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RFK Jr. Faces Backlash Over Autism 'Epidemic' Claims and Research Initiative

The Health Secretary's comments on autism and his appointment of a vaccine skeptic to lead a study have drawn criticism from scientists, advocates, and lawmakers.

Leading the conversation about growing autism rates is health secretary RFK Jr., who held a press conference on April 16 to discuss the recent surge in cases.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the Autism report by the CDC at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
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Overview

  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has declared autism a preventable 'environmental disease' and announced a research initiative to identify its causes by September.
  • Kennedy appointed David Geier, a controversial figure and vaccine skeptic, to lead the study, raising ethical and scientific concerns.
  • Scientists and autism advocates have criticized Kennedy's rhetoric, emphasizing autism's strong genetic basis and the role of expanded diagnostics in rising prevalence rates.
  • Public figures, including Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, have condemned Kennedy's remarks as stigmatizing and factually inaccurate, with advocates highlighting the harm to autistic individuals' dignity and identity.
  • The autism community and researchers are urging a shift in focus from 'curing' autism to supporting neurodiversity and improving resources for autistic individuals.