Salisbury calls for legislative hearings on autism causes in response to federal Tylenol announcement
Rep. Abigail Salisbury September 23, 2025 | 10:25 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 22 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, Chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus, today called upon state legislative leadership to convene official hearings with scientific and medical experts to examine current research into the potential causes of autism.
Salisbury's announcement comes in response to today's press conference with President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who announced an association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased neurodevelopmental risks, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acetaminophen is also known by the brand name Tylenol, and President Trump stated in the press conference, “Don't take Tylenol.”
The federal advisory has sparked renewed national discussion about the importance of precautionary guidance, public awareness and evidence-based policymaking surrounding autism and prenatal health.
“As Chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus – and as the first person with an autism diagnosis to hold this position – I believe it is our moral and legislative responsibility to seek truth, clarity and scientific guidance wherever the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s children are concerned,” said Salisbury, D-Allegheny. “Today’s federal announcement underscores how urgently we need expert-informed hearings to understand the full range of environmental, medical and developmental factors contributing to autism.”
The proposed hearings would gather testimony from medical professionals, researchers and experts on the autism spectrum, with a focus on emerging research, risk communication and public health messaging.
Salisbury emphasized that the goal is to ensure Pennsylvania leads the nation in thoughtful, transparent and evidence-driven legislative action on one of the most pressing public health conversations of our time.
“Autistic individuals and our families deserve to know that our lawmakers are listening to data, to doctors and to lived experiences,” she said.
For additional information or to arrange an interview with Rep. Salisbury, please contact her office directly or email asalisbury@pahouse.net.