Why Autism rates are rising faster in Black and minority communities

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is preparing to update the warning labels on acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. The move comes after ongoing debate about whether prenatal exposure to acetaminophen could be linked to neurological conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The FDA’s decision highlights a question that has circulated for years: does acetaminophen pose a hidden risk to developing brains? While some studies suggest an association between prenatal exposure and ASD, researchers have not confirmed a direct causal link.

Even so, U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in with his own warning. “Don’t take Tylenol. Don’t take it. Fight like hell not to take it,” he told the public. His comments sparked criticism from medical experts who argue that making such claims without evidence is reckless and harmful.

Focusing solely on Tylenol, or Trump misses the bigger story: autism is rising, and minority families are bearing the heaviest burden.

Autism prevalence has grown across the board. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found ASD is 3.4 times more common in boys than girls. It also revealed that rates are higher among: Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous children compared to White children.

Data from PubMed Central adds more depth. In 2017, 2.05% of Black children had an ASD diagnosis compared to 2.30% of White children. By 2021, that gap closed; 4.01% of Black children were diagnosed, nearly matching the 3.89% of White children.

What makes these findings significant is that most study participants were White. Despite being the majority, White children had nearly the same autism rates as Black children, who made up a much smaller sample.

In Canada, Statistics Canada reports that children with ASD are more likely to experience poor mental health, anxiety disorders, and learning difficulties. They also struggle more with social skills such as: communication, adapting to change, and making friends.

Poverty plays a central role in who gets help and who doesn’t. Statistics Canada shows ASD prevalence is highest among children from the lowest-income households (2.6%) and lowest among wealthier families (1.1%).

The reasons are clear. Autism therapy is expensive and often out of reach for families with limited financial resources. Free, or subsidized programs exist, but long waitlists and underfunded schools mean many children go years without proper support.

Research also suggests that programs serving children of colour receive less funding per child compared to programs serving White families. This creates an uneven system where race and income combine to limit care.

Economic barriers aren’t the only factor. Bias within the healthcare system means many Black and Latin children are misdiagnosed or diagnosed later than their White peers.

Researchers stress that autism has no biological racial differences. Instead, the disparities stem from doctors missing early signs, especially when cultural differences shape how symptoms present. Some parents of colour also report experiencing racial bias when seeking autism screenings for their children.

This leads to later diagnoses and fewer opportunities for early intervention, one of the most important factors in improving long-term outcomes.

From the U.S. to Canada, four truths stand out:

• Early diagnosis is crucial. Children who get support sooner show better long-term outcomes.
• Minority children are most affected. Black, Brown, and Indigenous families face higher rates and greater challenges.
• Low-income families are disadvantaged. Autism therapy often costs more than struggling families can afford.
• Racism plays a role. Both systemic underfunding and medical negligence create barriers for children of color.

When the spotlight shines on Tylenol, or Trump’s outbursts, the real issue gets ignored. The crisis is about families who need help navigating autism and can’t access it.

The conversation about autism must go beyond speculation and political noise. What’s at stake is whether children, especially those from minority and low-income families, receive the timely, effective care that can change their futures.

Tylenol may make headlines, but the real fight is about equity, access, and compassion. Until those gaps close, minority autism families in Canada and the U.S. will remain the hardest hit.