All the ways Trump gets autism wrong
I lead the Autism Child and Family Lab at the Hebrew University, where my team works on early diagnosis, development, and support for autistic children and their families. With our work and our families in mind, I am deeply troubled by President Trump’s recent comments linking autism to acetaminophen use in pregnancy, promoting leucovorin as a treatment, and bringing vaccine myths back into the conversation.
Trump opened his remarks by pointing to rising rates of autism. What he left out is that this increase is largely explained by greater awareness, better services, and changes to diagnostic criteria over time. In other words, we are identifying more autistic people, not experiencing an epidemic caused by a single factor.
Autism is not caused by one single factor. Decades of research point to a complex mix of genetics and environment. Hundreds of genes are involved, and variables like parental age and environmental toxins seem to play a role. Reducing that complexity to one over-the-counter medication or placing blame on parents misrepresents the science and causes harm.
The claims about acetaminophen are misleading. A few studies pointed to a minor, correlational link, but once stronger research designs were used, including sibling comparisons, the association disappeared. Larger studies from Sweden and Japan confirmed the same thing: no causal link.
Leucovorin has been considered as a treatment, but, again, the evidence is not there. The studies so far have been very small and inconsistent. Until we see large, carefully run trials, it cannot be considered a safe or proven option.
The case of vaccines has been opened and closed. They do not cause autism. This has been shown repeatedly in large, careful studies. Suggesting otherwise undermines confidence in vaccines and puts children and entire communities at risk.
Beyond the bad science, the way autism is being framed in this discussion, as something to fear or erase, misses the mark. Autistic people deserve to be recognized for their strengths and humanity. They deserve respect and real support, not stigma or blame. Families need investment in research, services, and interventions that truly help, not political soundbites that distract and divide.
The rise in autism prevalence should be seen for what it really reflects: an advancing society that has become better at identifying and supporting autistic people. This shift means more children and families can access the services and accommodations they need earlier and more effectively. That is something to build on, not something to fear.
If parents or caregivers have questions about pregnancy, medication, or autism, the best source of guidance will always be trusted professionals and high-quality, peer-reviewed science.
