An advocate for the autistic community has voiced concern over recent remarks by the Trump administration linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism. Colin Killick, Executive Director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network based in Washington, criticized these statements, suggesting they may increase stigma surrounding autism and unfairly assign blame to parents.
President Trump recently suggested that pregnant women avoid taking acetaminophen, cautioning against what he described as a potential risk for autism in children. He urged women to “tough it out,” despite the lack of scientific evidence connecting the medication to autism. These remarks align with views from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his environmental theories regarding autism causes.
The scientific and medical community has strongly refuted these claims, emphasizing that they are unsupported by existing research. Killick, who is autistic, expressed how the administration’s rhetoric paints autism as a detrimental condition. He highlighted how policy decisions, like proposed Medicaid cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, could hinder access to necessary resources for individuals with autism. Many autism advocates argue that such cuts would disproportionately affect those who rely heavily on Medicaid and other long-term care support services.
In defense, an HHS spokesperson praised the department’s commitment to following scientific proof and disseminating important public health information. Furthermore, a White House spokesperson shared that several parents appreciated the administration’s commitment to addressing autism-related concerns.
Killick criticized earlier controversial statements about autism made by Kennedy, and expressed frustration that harmful stereotypes and baseless theories persist. He emphasizes that blaming parents is reminiscent of outdated notions, like the “refrigerator mothers” theory of past decades, and affirms that autism is a genetic, inherent condition.
Killick also expressed concern that the administration’s focus on potentially ‘eliminating’ autism wrongly suggests that autistic individuals’ existence is problematic. He highlighted the diversity within the autism spectrum, noting that people with various support needs can still lead fulfilling, productive lives.
In reassurance, Killick emphasized that the perceived rise in autism rates is due to improved diagnostic criteria and early identification, which ultimately benefit those on the spectrum by providing necessary accommodations and support.