Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made headlines by calling the rise in autism cases an “epidemic.” Speaking at the White House, he said the growing number of children diagnosed with autism is a serious national concern. Kennedy suggested that pregnant women taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) could be a possible factor. He also rejected the idea that earlier detection or better diagnosis could explain the rise, citing studies from the University of California, Davis, that prove otherwise.
He encouraged federal agencies to explore all possible causes, including environmental toxins and pharmaceutical exposures.
These statements can feel alarming. About one in 31 children in the U.S. is now diagnosed with autism, up from one in 36 just a few years ago. At first glance, these numbers might seem like proof of a sudden epidemic.
What UC Davis Research Actually Shows
The MIND Institute at UC Davis has been studying autism carefully for decades. In 2002, they conducted a preliminary study to see if the rise in diagnosed cases could be explained by changes in how autism was defined, families moving in or out of California, or misdiagnoses. Researchers found that something else was contributing to a higher number of children being diagnosed. However, the study did point out a specific cause. Furthermore, they did not call autism an epidemic. Its goal was to provide a foundation for deeper studies.
A later, more detailed study in 2009 examined how earlier diagnoses, including milder cases, impacted the numbers. Researchers found that these factors accounted for approximately one-third of the increase. In other words, part of the rise is attributed to the fact that more children were being diagnosed earlier, and cases with milder symptoms were being counted; however, most of the increase remained unexplained.
This study also did not label autism an epidemic. As diagnostic rules have continued to evolve, older numbers are not directly comparable to today’s statistics.
What About Tylenol and Other Treatments?
Regarding Tylenol, UC Davis scientists note that while some studies suggest a possible connection, they do not account for why the medication was used. In reality, acetaminophen use during pregnancy has stayed steady or even declined, while autism diagnoses have risen. Experts also stress that untreated fever during pregnancy carries real risks for both mother and baby.
Other claims, such as using the drug leucovorin to treat autism, are not supported by substantial evidence. UC Davis researchers emphasize that autism has no single known cause. Current research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including air pollution, pesticides, plastics, and metals, plays a role.
Trusted Research and What Families Should Know
The MIND Institute continues to conduct careful and trusted research. Scientists acknowledge that studies are sometimes misrepresented, and framing past work as evidence of an epidemic can confuse families. Accurate, clear information helps parents make informed choices for their children.
Autism is complex. Rising diagnoses do not indicate a single cause or a sudden outbreak. Science continues to study autism carefully, examining various factors to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and support children and their families. Families benefit most when information is clear, factual, and grounded in rigorous research rather than alarming headlines. At the Sacramento ABA Center, families receive compassionate, scientifically sound resources. Articles like this one are shared to help clarify things and provide families with credible information.
If you or someone you care about is just learning about an autism diagnosis, the Sacramento ABA Therapy will guide you. In that case, therapy options will be available, and a caring community will be there to support you. You are not alone. Together, the path forward can feel clearer and more hopeful.
