TikTok misinformation content on acetaminophen and autism surged after a presidential announcement
Misinformation linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism in children rose on TikTok after an announcement from the Food and Drug Administration, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 National Conference & Exhibition Oct. 2–6, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.
A spike in inaccurate TikTok content surrounding the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and its potential impact on autism emerged following a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement, according to research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2026 National Conference & Exhibition. The FDA's September 2025 label change for acetaminophen products, such as Tylenol, sparked confusion and prompted users to seek out information online.
However, TikTok became a primary source for misinformation, with influencers lacking medical expertise dominating the conversation. An analysis of 53 TikTok videos posted between September and November 2025 revealed that 28% of the content contained outright misinformation, while only 53% provided evidence-consistent information.
Despite this, misinformation videos garnered over half of the total views, with a single video amassing 10.3 million views, or 36.6% of all exposure. Notably, 75% of the misinformation videos were created by influencers, not medical professionals. The study's lead author, medical student Shivani Srivastava, highlighted the importance of pediatricians addressing misinformation with patients and their families, as well as medical institutions taking a proactive role in sharing accurate content on social media platforms.
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