No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children's autism risk Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not cause autism. The FDA, in its statement that there may be an association, confirmed that "a causal relationship has not been established, and studies of millions of children Researchers are studying a possible link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and higher autism or ADHD risk. It may lower glutathione, an important antioxidant for brain development. Sex differences in glutathione metabolism and acetaminophen toxicity