ST. LOUIS - President Donald Trump and his administration are determined to find the causes of autism.  

In the meantime, the president is calling on pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol, believing the pain medicine could contribute to the neurodevelopmental disorder.

“Don’t take it,” said Trump.

Members of the medical community have expressed dismay over the president’s comments, saying there’s not enough scientific evidence to support the claim.

“If you are pregnant, that's really one of the only safe options we have for management of pain and fevers,” said Dr. Gregory Cejas, WashU Medicine assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry.

He said current research suggests genetics is a driving factor determining whether an individual develops autism. Cejas says it’s also important to study environmental factors.

“That’s why we do science,” Cejas said.

Cejas encourages patients to raise any questions with their medical providers. St. Louis County parent Nastashia Johnson took Tylenol during her pregnancy.

“They told me that all I could take was Tylenol,” she said.

Johnson wants to know more about why President Trump encourages pregnant women to avoid Tylenol.   

“I would like to know more information about where that information is actually coming from,” Johnson said.

A spokesperson for Kenvue, Tylenol’s manufacturer, sent FOX 2 the following statement:

“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents. 

Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy.  

Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives. High fevers and pain are widely recognized as potential risks to a pregnancy if left untreated.

Acetaminophen is also one of the most widely studied pain relievers and fever reducers in infants and children, and numerous randomized, controlled clinical trials support the safety of acetaminophen in infants and children when used as directed.

The fact is that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree.

We will continue to reinforce that expecting mothers speak to their health professionals before taking any over-the-counter medication and will explore all options to protect the health interests of American women and children.”