Overview

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described autism as an 'epidemic' caused by environmental toxins, rejecting established research attributing rising diagnoses to genetic factors and improved screening.
• Kennedy's comments, including claims that autistic individuals 'will never pay taxes' or 'hold a job,' were widely condemned as stigmatizing and inaccurate by experts, advocates, and political figures.
• The CDC's latest data shows autism prevalence has risen to 1 in 31 children, primarily due to expanded diagnostic criteria and greater awareness, according to researchers.
• Kennedy announced new HHS-led studies to investigate environmental causes of autism, with findings expected by September, prompting skepticism over the scientific basis and timeline.
• Critics also highlighted HHS's recent funding cuts, including a grant for suicide prevention among autistic LGBT+ individuals, questioning the administration's priorities and commitment to community support.