Local autism advocates urge caution after White House statement on Tylenol link

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — A recent statement from the White House suggesting a potential link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism has sparked concern among families, medical experts, and autism advocates — many of whom say the rhetoric is dangerous.

Blake Baxter, a board member of the Autism Society Inland Empire and a self-advocate with autism, says claims made by the government are misleading.

“It says we see a correlation. More research is needed... Correlation means you see two things that are kind of occurring at the same time or in the same situation. It doesn’t mean either one is causing the other. Causation is where you say we’ve determined that this causes this. This is not what the study says.”

Blake Baxter, Autism Society Inland Empire Board Member

According to Baxter and other experts, political rhetoric is distorting the scientific findings, creating confusion and fear among families. He says this can do real harm — especially when it shifts the blame for autism onto mothers.

“The language that is being used by politicians to talk about this correlation is catastrophizing. It is alienating to autistic people and in many cases, it might lead people to incorrect assumptions. With this announcement about Tylenol, we are once again putting the onus on women to prevent autism.”

Blake Baxter, Autism Society Inland Empire Board Member

Medical professionals and advocates across the country are echoing similar concerns, urging families to consult healthcare providers and avoid making decisions based on headlines or political commentary.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.