About the Tylenol Autism Lawsuits
Sources across the board report that autism and ADHD rates are on the rise. New data shows that one in 31 children now has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a nearly 400% increase from the year 2000, when data showed just one diagnosis in 150.
Some authorities claim the explosion in diagnoses is due to more awareness and better diagnostic methodology for conditions like autism and ADHD. Others, however, believe environmental factors are responsible, including Tylenol use in pregnancy.
Also called acetaminophen or paracetamol, Tylenol has been scrutinized for over a decade for its reported connection to autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. These findings prompted parents around the country to file Johnson & Johnson lawsuits regarding Tylenol.
Following a recent statement from the FDA regarding acetaminophen safety, more plaintiffs have begun filing birth injury lawsuits against Tylenol and its current parent company, Kenvue. Litigation is also pending against pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, and producers of generic acetaminophen.
If you or your child were diagnosed with autism or ADHD following prenatal Tylenol exposure, you may be able to file a lawsuit and are encouraged to fill out the sign-up form on this page for a no-cost case evaluation by a qualified attorney.
Tylenol And Its Prenatal Uses
Available in the United States as a prescription and over-the-counter medication, Tylenol is also known by its generic name, acetaminophen (or paracetamol outside the US). It’s an extremely common drug used to reduce fever and pain in the general population and in pregnant women.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, fevers over 103°F (39.4°C) can be dangerous to an unborn baby, potentially resulting in miscarriage, heart problems, cleft lip and palate, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Many other drugs designed for fever and pain relief are known to have negative health effects on babies in utero. Tylenol, on the other hand, has long been trusted by doctors and expectant mothers for these purposes.
Health Effects of Acetaminophen: ADHD, Autism, & More
Despite Tylenol’s perceived safety profile, plaintiffs claim the medication poses major risks when taken prenatally, causing children to develop conditions like the following later in life:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Conduct Disorder
- Speech delays
- Executive dysfunction and decline in cognitive abilities
- Lower IQ
Allegedly, studies like the ones below may support plaintiffs’ assertions that Tylenol exposure in the womb can cause health problems:
- 2019 study published in JAMA Psychiatry: Study of 996 mother-infant dyads; concluded there may be a link between in-utero Tylenol exposure and ASD/ADHD.
- 2018 study published in American Journal of Epidemiology: Study of more than 130,000 mother-child pairs; found long-term prenatal acetaminophen exposure may result in a 20% greater risk of autism and a 30% greater risk of ADHD.
- 2017 study published in International Journal of Epidemiology: Study of 617 mother-child pairs; determined that children exposed to paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the womb may have a greater risk of cerebral palsy.
Tylenol and Kenvue deny any link between the in-utero acetaminophen exposure and disorders like autism or ADHD. However, a 2017 post on X made by Tylenol has recently resurfaced, which reads, “We actually don't recommend using any of our products while pregnant.” Critics believe this demonstrates a knowledge of Tylenol pregnancy risks.
Kenvue, on the other hand, states that the post has been taken out of context, reportedly claiming they oppose making “recommendations on taking any medications in pregnancy because that is the job of a healthcare provider.”
Who Qualifies For The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?
You may be able to file a Tylenol lawsuit if you or your child meets requirements like the following:
- The mother must have used Tylenol (or acetaminophen/paracetamol) while pregnant.
- The drug must have been recommended by a doctor or used over the counter for pregnancy-related symptoms like fever, headaches, backaches, cramps, and muscle soreness.
- You or your child must have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or another developmental disorder following birth.
- You should be able to show evidence demonstrating that symptoms worsened or became apparent after in-utero exposure to Tylenol.
Potential plaintiffs should be prepared to provide documentation of Tylenol use and diagnoses, such as medical records.
You or your child may also qualify for the Tylenol ADHD lawsuit if you were diagnosed with any of the following conditions after prenatal exposure to acetaminophen:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental Disorders correlated to in-utero Tylenol use
- Delayed infant milestones:
- Lack of smiling/happy expressions by 6 months
- Lack of sounds/cooing by 12 months
- Lack of speech by 16 months
- Childhood social and behavioral issues:
- Social withdrawal
- Resistance to physical contact
- Expressionless communication
- High sensitivity to light and sound
- Repetitive movements (e.g., rocking)
Tylenol FDA Warnings
On September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding Tylenol’s safety. He claimed that taking the medication while pregnant “can be associated with a very increased risk of autism” and strongly recommended “that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary.”
That same day, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement updating physicians on its new prenatal acetaminophen use recommendations. The document references a possible association between in-utero Tylenol exposure and the development of neurological conditions like autism and ADHD later in life.
The FDA stopped short of suggesting that expectant mothers should never use acetaminophen, instead generally urging doctors to encourage minimal Tylenol use during pregnancy to promote patient safety.
How Do I Join The Lawsuit?
If you or your child was harmed by prenatal Tylenol use, you deserve accountability. Working with an experienced attorney may give you the best chance at a successful lawsuit and Tylenol settlement.
By completing the sign-up form at the top of the page, you’ll be connected with a lawyer familiar with Tylenol in the OCA network who can evaluate your case for no charge. Our team is standing by to help you seek justice.
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