U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that scientists would determine the cause of the "autism epidemic" by September, even though scientists haven't discovered a breakthrough despite decades of research.
In a cabinet meeting with Republican President Donald Trump on Thursday, RFK Jr. stated:
“We’ve launched a massive testing and research effort that’s going to involve hundreds of scientists from around the world."
“By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic, and we’ll be able to eliminate those exposures.”
Public concern increased over a significant spike in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses since 2000.
Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020 showed that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been identified with ASD. The rate translates to 27.6 per 1,000 children.
In 2018, that figure was 1 in 44 children, up from 2010, which was 1 in 68.
RFK Jr. said the most recent rates may be 1 in 31, up from "1 in 10,000 when I was a kid."
"At your direction, we are going to know by September," he told the President.
Here's a clip from Thursday's cabinet meeting.
Trump told Kennedy in response:
"There's got to be something artificial out there that's doing this. There will be no bigger news conference than when you come up with that answer."
While there have been no plans announcing how scientists would produce conclusive findings by the fall deadline, Kristyn Roth, chief marketing officer for advocacy group the Autism Society of America, remains skeptical. She also took issue with RFK Jr.'s choice of words.
Roth said that calling rising rates in ASD diagnosis an "epidemic" was" incredibly irresponsible and deeply concerning," adding that the HHS Secretary's description "encourages fear, paranoia," and stigmatizes the autism community.
"Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects people in many different ways," said Roth.
According to Autism Speaks, experts who've conducted autism research say the rise in ASD diagnosis may be due to several factors, including broadening the definition of autism, improved screening tools and procedures, and greater autism awareness—all of which have led to earlier detection and more diagnoses.
It's important to note that increased risk is not the same as a cause. For example, some gene changes associated with autism can also be discovered in those who don't have ASD, and those exposed to an environmental risk factor for autism will likely not develop the disorder.
While definitive data on the cause of autism still eludes scientists, one thing is certain.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, “No link has been found between autism and vaccines, including those containing thimerosal, a mercury-based compound."
RFK Jr. is a known anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist appointed by Trump to head the HHS, who recently downplayed the measles outbreak centered in West Texas that has already claimed the lives of two unvaccinated children.
He has also historically pushed falsehoods relating to autism and vaccines.
Colin Killick, executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, said in response to RFK Jr.'s comments on Thursday:
"With this latest announcement, it seems that he is forging ahead with rushing out misinformation to the public about the supposed causes of autism that cannot possibly be backed by actual science."
Social media users aren't holding their breath for September.
Hey, if a miracle happens by September—which is highly doubtful—then the joke's on us.
But for now, we wait...
@WhatTheHec_tor/X
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