Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit

Families across the U.S. allege that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is associated with higher rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). At this time, we are not accepting new Tylenol Autism/ADHD cases.

Quick Facts Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit

If you took Tylenol® or generic acetaminophen during pregnancy and your child was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may qualify to join the ongoing litigation. Here are the key facts:

  • A 2018 NIH/Johns Hopkins study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs found children with the highest prenatal acetaminophen exposure were ~3× more likely to be diagnosed with autism or ADHD (NIH/Johns Hopkins mother–child cohort (2018))
  • A 2021 JAMA Psychiatry review linked acetaminophen use during pregnancy to a statistically significant increase in both autism and ADHD (JAMA Psychiatry, 2021)
  • In October 2022, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created MDL No. 3043 in the Southern District of New York, consolidating Tylenol autism/ADHD lawsuits (JPML MDL 3043)
  • In 2023, Judge Denise Cote excluded plaintiffs’ key expert testimony, a setback for the litigation. Appeals are ongoing, and families continue to file new cases.

Currently not accepting new cases, but join our mailing list for updates.

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What is Autism and ADHD?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental conditions. According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD, and 6 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Recent research suggests prenatal exposure to acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be a contributing factor. Families filing Tylenol lawsuits allege that drug manufacturers and retailers should have warned about these potential risks.

Who May Qualify for a Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit?

Not every family will qualify, but many parents who used acetaminophen during pregnancy and later received an autism or ADHD diagnosis for their child may be eligible. Here are the common factors attorneys review:

Medical Criteria

Most claimants meet at least one of the following:

  • Mother used Tylenol® or generic acetaminophen during pregnancy (prescription or over-the-counter).
  • Child later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • No prior family history or genetic condition that better explains the diagnosis.
  • Willingness to share prenatal and pediatric medical records with legal team.

Preferred Documentation

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything – our attorneys can help collect missing records.

  • Prenatal medical and pharmacy records confirming Tylenol or acetaminophen use.
  • Child’s diagnostic reports (autism or ADHD evaluations).
  • Pediatrician, neurologist, or developmental specialist notes.
  • School records or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) related to ASD/ADHD.
  • Family symptom timeline and any early intervention/therapy records.

If your child was diagnosed with autism or ADHD after prenatal Tylenol exposure, you should know that the federal MDL was dismissed in 2024 and is currently on appeal. We are not accepting new cases at this time, but we are monitoring developments closely.

Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit Timeline

The Tylenol autism and ADHD lawsuits have been consolidated into MDL No. 3043 in the Southern District of New York. While the litigation has faced challenges, appeals are ongoing and families continue to file claims. Here are key milestones:

2022

October 2022 – MDL Created

In October 2022, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized Tylenol autism and ADHD lawsuits into MDL No. 3043 in the Southern District of New York.
2023

2023 – Expert Hearings (Daubert)

Plaintiffs presented expert testimony on the link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism/ADHD. Defense challenged reliability of the studies.
2024

August 2024 – Federal MDL dismissed

Judge Denise Cote excluded plaintiffs’ expert testimony on causation, leading to dismissal of the federal MDL claims. Read the court opinion (PDF). This ruling is now under appeal in the Second Circuit. Until the appeal is resolved, most law firms – including ours – are not actively accepting Tylenol Autism/ADHD cases.
2024 – Present

2024–Present – Appeals & Ongoing Cases

Plaintiffs are appealing the exclusion of expert testimony. State-level lawsuits and new filings continue, with families and advocacy groups pressing for reconsideration. Since dismissal, new scientific studies (2025 Harvard review) and federal health advisories (HHS/FDA) have renewed attention to these claims.

While the MDL is in a challenging phase, the litigation is far from over. Families who believe prenatal Tylenol exposure contributed to their child’s autism or ADHD diagnosis are still encouraged to come forward and preserve their legal rights.

Harmed by Tylenol Use During Pregnancy?

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“Attorney team supporting families in Tylenol autism and ADHD lawsuit claims with compassionate guidance.

News & Updates

Stay informed with the latest research and government actions related to Tylenol autism and ADHD claims:

September 2025 – FDA/HHS Advisory on Tylenol & Pregnancy Risks

The FDA and HHS issued new guidance on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. For the first time, federal regulators acknowledged possible links to autism and ADHD and initiated the process for labeling updates.

August 2025 – Harvard Review Links Tylenol Use to Autism & ADHD

A team led by Dr. Andrea A. Baccarelli, Dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, published a systematic review of 46 studies. Using the Navigation Guide methodology, the team concluded that the strongest evidence supports an association between prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol®) exposure and increased risk of autism and ADHD.

How the Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit Works

The Tylenol lawsuits are based on product liability and failure-to-warn claims. Families allege that manufacturers and retailers knew or should have known about the link between prenatal acetaminophen use and higher rates of autism and ADHD, but failed to provide adequate warnings.

  • Scientific Studies → Research suggests prenatal acetaminophen exposure may increase risk of autism/ADHD (NIH, 2018)
  • Case Consolidation → Federal lawsuits grouped into MDL No. 3043 in the Southern District of New York.
  • Causation Evidence → Expert testimony debated in Daubert hearings; appeals ongoing.
  • Damages Sought → Families seek compensation for medical care, therapy, special education, and pain & suffering.
  • Liability Theories → Failure to warn, negligent marketing, defective product design.

Though the MDL faced setbacks in late 2023, appeals and state-level lawsuits continue. Legal experts believe these cases could shape how over-the-counter medications are labeled and sold to pregnant women in the future.

How We Help Families Affected by Tylenol

The Johnson Law Firm has decades of experience handling complex defective drug and product liability cases. For families pursuing Tylenol autism and ADHD claims, we provide a comprehensive, compassionate legal approach. Learn more about our firm.

We are not currently accepting new Tylenol Autism/ADHD cases. In August 2024, the federal MDL (No. 3043) was dismissed after a ruling on expert testimony. That decision is on appeal, and we are monitoring developments closely.
If the courts reverse course or new scientific evidence emerges, we will update this page to reflect potential case opportunities.

Our Process:

  • Case Review → We evaluate your Tylenol use during pregnancy and your child’s medical diagnosis.
  • Medical Record Support → Our team gathers your prenatal and pediatric documentation.
  • Expert Network → We work with medical and scientific experts to build the strongest possible case.
  • MDL & State Coordination → We track developments in MDL 3043 while also exploring state-level claims.

We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family. This allows you to focus on your child’s needs while we focus on the legal fight.

Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit FAQs

Families allege that prenatal use of Tylenol® (acetaminophen) contributed to increased rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The lawsuits claim that manufacturers and retailers failed to warn consumers despite growing scientific evidence. The cases are pursued under product liability

Researchers believe acetaminophen may disrupt fetal brain development when used during pregnancy. A 2018 NIH/Johns Hopkins study found children with the highest prenatal exposure were nearly 3× more likely to develop autism or ADHD (NIH study)

  • NIH/Johns Hopkins, 2018: Found that children with the highest prenatal exposure were nearly 3× more likely to develop autism or ADHD (NIH study).
  • JAMA Psychiatry, 2021: Meta-analysis confirmed a statistically significant link between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders (JAMA Psychiatry study).
  • European Journal of Epidemiology, 2021: Reported a 19% increased autism risk and 21% increased ADHD risk in exposed children.
  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Review, 2025 – Comprehensive analysis of 46 studies concluded that the strongest evidence supports an association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism/ADHD risk.

Parents who:

  • Used Tylenol or generic acetaminophen during pregnancy, AND
  • Have a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.

Helpful documentation includes prenatal medical/pharmacy records, child diagnostic reports, pediatrician or neurologist notes, and school IEPs or therapy records. Attorneys can help obtain missing records.

In October 2022, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created MDL No. 3043 in the Southern District of New York to consolidate federal Tylenol autism/ADHD lawsuits. Judge Denise Cote is presiding.

In December 2023, Judge Cote excluded plaintiffs’ key expert testimony (Daubert ruling). This was a setback, but plaintiffs have appealed, and additional state-level cases are still being filed.

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront — we only get paid if we win compensation for your family. This allows families to pursue justice without worrying about legal costs.

Yes, but with important limitations. The federal MDL No. 3043 was dismissed in August 2024 after Judge Denise Cote excluded plaintiffs’ expert testimony under the Daubert standard. However, appeals are currently pending in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and additional state-level lawsuits continue to be filed.

Importantly, new research – including the 2025 Harvard-led systematic review – and the September 2025 FDA/HHS advisory may influence future rulings and revive claims.

The dismissal was based on a ruling that expert testimony did not meet the legal standard under Daubert. The court held that existing studies could not sufficiently prove causation. However, new research, including a 2025 Harvard-led review of 46 studies, has added weight to claims of an association.

In August 2025, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health published a comprehensive review concluding that the strongest evidence supports a link between prenatal acetaminophen use and higher risk of autism and ADHD. This is the most significant study published since the federal dismissal.

Yes. In September 2025, the FDA and HHS issued updated guidance on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. For the first time, federal regulators formally acknowledged possible links between prenatal Tylenol use and later diagnoses of autism or ADHD, and signaled the start of labeling updates.

Preserve medical & prenatal records, stay informed about appeals, consult an attorney about deadlines (statutes of limitations).

The statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) depends on your state. In many states, families have 1-4 years from the child’s diagnosis or the discovery of harm to take legal action. Because these deadlines vary and may be impacted by appeals or new rulings, it’s critical to consult an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.

Join our mailing list for updates.

We are not currently accepting new Tylenol Autism/ADHD cases. In August 2024, the federal MDL (No. 3043) was dismissed after a ruling on expert testimony. That decision is on appeal, and we are monitoring developments closely.
If the courts reverse course or new scientific evidence emerges, we will update this page to reflect potential case opportunities.

I acknowledge that by submitting this form, I am agreeing to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy of The Johnson Law Firm. I understand that submission of this form does not create an attorney-client relationship, and that any information I provide will be used to evaluate my potential case. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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