Truth, Trust and Fact 2025

On September 22, 2025, President Trump stated at a news conference that autism, “used to be 1 in 20,000, then 1 in 10,000. And I would say that’s probably 18 years ago. And now it’s 1 in 31, but in some areas it’s much worse than that, if you can believe it; 1 in 31.”

Fact: The Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) reported the diagnosed prevalence of autism, in the USA, in 2004 was 1/125 8-year-olds.

He then blamed the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen in North America and paracetamol in many parts of the world) as a leading cause of autism. Trump said, “Effective immediately, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) will be notifying physicians that the use of…acetaminophen…which is basically commonly known as Tylenol, during pregnancy, can be associated with a very increased risk of autism. So taking Tylenol is not good.” He went on to suggest that it might be ok if “you feel you can’t tough it out. You can’t do it.”

If someone is pregnant and experiencing pain or a fever, the first and only thing to do is diagnose why there is a pain or fever. We should never be automatically taking pain or fever medication to mask symptoms. If nothing serious is found, then symptom management, starting with methods other than pills, should be tried. Medication in small amounts may have a role.

Among the many problems with this announcement is the Trump administration basically blaming any women who took acetaminophen during their pregnancies for not being able to “tough it out”, causing autism in their children. This is preposterous!

Trump and RFK Jr. have also spread the false idea that vaccines cause autism, which has led to vaccine distrust and the recent new Measles outbreaks in the unvaccinated.

MENTOR CLINIC HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO STATE CLEARLY AND HONESTLY THAT WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP AND RF KENNEDY JR ARE SAYING IS FALSE AND DANGEROUS.

What is science?

Encyclopedia Britannica: “any system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation.”

Neither Trump nor Kennedy has a background in science or healthcare.

• Trump: Graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he entered the family real estate business and later acted in the TV show “The Apprentice” (2004–2015).

• RFK Jr.: Graduated in 1976 with a degree in history and literature. He later earned a law degree. Between ages 14–30, he used cocaine and heroin, ending in 1984 after a felony charge and rehab. 

Neither man has training in reading nor analyzing scientific studies. Yet both have wealth, privilege, and powerful platforms that enable the spread of misinformation. Sadly, this also influences Canadians.

Why Autism Diagnoses Have Increased:

1. Better access to healthcare: More people are screened today.

2. Changing criteria: Autism is now recognized across a wide spectrum, including very mild cases. Severe autism rates have not changed much.

3. Support in schools and workplaces: More services are available, encouraging people to seek formal diagnoses.

4. Environmental factors: About 80%genetic (many genes). Multiple factors may influence these genes.

5. Research on vaccines and Tylenol: Thousands of studies have been done. Very few found an association between autism and certain exposures, but association is not causation. Two things can happen together without one causing the other. Example: people with high blood pressure have cars. Cars do not cause high blood pressure.

   
   

Bottom Line

• Tylenol is safe (when used as directed).

• Vaccines are safe.

• If you are pregnant and have a fever, always seek medical advice first to find the cause before taking medication.

At Mentor Clinic, we practice evidence-based medicine, meaning our care follows the best available science. We use standard care templates, review outcomes carefully, and continue to update our practices with new research.

For reliable health information, check sources like:

• Health Canada (see their September 23 statement)

• NHS in the UK has excellent general information – see their recent statement

• Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic – Cleveland has a useful comprehensive podcast and transcript about autism

• Do not depend on Reddit, Facebook, TikTok or other social media sources.