RFK Jr Promises to Reveal Alleged “Causes” of Autism
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he will reveal what he alleges are the “causes” of autism at a press conference this September. The 71-year-old political figure claimed “hundreds of scientists” from around the world would join his effort to investigate autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Kennedy insists certain “interventions” trigger ASD, suggesting the condition is preventable. He further alleged that autism may be linked to “environmental toxins” in air, water, food, or medicine.
What We Know About Autism
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 31 children is diagnosed with ASD. The condition is more than three times as common in boys than in girls and exists across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
Extensive research has found no connection between vaccines, pharmaceuticals, or autism, despite persistent conspiracy claims. CNN Health also reported that Kennedy’s proposed autism studies had not begun as of September 4.
Trump Backs the Announcement
Former President Donald Trump praised Kennedy’s plan, calling the upcoming reveal “a big day” for the United States. He argued rising autism diagnoses over the past two decades suggest “something artificial” must be at play, possibly “a drug or something.”
Critics Push Back
Experts strongly dispute Kennedy’s claims. Alison Singer, founder of the Autism Science Foundation, criticized the announcement:
“It’s highly unusual to say you have results before a study even begins.”
M. Remi Yergeau, professor and Canada Research Chair in Critical Disability Studies, also rejected the “autism epidemic” narrative.
“Autism is not an epidemic, nor is it a disease, and nor is it preventable,” they told PBS. “Discussing autism in such terms is scientifically inaccurate and dehumanizes autistic people.”
The Road Ahead
Kennedy maintains his team will present findings this month. He claims they are uncovering interventions that “almost certainly” cause autism and promises to address them at the press conference.
For now, the scientific community remains skeptical, stressing that decades of peer-reviewed research contradict Kennedy’s allegations.
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