"I did not use Tylenol during my pregnancy," said Tracy Hawkins. "But I have two beautiful boys who have autism."
Hawkins is among many who saw President Trump's announcement from the White House on Monday about Tylenol use in pregnant women and autism.
Researchers said the rates of Tylenol use in pregnancy have gone down in recent years, even as autism rates have risen amid increased awareness of the disorder of the definition of the spectrum.
Kenvue is the maker of Tylenol. The company released the following statement:
"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."
Hawkins said she didn't use the painkiller when she was pregnant.
"It was just like, really, what are we doing with this? What are we hoping to achieve with this announcement? What's going to be the end goal?" she said.
The CDC said 1 in 31 children is diagnosed with autism. Medical experts said, despite the White House's announcement, they recommend pregnant women make individual decisions and consult directly with their doctor regarding Tylenol use.
"It's true that the research has shown an association between taking acetaminophen during pregnancy and higher instances of autism. However, they have not shown a cause. Those are two different things: an association and a cause," said Dr. Geraldine Dawson, founding director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development.
She told ABC11 Eyewitness News that in some cases, moms need Tylenol to help treat fevers.
"We also know that untreated fever during pregnancy can be harmful for the developing baby. The fetus," said Dr. Dawson. "It's her own personal doctor that would know her personal history and condition. They may and very likely would suggest the pregnant mother take acetaminophen."
As Dr. Dawson believes that autism research is ongoing, Hawkins is vowing to continue doing her part.
"It is not going anywhere anytime soon. It continues," she said.
She created an app in 2019 called Thriving on the Spectrum. It's a visual planner that helps people with autism organize and plan their day minute by minute.
"I love getting the feedback from families themselves saying how much of an impact it's had on their kids," said Hawkins.