September 22, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., unveiled a sweeping initiative Monday aimed at confronting what they called the “autism epidemic” in the United States. The announcement, part of the administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign, marks one of the most ambitious federal efforts to address autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in recent history.
Speaking from the Roosevelt Room, Trump declared, “I think we found an answer to autism,” referencing new research and policy shifts that include:
🔬 Key Actions Announced:
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FDA Label Update: The FDA will now recognize leucovorin, a drug traditionally used for cancer and anemia, as a treatment pathway for speech-related deficits in children with ASD linked to cerebral folate deficiency.
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Tylenol Advisory: The administration will advise pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) unless medically necessary, citing studies that suggest a possible link between prenatal use and increased autism risk3.
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Medicaid Expansion: State Medicaid programs will begin covering leucovorin for ASD-related treatment, pending clinical results.
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NIH Research Push: The National Institutes of Health will launch confirmatory trials and fund new research into autism causes and therapies.
Secretary Kennedy emphasized the urgency, stating, “We will follow the science, restore trust, and deliver hope to millions of American families.” He also reiterated his belief that environmental toxins may play a role in rising autism rates, a view that has drawn both support and criticism from medical experts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that 1 in 31 American 8-year-olds were diagnosed with autism in 2022 — a nearly 400% increase since 2000.
While the administration’s announcement was hailed by some advocacy groups, others urged caution, noting that the scientific community remains divided on the causes of autism and the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue responded by reaffirming that acetaminophen remains the safest pain relief option for pregnant women when used appropriately.
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