An upcoming report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to explore possible connections between autism and certain factors during pregnancy, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Friday.

Report Focus

The draft findings, not yet released publicly, will reportedly examine the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy and low folate levels as potential contributors to autism risk. It will also highlight folinic acid (leucovorin) — a form of folate — as a treatment that may help reduce symptoms of autism in some individuals.

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is already widely recommended to pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in developing infants.

HHS Response

An HHS spokesperson declined to confirm the details, telling CNN the agency is “using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America’s unprecedented rise in autism rates,” and that any discussion of the report’s conclusions before its release is “speculation.”

The report is being prepared under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously pledged to provide “answers” on the causes of autism this year.

Rising Autism Rates

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 31 children in the United States were diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020. Researchers attribute the increase partly to broader diagnostic criteria introduced in 2013 and to improved screening and awareness.

Scientific Evidence

The question of whether acetaminophen use in pregnancy is linked to autism has been studied extensively, but results remain inconclusive.

• A 2024 JAMA study of more than 2 million Swedish children found no association between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
• A 2025 meta-analysis published in BMC Environmental Health reviewed 46 studies and reported “strong evidence of an association” between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. However, the authors noted that their findings showed only an association, not causation.

Medical Guidance

Medical organizations have not changed their recommendations.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) stated Friday:

“There is no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and fetal developmental issues. Pregnant patients should not be frightened away from the many benefits of acetaminophen, which is safe and one of the few options pregnant people have for pain relief.”

The Autism Science Foundation issued a similar message, warning that “any association between acetaminophen and autism is based on limited, conflicting, and inconsistent science” and emphasizing that more research is needed before suggesting changes to prenatal care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously reviewed the evidence in 2015, concluding that existing studies had significant methodological flaws and that recommendations should remain unchanged.

Industry Response

Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, said in a statement:

“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products. We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”

Shares of Kenvue dropped nearly 10 percent midday Friday following the Wall Street Journal report.

Looking Ahead

The forthcoming HHS report is part of a broader federal effort to address the rising prevalence of autism in the United States. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is expected to announce up to 25 new research grants, totaling $50 million, later this month to further investigate potential causes and treatments.

The report’s findings are expected to draw close scrutiny from scientists, healthcare providers, and patient advocates. Until it is released, medical experts advise pregnant patients to continue following established guidance: use acetaminophen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time and consult healthcare providers for individualized advice.