In January, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secured Senate confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services amid promises to “follow the science” related to disease causes. However, during his first news conference, his claims regarding an “alarming epidemic” of autism—a misleading interpretation of a CDC report—prompted backlash from the autism community, particularly the Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), which accused him of misinterpreting scientific data and ignoring established contributors to the reported increase in autism prevalence, such as genetic factors and improved diagnostic practices.
Kennedy’s rhetoric, which suggested a flawed narrative of autism as a preventable epidemic, contradicted CDC findings indicating that the increase in diagnoses is largely due to better screening and broader definitions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Experts noted that most new diagnoses are of less severe cases, challenging Kennedy’s claim that the epidemic is characterized predominantly by severe cases. Moreover, criticisms pointed out that Kennedy’s suggestions about environmental toxins lacked scientific grounding, echoing past anti-science narratives linking autism to vaccines.
Kennedy’s statements raise concerns about a shift toward pseudoscience within the HHS, as he appeared indifferent to decades of research. He suggested prioritizing investigations into environmental toxins over established genetic research, potentially skewing funding and focusing away from improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families. Ultimately, his approach risks sidelining vital scientific advancements aimed at understanding autism’s complexities and supporting those affected by it.
