One in Four Adults Link Vaccines to Autism

A national survey finds many adults hold autism-cause beliefs that research has not supported, which can shape vaccine and medication decisions.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Autism

One in Four Adults Link Vaccines to Autism

Live Poll

Do you trust doctors and medical institutions to give you accurate health advice?

A survey of 30,288 adults across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. found that one quarter believe childhood vaccines and prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) are linked to autism. Beliefs were more common among men, Republicans, adults aged 35-44, and Black or Hispanic respondents, and were less common among people who trust scientific and medical institutions.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that a sizable share of American adults hold beliefs about autism causes that research has not supported, which could shape decisions about vaccination and prenatal medication use. The researchers tied these beliefs to diminished trust in traditional public health sources, a shift that matters at a time when political leaders have promoted the same claims.

This is a survey of 30,288 adults recorded online across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., measuring endorsement of two autism-cause beliefs. The survey reports association with demographics and trust levels rather than causal effects, so it describes what people believe, not what causes autism.

The players

Robert Kennedy Jr.

A prominent Republican leader who has promoted vaccine and autism beliefs.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has promoted vaccine and autism beliefs and signed an executive order splitting the MMR vaccine.

The details

The survey asked respondents whether they believed childhood vaccination or acetaminophen use during pregnancy is linked to autism. The researchers connected endorsement of these beliefs to lower trust in traditional public health sources, while greater trust in scientific and medical institutions was associated with lower endorsement. Frequent social media use was associated with a lower likelihood of holding these beliefs.

August 2025: Trump signed an executive order to split the MMR vaccine into separate shots.
Approximately 2025: Trump claimed without proof that Tylenol is linked to autism.
November 6, 2026: Survey findings on autism beliefs were published.

Health Landscape

Autism is diagnosed in about 1 in 45 adults, according to Autism Speaks, a figure that frames how common the condition is in the population. Against that backdrop, the survey shows that cause-related beliefs are spreading even though decades of research have confirmed vaccines do not cause autism.

If you are considering a vaccine or are pregnant and deciding about acetaminophen, these survey results show that misinformation about autism causes is widespread, so it is worth raising your questions with your doctor. Research has not proven that Tylenol causes autism, and decades of research confirm vaccines do not cause autism.

The takeaway

Belief in autism causes that research has not supported is common, and it tracks with trust in medical institutions. Bring questions about vaccines or medications during pregnancy to your physician, who can review the current evidence with you.