Fighting harmful autism myths: why facts, not fear, must guide disability policy
US President Donald Trump has revived harmful myths linking paracetamol and vaccines to autism, despite clear scientific evidence disproving these claims. Families deserve evidence-based support and inclusion, not misinformation that fuels stigma and fear.
At a recent press conference, US President Donald Trump claimed that taking Tylenol (paracetamol) during pregnancy could lead to autism. He also repeated the discredited idea that vaccines are responsible. Statements like this, delivered from the highest office, travel quickly and risk fuelling fear rather than understanding.
What the research really says
Scientists have studied paracetamol use in pregnancy for years. Some early research hinted at a possible link with autism or ADHD, but stronger studies that account for family history and genetics have not found a causal connection. Health experts worldwide agree that paracetamol does not cause autism.
Vaccines have been investigated even more thoroughly. Large studies across many countries have shown no link to autism. The consensus is clear: vaccines do not cause autism.
The harm caused by myths
Repeating these ideas is not harmless. They place unnecessary blame on parents, particularly mothers, echoing the discredited “refrigerator mother” theory of the 1950s. They also distract from the real challenges families face, such as delayed diagnoses, cultural barriers to services, and the heavy weight of stigma.
Misinformation can also put health at risk. Pregnant people may avoid safe medications out of fear, and vaccine hesitancy can lead to outbreaks of preventable disease. Families already struggling to secure support for their children are left to battle yet another layer of confusion and isolation.
Where focus is needed
The story of children like Nico, a two-year-old in the United States who began to thrive after receiving timely speech therapy, shows what truly matters: access to early intervention, inclusive education, and community belonging. These are the rights that must guide disability policy, not speculation about what “causes” autism.
Standing up for disability rights
Families living with autism deserve evidence-based support and social inclusion. Political leaders have a responsibility to strengthen these rights, not undermine them with unfounded claims. Fighting harmful myths is essential to ensuring that children with autism, and their families, can access the services and opportunities they need to thrive.