Autism Announcements: Educate, Explain, Empower, Together
At ALL TOGETHER AUTISM, we seek to support the families we serve through education, explanation, and empowerment. The recent scientific and public announcements related to autism, Tylenol, and folic acid may be contributing to confusion and industry debate. As experts in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and comprehensive diagnosis evaluation (CDE) with decades and decades of clinical experience, ALL TOGETHER AUTISM seeks scientific and medical consensus to support our families on the autism journey.
Today we wish to share several industry resources so parents and their circle of support may make best-informed, individualized decisions. National organizations that focus on advocacy, education, support and guidelines within the autism industry have made various statements in an attempt to clarify, caution, and confirm what we know to be true today.
| EDUCATE
- Multiple studies have investigated a potential link between a mother’s use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and a child’s risk of autism or ADHD. Some studies have reported an association, while others have found no connection or deemed the results as inconclusive. As we write this, the best scientific evidence does not show a causal link between acetaminophen use and autism. Autism is complex and causes are primarily genetic, with environmental factors believed to play a role. On September 22, 2025, the FDA initiated a label change for acetaminophen to reflect evidence suggesting a possible association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased risk of neurological conditions. However, the FDA acknowledged the uncertainty and stated no causal relationship has been established.
- Many research studies, including those funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest that consuming Folic Acid or a multivitamin before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of having a child with autism. A standard folic acid dose of 400 micrograms daily helps to prevent neural tube defects and supports a healthy brain. Findings remain inconsistent and a few studies suggest a potential risk associated with high doses of folic acid.
- Folinic Acid and Folic Acid are not the same. Some children with autism have been found to have a rare condition (possibly 1 in 1 million) when folate levels (a form of B-vitamin) in the brain are low, even if blood levels are normal. This is called Cerebral Folate Deficiency (CFD). Leucovorin (Folinic Acid), an established medication in cancer treatment, can help bypass a blocked folate transport system and may improve symptoms, especially in early-diagnosed cases of children with established language and communication disorders. Folic Acid supplements are not advised for children with CFD, as it can potentially block folate receptors and worsen symptoms. The FDA has initiated the process to approve Leucovorin for treating CFD which can manifest with autism-like symptoms. CFD is a distinct condition from autism. While there is not a test for CFD, physicians and medical practitioners can perform a blood test for autoantibodies that block folate transport to the brain. A lumbar (spinal) puncture is required to definitively diagnose CFD.
| EXPLAIN
Bottom line on the evidence
The suspected Acetaminophen link to autism is significantly reduced when normalizing data by identifying children who have siblings with autism, suggesting a familial link.
Greater research is required to determine if Leucovorin used as an experimental/off-label drug for children with CFD may be helpful. Who benefits? What prescribed amount and for how long is the drug helpful? What are the risks, and do they outweigh the benefits?
| EMPOWER
What does this mean for families on the autism journey?
- Talk with your child’s medical doctor: If you’re considering Folinic Acid, discuss testing for folate receptor-alpha autoantibodies and the broader clinical picture. A careful, individualized risk-benefit discussion is essential. (Leucovorin is a prescription medication and can interact with other medications.)
- Set realistic expectations: Even in positive trials, not all children improved, and the magnitude of benefit varied. More rigorous science is needed before anyone can make strong claims.
| TOGETHER
While research on Leucovorin continues, behavioral intervention remains the most evidence-supported approach for improving day-to-day skills and quality of life in autism. Programs rooted in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and related behavioral methods have the broadest evidence base and are widely used in the home, schools and clinics to build communication, social, and adaptive skills. ?
