The database will be used to research numerous conditions, including autism. President Donald Trump and Kennedy have given fresh fuel to longstanding fears that disease registries might be used to identify people with autism for forced sterilization, institutionalization and even death. As a result, autism advocacy groups are often split on whether to recommend families participate in research that collects genetic or medical information. Research has found no link between autism and acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, Steier told reporters last week. During the first four months of the year, at least $31 million, or 26%, was cut from NIH’s autism research budget.