Tylenol, Autism, Capitalism, and Why Moms Always Get the Blame
Tylenol and autism got a lot of play last week, thanks to DJT and RFK Jr. with their panic-inducing claim that they’ve discovered what “causes” autism. I even got some action on my usually quiet Facebook page when I shared a meme saying I was “safe from being raptured and believing autism is caused by Tylenol.”
Let me be clear from the start: I do not believe for a single fucking second that there’s a singular cause of autism. The reason we’re seeing more diagnoses is a big fat DUH — more people are aware of it, so more people are getting properly identified.
It’s like boomers asking, “Why are there so many gay people these days?”
Fucking DUH.
There have always been gay people.
There have always been neurodivergent people.
There have always been trans people.
There have always been depressed people.
There have always been dyslexic people.
There have always been autistic people.
My kids wouldn’t have been identified as autistic even just 5 or 10 years ago. I didn’t even know I was autistic until age 49. So again… DUH. (And no, I did not take Tylenol while pregnant with either of them.)
This whole “announcement” has done nothing but make moms panic, feel guilty, stress doctors, and stoke the mommy wars. And who gets blamed? The moms, of course. It’s always the moms.
For the record: the science is clear about this — high fevers during pregnancy are dangerous, and Tylenol is currently the safest option.
(Stick around for some natural alternatives at the end.)
And please, I’m begging you, read this with an open mind instead of a defensive one. I’m not here to shame anyone. We all want the same thing: healthier moms, healthier kids, and a better world for our children. And the only way we can get that is if we’re on the same team.
The Politics of Panic
First off, these clowns know exactly what they’re doing. Autism strikes an emotional nerve, and now any mom or pregnant person who ever took a Tylenol while pregnant is spiraling.
Men in power love this. Because hell has no fury like a mother scorned — and they know it. When moms are doubting and blaming ourselves, we’re too exhausted to get out there and fight the real battles. They win when we’re overwhelmed.
As long as they keep us stressed, pissed at each other, and stuck in self-blame, we’ll never have the energy to hold them accountable for their bullshit.
Yes, some studies show an association between Tylenol and autism. But association isn’t causation. Moms usually take Tylenol for a reason — fever, infection, inflammation. Maybe it’s one of those factors that’s linked, not the Tylenol itself. Or maybe autistic brains are just wired differently and there’s no “cause” at all.
Unfortunately, we have a president who doesn’t understand nuance. He stands up there making fear-based claims that mirror the critical thinking skills of a two-year-old. And because the U.S. education system is (purposely) abysmal, it sends some folks into a full-on panic.
MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) moms with autistic kids who already blame vaccines or food dye (which, again, I’m not saying we should be pumping our kids full of) get riled up, acting like this is the final answer… that any pregnant person who takes Tylenol just made a deal with the devil.
But nuance doesn’t sell. Fear does. And politicians need us scared, because fear makes us easy to control.
It’s the same playbook in birth and motherhood. They try to convince us our bodies don’t work, that our boobs don’t work, and that our arms aren’t enough. They keep us anxious, confused, and fighting each other instead of questioning the system itself.
Beyond that, when people feel manipulated long enough, they start to lose trust in everything — even science. I mean, can people really not understand why anti-vaxxers and vaccine-cautious folks don’t trust pharmaceutical companies? Or why so many railed against wearing masks during COVID? People have lost trust in science because too many assholes got rich off it.
On the flip side, it’s why so many people who do believe in science don’t trust nature anymore. Moms who use essential oils or worry about GMOs get mocked. People don’t trust placenta pills either — and honestly, I’m fucking worn out from defending placenta encapsulation to people who think science has ALL the answers. I mean seriously, who’s gonna fund a study on placenta encapsulation and postpartum mood disorders? Certainly not Pfizer.
Doctors and nurses love to tell my clients placenta pills are dangerous, that your baby could get sick, even that you could die. None of it is true, of course. It’s all bullshit and bias.
I mean, I believe placenta pills work, and I believe in science — but in a world where profit and fear rule, I understand why people doubt anything outside the mainstream narrative.
We need science. We need a better education system. We need money out of politics. And we need to trust our instincts — to actually listen to, and use, the solutions that nature provides. All of it.
Again… FUCKING DUH.
Profit Over People
Now, do I totally trust the U.S. medical system? No. Absolutely not. Anytime there’s profit involved, I automatically throw a side-eye.
Take vaccines, for example. I’m not saying they’re useless — obviously, vaccines save lives. But the U.S. schedule isn’t like other countries’. Our kids get more shots, on a faster timeline, and we combine them differently. And no, it’s not because we have “the best healthcare system in the world.” It’s actually the opposite. Our system is expensive, fragmented, and profit-driven. It is NOT evidence-driven. And plenty of folks have gotten rich off it.
Same with food. The U.S. is still pumping dyes into our kids’ snacks that Europe banned years ago. That’s because corporations lobby to protect profits, not kids. These lobbyists and corporate overlords see our kids’ health as collateral damage. They literally do not care about us — but we keep giving them our money.
So yeah, when someone says “Tylenol could be linked to autism,” I don’t automatically call bullshit.
Autism Isn’t a Tragedy
Autism is not something to be feared or cured. Autism is a neurotype. It’s one way to experience being human. It’s not a disease.
It can look like sensory sensitivities (me panicking every time my baby cried), hyperfocus (spending hours researching baby gear), social differences, communication differences, or yes, a kid rocking in a corner with headphones on.
And yes, for some families it’s extremely painful when an autistic child avoids eye contact or physical affection. The stakes are real: autistic adults face higher unemployment, higher rates of depression and anxiety, and suicide rates several times higher than that of the general population.
That’s what we should be addressing. Instead of obsessing over how to “cure” or “prevent” autism, we need to fix the systems that make life harder for autistic people. We need workplaces that accommodate different brains, accessible mental health support, and policies that put people before profit.
Autistic people are full, whole, valuable human beings and I argue that the world could be a lot better if we designed it to include them.
What the Science Does Show
Autistic brains are wired differently. Seriously. They are literally wired differently. They actually look different on imaging, which is super cool, if you ask me. And that’s not a flaw. That’s just diversity.
The rise in diagnoses doesn’t mean we’re experiencing an autism epidemic. It means we’re finally recognizing that people who, decades ago, were ignored, institutionalized, or punished are now… drum roll please… identified as autistic.
So if you think a single Tylenol could “cause” autism, congratulations — you’ve been played. Meanwhile, the people in charge keep making billions off our fear, confusion, infighting, and mom guilt. Science is sciencing, but the system wants you to feel like a criminal, and hate the mom down the street.
The Conversation We Should Be Having
Autism isn’t a tragedy and moms aren’t the enemy. The problem is a system that profits off our fear, poisons our food, deregulates medicine, and then points the finger at moms when our kids don’t fit into the neurotypical mold.
Instead of fearmongering about Tylenol, we should be asking:
Why is American health policy driven by profit instead of people?
Why do we allow toxins in our food supply that other countries banned decades ago?
Why are moms always blamed for outcomes beyond their control?
(Hint: the answer has something to do with capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism — and we do have the power to change it.)
We need to stop scapegoating moms. Stop fearmongering about autism. And start dismantling the capitalist, patriarchal bullshit systems that keep us sick, scared, blaming ourselves, and hating each other.
Natural Alternatives to Tylenol During Pregnancy
First, focus on boosting your immunity before, during, and after pregnancy to reduce the chances of getting sick in the first place. We live in an unhealthy culture, and many of us are nutritionally depleted — which is actually the root cause of most of our health issues.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet, get enough sleep, move, and do what you can to keep your stress levels low. These all help support your immune system during pregnancy.
For evidence-based guidance on natural pregnancy wellness, immunity, and herbal support, check out Aviva Romm’s books and website.
I also recommend Postpartum University for up-to-date research on postpartum nutrition.
That said — I’m not saying to ignore a high fever. Not at all. Fever can be dangerous for both you and your baby, and Tylenol remains the safest option in most cases.
But for moms who are worried and want options beyond Tylenol, here are some strategies you might find helpful:
Cool compresses or ice packs: To help reduce temperature or ease aches.
Warm baths, lukewarm showers, or Epsom salt baths: Can ease muscle aches or tension.: Helps with body aches and can help calm you down.
Hydration: Drink lots of water, coconut water, or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make your fever and discomfort worse. Dehydration pretty much makes everything worse.
Gentle movement or prenatal yoga: Improves circulation and relieves minor discomfort.
Herbal teas: Ginger, chamomile, or peppermint can soothe minor aches, nausea, or inflammation. Always check with your provider before taking herbs during pregnancy.
Massage or acupressure: Gentle pressure on tense muscles can release endorphins and help you relax.
Mind-body practices: Meditation, deep breathing, or light stretching can reduce stress and support immune function.
Rest: Yes. No matter what needs to get done. Rest.
These aren’t miracle cures, but sometimes supporting your body naturally can help you get through a tough day without guilt, fear, or panic.
Always check with your healthcare provider before trying any alternative remedies.
Want more evidence-backed tips, postpartum strategies, and honest advice for moms navigating neurodivergence and the ups and downs of parenthood? Get yourself on my email list and get random insights straight to your inbox.
