In recent weeks there have been many claims, mostly arising in the United States, about the causes of autism. These dangerous statements have led to exasperation and anger from people with autism and those who understand the disability. In this article, the National Autistic Society Scotland responds to such claims, that include the US Department of Health and Human Services’ announcement that Tylenol and indeed vaccines are responsible for causing autism, and highlights its Truth. It Matters campaign addressing such harmful disinformation.
National Autistic Society Scotland’s response to the US Department of Health and Human Services announcement
Morton Dunlop, External Affairs Manager at the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “Let’s be clear – painkillers do not cause autism and vaccines do not cause autism. This incessant misinformation about autism from President Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr is dangerous and risks undermining decades of research by respected experts in the field.
“Understandably, autistic people will be dismayed and frightened by this announcement, which not only puts pregnant women and children at risk, but devalues autistic people.
“We urge anyone looking for information about autism to visit websites from trusted organisations such as the NHS and the National Autistic Society.”
Action called against disinformation
The disinformation is relentless.
The National Autistic Society has seen a huge outpouring of anger about the horrendous misinformation about autism by President Trump this week.
Thousands have signed up to our Truth. It Matters campaign, with 10,000 people signing up in the first 24 hours. The campaign was launched to fight back against the dangerous misinformation about the causes of autism that has sparked anger among autistic people and families.
Autistic people and family members of autistic children have shared concern on social media, with messages such as “I feel to blame”, “my autistic life is already difficult at times”, “such a depressing step backward” and “I’m frightened for my SEND [special educational needs and disabilities] children”.
President Trump’s announcement is the latest in a relentless rise in baseless and offensive claims about autism. It’s important to be absolutely clear –Paracetamol does not cause autism and vaccines do not cause autism.
These claims lead to increased stigma for autistic people who already fight every day for appropriate school places, healthcare, mental health and employment support, and timely diagnosis.
Fighting lies about autism could set us back a decade. It also means we lose focus on the real issues for autistic people:
- Only 26% of autistic pupils say they feel happy at school.
- As of June 2025, 236,225 people are waiting for an autism assessment in England. This is a 53% increase in two years.
- Only 3 in 10 autistic adults are in work, among the lowest for any disability.
We can’t afford these distractions. Together we are ready to fight back and stand up for the truth. The truth matters, so let’s call out nonsense and get back to working on what we actually need to deal with: the real issues autistic people face.”
What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability which influences how people experience and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are autistic and there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
Autism is understood as a spectrum and autistic people can be very different to each other, with different sets of strengths and challenges. You can read more about autism on the National Autistic Society’s website.
What are the causes of autism?
The causes of autism are still being looked into. Many experts believe there isn’t one specific cause and that there are genetic factors.
There is no link between autism and vaccines. Much research has been devoted to this issue over the years, and the results have comprehensively shown there is no link. Autism is not caused by emotional deprivation or the way a person has been brought up.
There is no known cure for autism. We also believe that autism does not need a cure and should be seen as a difference, not a disadvantage. You can read more here.
Further information
- Read the National Autistic Society’s previous response to comments about autism by President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Find out more about autism.
- Read more about the causes of autism.
- Find out more about the charity’s work to support autistic people and their families.
- Read the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency guidance which confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe.
- Read NHS information about pregnancy while taking paracetamol.
- Read NHS information about the MMR vaccine which confirms there is no link between the vaccine and autism.
- Join the charity’s Truth. It Matters campaign.
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