Tylenol and Leucovorin: Why Ala Costa Stands for Science Over Stigma

September 24, 2025

A Statement from the Executive Director of Ala Costa Centers

Ala Costa Centers’ Executive Director, Michael A. Pereira has been a professional serving people with Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for nearly three decades in a variety of roles and service areas, including but not limited to, special education in public and non-public settings, clinical and behavioral services, applied research, behavior analysis (though he does not hold an active certification as a BCBA), early intervention, educational advocacy for families, and legislative advocacy for the IDD community at large.

To the Ala Costa Centers Community, Friends, and Allies:

Recently, the Trump Administration shared a few announcements related to Autism and the disability community that were troubling and largely inaccurate. As a service provider and as a responsible member of the disability community it is important to assert that facts and science and evidence-based practices should be the foundation of a service system devoted to maximizing potential and opportunity for those we serve.

Ala Costa Centers, like many other national, regional, and local organizations, absolutely rejects the comments from senior federal officials suggesting that the usage of Tylenol (acetaminophen or its’ ingredients) has a causal relationship to Autism. These claims only spread fear, misinformation, and confusion among families and people who need facts and quality information. Ala Costa Centers encourages everyone, especially when making health-related decisions or considerations, to consult and seek recommendations from licensed medical professionals. https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/09/acog-affirms-safety-benefits-acetaminophen-pregnancy

Additionally, it was announced that a new medicinal approach was FDA approved, Leucovorin, and it is purported to be a viable treatment. As with all medication-based therapies, it is critical that parents, families, and those served consult with their licensed medical professionals about the pros and cons of any treatment regimen. Aside from the impending FDA approval of this pharmaceutical, asking questions about the potential effectiveness and side effects can lead toward a more informed decision involving a loved one. https://www.coalitionofautismscientists.org/

Finally, with respect to the ongoing and reemerging discussion about vaccines and the connection to Autism diagnosis rates, please see the following, as shared by The Arc US on their website providing factual information related to Autism.

• Vaccines do NOT cause Autism - Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability - Rise in Autism Diagnoses is Due to Broader Diagnostic Criteria and Better Awareness and Screening

• Current Research shows that Autism has no single cause, and likely results from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental influences.

  
  

Ala Costa Centers supports ethical research and public policies that are rooted in facts, grounded in science, and built with compassion, and urge all public policy makers and leaders to share and express those values.