Trump admin to release major report on autism: Report

A new report claims that Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to announce later this month that there is a link between autism and the use of Tylenol painkillers during pregnancy. 

According to The Wall Street Journal, people familiar with the anticipated report told the outlet that the Department of Health and Human Services’ report suggests that Tylenol and low folate levels during pregnancy could lead to a baby developing autism. The outlet noted that folate is a vitamin that is critical for the development of the brain and spine.

The sources familiar with the report also told The Wall Street Journal that the department will highlight folinic acid, which is a form of folate,  as a way to decrease autism symptoms. 

The Post Millennial reported that the National Institutes of Health has been overseeing the drafting of the upcoming report, which is expected to include potential causes for autism and to address what researchers currently know about autism and what remains unknown. 

In a statement obtained by The Post Millennial, a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson addressed the rumors regarding the upcoming report, saying, “We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America’s unprecedented rise in autism rates. Until we release the final report, any claims about its contents are nothing more than speculation.”

According to The Post Millennial, The Wall Street Journal’s report resulted in Kenvue, the company that owns Tylenol producer McNeil Consumer Healthcare, experiencing a 9.3 percent drop in stock shares on Friday.

In response to the concerns prompted by The Wall Street Journal’s report, a Kenvue spokesperson said, “Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products. We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”

In a statement obtained by CNN, Dr. Christopher Zahn, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ chief of clinical practice, also claimed that there is “no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and fetal developmental issues.”

“Neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular, are multifactorial and very difficult to associate with a singular cause,” Zahn added. “Pregnant patients should not be frightened away from the many benefits of acetaminophen, which is safe and one of the few options pregnant people have for pain relief.”