No Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism, WHO says

DLHA Staff Writer

September 30, 2025: The World Health Organization in a news release dated Wednesday, September 24 has emphasised categorically “that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy”.

The statement came amid recent unsubstantiated claims of such link.

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain developmental disorder that globally affects nearly 62 million people or 1 in 127 people.

The WHO statement further said; “Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established.” It added: “WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances?and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.”

In further disapproval of another unfounded but related claim, the WHO in its statement affirmed that “A robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism” and that “large, high-quality ?studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion”.

The statement added that: “Childhood vaccine schedules are developed through a careful, extensive and evidence-based process involving global experts and country input. The childhood immunization schedule, carefully guided by WHO, has been adopted by all countries, and has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. The schedule remains essential for the health and wellbeing of every child and every community. These schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents and adults against 30 infectious diseases”.  

“When immunization schedules are delayed or disrupted, or altered without evidence review, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child, but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk”, the WHO aid.  

Full details of the World Health Organization’s news release is available here.

About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is not an illness. It is a brain developmental condition that children are born with and often noted by parents and caregiver from age 18 months or earlier. Formal diagnosis of the condition usally occurs around age 2 to 3 years.

Children with ASD find it hard to speak and interact with other people. They get very anxious and upset in unfamiliar situations. They are highly sensitive to things like bright lights, loud sounds and stress. They also prefer to do the same things repeatedly.

Click here to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Related: Common Autism Myths in Africa and How to Disprove Them

Published: September30, 2025

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