Media Release: Response to the USA’s Administration’s claim of a link between paracetamol & neurodivergence
MEDIA RELEASE – 23 September 2025
The Alliance’s Co-Chair’s response to the USA’s Administration’s claim that “paracetamol causes autism”
Jenny Karavolos (Co-Chair | Australian Autism Alliance) has responded to the recent media coverage regarding the USA’s Administration’s statement linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to Autism.
When asked for a comment on the statement, by national media outlets, Jenny Karavolos (Co-Chair | Australian Autism Alliance) stated:
“The Australian Autism Alliance is aware of an announcement from the USA’s Administration regarding a supposed link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism, as well as other matters related to neurodivergence.
I don’t have an in-depth understanding of the research referred to but … what I can say is that Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition where it is stated that it is influenced by many genetic and environmental factors.
In Australia we are not aware of any evidence to indicate that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism. As Minister Butler has said ‘If you are concerned please seek medical advice’.
It is too simplistic, harmful and disrespectful to imply that, just as one might take paracetamol for a headache to go away, we can stop taking paracetamol during pregnancy and Autism will disappear. Such messaging is not only inaccurate and dangerous but also risks causing unnecessary anxiety, guilt and grief for mothers and families.
The current association is harmful as it ties decisions to a mother… This is not acceptable and strongly condemned, as it can cause immense anxiety, guilt and grief.
We strongly condemn any narrative that ties autism to parental blame or suggests it should be eradicated. These views are deeply damaging to Autistic people and the autism community. All Australians – including Autistic Australians – are valued members of society with equal rights, dignity and a place in our society.”
Call for More Research, Equity and Community Inclusion
Jenny continued “If I take a positive from this, is it has put a spotlight on that there needs to be more research invested in Autism, in general.”
It is the Australian Autism Alliance’s viewpoint that all World leaders urgently need to:
- receive more reliable data and education, including the prevalence, and an understanding of the diversity of autism.
- provide accurate, evidence-based information to the public.
- improve supports and services to enable Autistic people to thrive socially and economically.
- uphold the rights, dignity and inclusion of Autistic people in every aspect of society.
For more information relating to this matter, please refer to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advice published on 23 September 2025: https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/paracetamol-use-pregnancy
About the Australian Autism Alliance: We are the national peak body furthering the rights and interests of Autistic people across the life span, their parents and carers, and the autism community in Australia. The members represent a cohesive national network of key organisations with a diverse focus on autism. For more information about Australian Autism Alliance go to: australianautismalliance.org.au and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
Media enquiries: Jenny Karavolos | Australian Autism Alliance, Co-Chair
Emails: jenkaravolos@outlook.com | chair@australianautismalliance.org.au