One of the greatest challenges a parent can face is learning that their child has a developmental disorder. Raising any child is plenty of work to be sure, and adding a mental health diagnosis such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make things that much more challenging.
Recent research has demonstrated that there may be a causal link between the use of Tylenol® and the presence of developmental disorders in children. This article will discuss the potential link between Tylenol® and autism, as well as cover the important matter of how autism can be treated.
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The History of Tylenol®




As a brand name, Tylenol® is one of the most recognized in the United States across all industries. The familiarity of most Americans with this brand name comes down to the popularity of the product as well as the many decades it has spent on the market. First brought to consumers in 1955, this is a medication that has been used for generations. It was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1959 and has been one of the flagship products for the corporation ever since.
Tylenol® and acetaminophen are used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Many over-the-counter medications contain acetaminophen.
There are two primary uses for Tylenol®. Often, it is used as a pain-relieving medication, taken by an individual who may be dealing with a headache, a minor injury or some soreness. Alternatively, it can be used as a fever-reducing medicine, taken when one is ill to bring down their body temperature and reduce the risks that come with carrying a fever. While it will sometimes be the case that a doctor will direct the use of Tylenol® by a patient, this is a medication that is available over-the-counter and no prescription is required to pick up a bottle at the drugstore.
A Potential Connection
While it can’t be denied that Tylenol® has been an effective medication for millions of people, that does not mean it is completely safe and unable to cause harm.
In recent years, research has begun to come to light that creates a possible link between Tylenol® use among pregnant women and autism in their children.1 2 |
The use of Tylenol® during pregnancy, or other products containing acetaminophen as an active ingredient, has been shown by some studies to result in an elevated autism risk. Given the popularity of Tylenol® as a pain management option, this is certainly troubling and should be monitored closely by any women who used such drugs regularly during their pregnancy. Of course, the use of children’s Tylenol® may be equally as concerning.
Watching for Signs of ASD
As is so often the case with many health conditions, watching for symptoms of ASD starts at home. It will typically be the parents or other guardians of young children that first notice behaviors or cognitive delays that give them cause for concern. A formal diagnosis can’t be made without the help of a qualified professional, but watching for common signs throughout day-to-day life can help get the child the appropriate assistance early on.
Watching for standard milestones as the child reaches specific ages is one way to see if ASD is a possibility. For instance, a child who is not speaking, learning at grade level, or behaving in a way that is aligned with their peers could potentially have a developmental disorder. When a pattern of falling behind typical milestones presents itself, taking the child in for a well visit to go over concerns with a doctor or nurse is a good first step.
It is important to understand that there are many possible reasons for a delay in development, and ASD is far from a sure thing in infants and young children.
Some kids just pick up certain skills later than others, and there may be no underlying reason for that delay. It’s common for kids who were once behind to completely catch up at a later age, too. Rather than assuming a diagnosis of ASD or another developmental disability, parents and guardians should simply seek out professional guidance and continue to support their children in their growth.
Note: Acetaminophen products like Tylenol® may not be the cause of autism or other developmental disorders like ADHD in a particular person. |
But multiple studies suggest that taking acetaminophen products like Tylenol® and Paracetamol while pregnant can affect a child’s brain development.3 4 |
Seeking Fair Compensation
The victim in any personal injury case should never be left to bear the burden of what has been caused by another party. That applies to all kinds of personal injuries, and it is certainly true here. If the use of acetaminophen by a pregnant woman directly led to an autism diagnosis in her child, those who caused the harm should be made to pay for what they have done.
Not only will such damages help the victim’s family navigate through the challenges that they face in life due to ASD, but being held responsible will also set a standard that can hopefully persuade businesses to be less negligent or reckless in the future.
The Time to Act is Now. Your rights can be lost if you wait.
There are laws that limit how much time you have to file a lawsuit after being injured. They are known as statutes of limitation. They may apply to your lawsuit to recover for your injuries. The countdown may already have begun.
The statute of limitations (how long you have to file a case) may already be counting down. Don’t let it expire!




Anyone who might fit into the category of a victim in a mass tort claim would be wise to act as quickly as possible. There are time restrictions that can come into play in cases like these, so everyone who may have been affected should get involved right away to strengthen their argument and avoid missing out due to statutes of limitations.
Many of the acetaminophen autism lawsuits in the courts now may end up being part of a large settlement by the makers and sellers of acetaminophen-containing products like Tylenol®.
In some cases, a settlement will be the way a large corporation like Johnson & Johnson deals with a personal injury case that has been brought by a large class of victims. However, that is not always the case, as has been proven by the choice of Johnson & Johnson to fight back against the talcum powder lawsuit that has been much publicized.
Parents who are concerned that their child may be facing a developmental disorder should talk to a specialist as soon as possible. Through a variety of methods, it may be possible to arrive at a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD, which will open up opportunities to get the appropriate treatments and possible compensation.
The law provides compensation for injured people because the injuries involve economic loss as well as personal injuries that are hard to put a price on.
If there was a history of Tylenol® use during pregnancy by a mother who has a child with ASD, legal action should be considered. Seeking compensation for damages in this case can help to provide the treatment and care needed in order for the child to have a bright future. The team at Justinian & Associates can answer any questions or concerns and successfully guide a claimant or plaintiff through the process.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that if your child has symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, you should contact a healthcare professional to have your child screened for ASD.
- Info about screening for ASD is available on the CDC Website.
- There is no cure for ASD, but there are autism therapies that can greatly help a child’s development.
Taking Tylenol® (Acetaminophen / Paracetamol) while pregnant can affect the child’s brain development. 5 6
“We have sufficient data from multiple populations and studies to say that acetaminophen is not as safe as it is considered.” 7
Prenatal acetaminophen consumption has been connected to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Language delay (in girls)
- Decreased Intelligence Quotient (IQ).8
We Are Warriors For The Injured
Our only goal is justice for our clients, whatever that means for them.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) attributable to acetaminophen taken during pregnancy, now is the time to seek legal assistance.
You need experienced attorneys on your side.
Our Texas and San Antonio mass tort lawyers have successfully represented dozens of victims injured by dangerous pharmaceuticals and other hazardous substances. That’s exactly why we were founded.
The legal team at Justinian and Associates has years of experience dealing with personal injury cases involving health conditions like ASD, and medications that are far more dangerous than represented by the companies selling them.
We have the knowledge, experience, resources and trained investigators to take on large adversaries like billion dollar manufacturing companies.
All we do is fight for injured victims. And we do not accept defeat.
Unless we get you money for your injuries, you don’t pay us a dime.
Call, text or email us for a free consultation, with no obligation.
Speak to a Texas personal injury attorney from Justinian & Associates (not a “screener” or paralegal) to understand your rights.
Parker W, Hornik CD, Bilbo S, Holzknecht ZE, Gentry L, Rao R, Lin SS, Herbert MR, Nevison CD. The role of oxidative stress, inflammation and acetaminophen exposure from birth to early childhood in the induction of autism. J Int Med Res. 2017 Apr;45(2):407-438. doi: 10.1177/0300060517693423. Epub 2017 Mar 16. PMID: 28415925; PMCID: PMC5536672.
[1] A Systematic Review of the Link Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Acetaminophen: A Mystery to Resolve, interpreting data from Parker SE, Collett BR, Werler MM: Maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy and childhood behavioural problems: Discrepancies between mother- and teacher-reported outcomes. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2020, 34:299-308. 10.1111/ppe.12601).
[2] Paracetamol use during pregnancy—a call for precautionary action, Bauer, A.Z., Swan, S.H., Kriebel, D., Liew, Z., Taylor, H.S., Bornehag, C.G., Andrade, A.M., Olsen, J., Jensen, R.H., Mitchell, R.T. and Skakkebaek, N.E., 2021. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 17(12), pp.757-766.
[3] A Systematic Review of the Link Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Acetaminophen: A Mystery to Resolve, interpreting data from Parker SE, Collett BR, Werler MM: Maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy and childhood behavioural problems: Discrepancies between mother- and teacher-reported outcomes. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2020, 34:299-308. 10.1111/ppe.12601).
[4] Paracetamol use during pregnancy—a call for precautionary action, Bauer, A.Z., Swan, S.H., Kriebel, D., Liew, Z., Taylor, H.S., Bornehag, C.G., Andrade, A.M., Olsen, J., Jensen, R.H., Mitchell, R.T. and Skakkebaek, N.E., 2021. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 17(12), pp.757-766.
[5] A Systematic Review of the Link Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Acetaminophen: A Mystery to Resolve, interpreting data from Parker SE, Collett BR, Werler MM: Maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy and childhood behavioural problems: Discrepancies between mother- and teacher-reported outcomes. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2020, 34:299-308. 10.1111/ppe.12601).
[6] Paracetamol use during pregnancy—a call for precautionary action, Bauer, A.Z., Swan, S.H., Kriebel, D., Liew, Z., Taylor, H.S., Bornehag, C.G., Andrade, A.M., Olsen, J., Jensen, R.H., Mitchell, R.T. and Skakkebaek, N.E., 2021. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 17(12), pp.757-766.
[7] A Systematic Review of the Link Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Acetaminophen: A Mystery to Resolve, interpreting data from Parker SE, Collett BR, Werler MM: Maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy and childhood behavioural problems: Discrepancies between mother- and teacher-reported outcomes. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2020, 34:299-308. 10.1111/ppe.12601).
[8] Paracetamol use during pregnancy—a call for precautionary action, Bauer, A.Z., Swan, S.H., Kriebel, D., Liew, Z., Taylor, H.S., Bornehag, C.G., Andrade, A.M., Olsen, J., Jensen, R.H., Mitchell, R.T. and Skakkebaek, N.E., 2021. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 17(12), pp.757-766.