In a recent pursuit to uncover the origins of autism, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. proposed an astonishing theory this week, connecting infant circumcision and Tylenol consumption with autism rates.
“There are two studies indicating that children who undergo circumcision early have twice the likelihood of being diagnosed with autism. It’s quite probable this is due to Tylenol being administered afterward,” Kennedy articulated during a Thursday Cabinet meeting.
This statement follows closely on the heels of President Trump also expressing concerns about acetaminophen — the active component in Tylenol — stating that it’s “not beneficial” for expectant mothers and mayelevate autism risks in children.
Experts have informed The Post that these assertions are misleading, incite unnecessary fear, and lack substantial evidence.
“I believe their intentions are positive,” stated Dr. Robert Melillo, a neuroscientist with over 30 years of experience working with autistic individuals. “However, the messaging is extremely poor.”
Here’s a breakdown of Kennedy’s latest autism claims.
Is there any scientific backing for RFK Jr.’s statements?
While Kennedy did not reference specific studies, he likely referred to a 2015 Danish study that examined over 340,000 boys, discovering a modestly elevated autism prevalence by age 10 among those circumcised.
Autism — diagnosed in 1 in 31 children in the U.S., a figure that continues to climb — influences learning, behavior, communication, and social interaction.
The authors of the study proposed that discomfort or stress during the circumcision could affect brain growth. However, they lacked detailed data about the medications used, making it impossible to confirm if Tylenol was a factor.
Subsequent critiques labeled the research as “flawed,” highlighting significant limitations.
In addition, a 2013 study compared circumcision and autism rates across eight countries and identified a weak correlation, but failed to find causation.
“To truly understand causal relations, we first need to clarify what autism is and what occurs within the brain, and nobody is addressing this comprehensively,” Melillo remarked.
“It’s impossible to discuss causation without grasping the fundamental issue, contributing to ongoing confusion,” he continued.
Nevertheless, Trump supported Kennedy’s assertions, claiming: “There’s a vast amount of proof or evidence, as I would assert as a non-doctor,” adding that he investigated the topic “a long time ago.”
Does Tylenol trigger autism?
“There is no definitive or conclusive proof that using Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy causes autism,” stated Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavida Health, in an interview with The Post.
The over-the-counter medication has been deemed safe for decades to alleviate pain and reduce fever, and medical professionals still regard it as one of the safest choices for pregnant women and young children when used appropriately.
“If one were to assert that Tylenol causes autism, then specifically, any mother who took Tylenol would have a child with autism — which is clearly not the reality,” Melillo emphasized.
Instead of focusing on Tylenol, Melillo and Oreck contend that attention should be directed toward the medical conditions Tylenol addresses — not the medication itself.
“Here’s the issue: people administer acetaminophen during instances of fever, migraines, or chronic discomfort. These conditions, in themselves, can impact both the pregnant individual and their fetus,” Oreck noted.
“Research fails to distinguish the medication from the illness being treated. It’s akin to blaming umbrellas for rain — they may occur together, but that doesn’t imply a cause-and-effect relationship,” she observed.
Melillo further pointed out that numerous autism risk factors can emerge long before conception, a point he elaborates on in his book, “Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders — and What Parents Can Do Now.
For instance, research indicates that obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes in either parent may elevate the chance of having a child with autism.
“There is an evident surge in autism, and certain lifestyle and environmental factors are influencing it,” Melillo stated. “However, these very factors are also contributing to the increase in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and autoimmunity. They are not exclusive to autism.
What do experts say regarding circumcision and autism rates?
“This assertion lacks rationality,” Melillo stated.
He pointed out that circumcision has been a historical practice for millennia, and not all children receive Tylenol afterward.
“No credible scientific evidence substantiates this claim,” Oreck added. “The theory is based on flimsy correlations that do not confirm causation and has not been validated by peer-reviewed studies.”
Melillo suggested that he would be more concerned about alternative early-life variables — such as oxygen deprivation at birth, delivery trauma, or indications of an overactive immune response — as potential factors associated with autism.
“I would argue that circumcision would rank low on the list of concerns, which makes it puzzling to see such emphasis placed upon it,” Melillo remarked.
“The messaging is perplexing and is generating significant anxiety.”
