may result in autism in the children.
We would like to highlight that the international medical evidence on the safety of paracetamol use during pregnancy has been thoroughly evaluated by our clinical practice guidelines expert workgroup.
Singapore’s Clinical Practice Guidelines on Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents were published in July 2023 by the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
Medical evidence to date, including subsequent publications in 2024-2025, shows that there is insufficient evidence for any association between intake of paracetamol during pregnancy and the probability of autism in the child.
This being so, mothers-to-be do not need to avoid paracetamol in pregnancy.
Additionally, the article mentions another drug, known as leucovorin or folinic acid, as a potential autism treatment.
Once again, leucovorin was evaluated by the expert workgroup and should not be taken routinely for autism, and especially not without seeking medical advice first.
Further research on the safety and effectiveness of leucovorin is being conducted in Singapore.
Wong Chui Mae (Dr)
Aishworiya Ramkumar (Dr)
Co-leads of the Autism Clinical Practice Guidelines Workgroup
Section of Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics
College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Singapore
Academy of Medicine, Singapore
