RFK Jr autism comments: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces criticism for calling autism a “preventable” condition in a recent press conference. The remarks, made in response to new CDC data, have alarmed researchers and public health officials.
The CDC report found that one in 31 children is now diagnosed with autism. That number reflects a steady rise since the early 2000s. Many experts attribute the increase to better screening, broader definitions, and growing awareness.
But Kennedy, now the Secretary of Health and Human Services, rejected those explanations. Instead, he blamed environmental toxins. He called autism a result of exposure to substances like mold, food additives, and even parental obesity.
“Genes don’t cause epidemics,” he said. “You need an environmental toxin.”
Kennedy dismissed decades of genetic research. He said focusing on genes was “a dead end” and accused scientists and media of being in denial about an “autism epidemic.”
Autism researchers immediately pushed back. Dr. Eric Fombonne called Kennedy’s claims “ridiculous.” Other scientists pointed out that genetics have long been linked to autism, with twin studies showing strong hereditary factors.
“We know there is a clear genetic contribution,” said UCLA psychologist Dr. Catherine Lord.
Still, Kennedy said he will prioritize environmental studies. He announced that new federally backed research would target toxins introduced around 1989. He claimed that year marked the start of the autism epidemic—a claim experts also disputed.
Many experts agree that more research into environmental risk factors is useful. But they say Kennedy’s one-sided approach—excluding genetics—risks derailing serious science.
Dr. David Mandell of the University of Pennsylvania warned that this could mean wasting time and money.
“We are being set up to look in the wrong place,” he said.
Kennedy didn’t mention vaccines during the event. But critics remain concerned, especially given his history of vaccine skepticism. The department has even hired a known anti-vaccine figure to explore vaccine-related autism claims—despite mountains of evidence proving no link.
With autism rates continuing to rise, experts say a balanced approach is key. That means continuing research into both genes and environmental influences—not chasing political theories.
Source: The New York Times
