Scientific research has suggested a link between the use of acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. On September 22, 2025, the U.S. government officially acknowledged this connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Rates of autism have increased significantly over recent decades. Previously, autism affected approximately one in 10,000 children. Currently, the prevalence is estimated at one in 31 children across the United States, with some regions experiencing even higher rates. In California, among boys, the rate has reached as high as one in 12. Since the year 2000, diagnoses of autism have risen by about 400%.
Peer-reviewed studies indicate that acetaminophen can cross the placenta and potentially influence fetal brain development. Research has linked prolonged or high-dose use during pregnancy to a greater likelihood of ASD and ADHD in offspring.
Beasley Allen is involved in national litigation concerning Tylenol’s potential association with autism and ADHD diagnoses following prenatal exposure to acetaminophen. The law firm represents families affected by these diagnoses and states that its attorneys "have secured billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in complex pharmaceutical and product liability cases." The firm further states: "We are committed to holding companies accountable and ensuring families have the resources they need to care for affected children."
According to Beasley Allen, individuals who used Tylenol or other acetaminophen products during pregnancy and whose children were subsequently diagnosed with ASD or ADHD may have legal options available.
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