The age of acetaminophen and autism: What paediatricians need to know about battling misinformation

By Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas, Developmental Paediatrician, Toronto

Recent headlines from the United States, fuelled by claims from the Trump administration, have suggested that acetaminophen use in pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in children. This claim is not supported by evidence. Large-scale, international studies have found no consistent association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acetaminophen remains one of the safest and most widely used medications for fever and pain relief during pregnancy.

While the science is clear, the impact of misinformation is profound. As paediatricians, we see the downstream effects of false claims in our clinics every day. Families exposed to misinformation may delay seeking care, invest limited resources into unproven treatments, or lose trust in evidence-based interventions. For marginalized and BIPOC families—who already face barriers to healthcare due to racism, language, and systemic inequities—the confusion and mistrust created by misinformation compounds existing disparities.

These dynamics have important implications for paediatric practice and medical education. Misinformation erodes the credibility of healthcare providers. Families who perceive contradictions between what they read online and what they hear in clinic may question our expertise. And misinformation shifts the focus away from what matters most: supporting children and families with access to timely, evidence-based interventions and inclusive community supports.

How can paediatricians respond?

At the clinical level, addressing misinformation should be seen as part of routine care. Paediatricians can start by asking families what they have heard or read, listening with respect, and acknowledging the emotions that fuel these questions. Responding with empathy and curiosity, rather than dismissal, opens the door to trust. From there, we can provide clear, evidence-based explanations, while emphasizing what we do know works to support child health and development.

At the professional level, paediatricians have an opportunity—and responsibility—to be proactive advocates against misinformation. This means engaging in broader conversations on social media, where many families first encounter health information. Paediatricians can amplify credible resources, create accessible content, or partner with trusted community voices to ensure accurate messages reach families in culturally and linguistically relevant ways.

We also need to lean into our advocacy role in traditional media and policy spheres. Paediatricians can speak publicly to counter harmful claims and ensure that scientific evidence is communicated clearly to the public. At the policy level, our voices are needed to call for greater regulation of disinformation and sustained investment in health communication infrastructure. Policies that support community-driven, multilingual platforms are particularly important for reaching families who are most vulnerable to misinformation.

As a profession, we are trusted voices. By meeting families with humility and empathy in the clinic, engaging publicly on digital and media platforms, and advocating for stronger policies, paediatricians can help ensure that truth and equity—not myths—guide the care of children and families.

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Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas, MD MPH FRCPC FAAP is a developmental paediatrician at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. He is the medical lead of the Our Kids’ Health Network, and the President of the Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario.

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