Response to President Trump paracetamol claim
23 Sep 2025
Autism Queensland (AQ) is aware of recent comments by United States President Donald Trump suggesting a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism. AQ CEO Frances Scodellaro releases following statement.
Both the Australian Medical Association and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler have confirmed that paracetamol is not a cause of autism. You can also read the media release issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration about paracetamol use in pregnancy here.
What concerns us most is the stigma these claims create. They risk isolating autistic people and unfairly blaming mothers, undoing decades of work to break down harmful myths. Autism is not caused by a single factor, and oversimplified claims only create fear instead of building understanding.
Comments like these are unhelpful and harmful. They reinforce outdated stereotypes, increase anxiety for families, and distract from what matters most, ensuring autistic people are supported to live full, valued lives.
For almost 60 years, Autism Queensland has worked to ensure autistic people are respected, supported, and able to thrive.
As Queensland’s peak autism body, we continue to engage with media and the public to prevent misinformation from fueling stigma and to reassure families they are not to blame.
We dismiss claims that perpetuate guilt or blame.
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