Autism epidemic research led by RFK Jr. aims to uncover its cause by September, sparking debate in D.C. and beyond. RFK Jr.’s claim during a Cabinet meeting with President Trump sparked backlash from medical experts and autism advocates, who fear the study reflects bias and promotes discredited vaccine conspiracy theories.
“By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic,” Kennedy told the president. “And we’ll be able to eliminate those exposures.”
Kennedy’s use of the term “autism epidemic” echoes language often used in fringe health circles and contradicts decades of scientific research. Rates of autism in the U.S. have risen to 1 in 36 children, up from 1 in 150 in 2000, according to the CDC. But experts attribute this rise to improved diagnosis, increased awareness, and expanded criteria—not an environmental or artificial trigger.
Experts Slam Timeline and Integrity
Public health researchers expressed serious doubts over the feasibility of Kennedy’s September deadline.
“Even developing a research program takes more than five months,” said Dr. Lisa Settles, director at Tulane’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders. “How can you develop, implement, and analyze global research by then? It’s not realistic.”
Critics say the rushed effort isn’t just flawed—it’s dangerous.
Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine expert and author of Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism, emphasized that autism begins during early fetal brain development, long before any vaccinations occur.
“He’s already decided the answer,” said Hotez. “This isn’t science—it’s a political stunt.”
Connections to Discredited Figures
Concerns also stem from Kennedy’s staffing decisions. HHS recently hired David Geier as a senior data analyst, despite his revoked medical licenses and retracted vaccine-autism research.
The Autism Society of America criticized Kennedy’s approach, calling it “unrealistic and misleading.” The Autistic Self Advocacy Network criticized the study, saying it aims to confirm pre-existing beliefs instead of pursuing open-ended research.
Mixed Messages on Vaccines
Despite his confirmation assurances, Kennedy has faced renewed scrutiny for forcing out FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks and ordering the CDC to re-examine vaccines and autism—actions that contradict well-established evidence.
Kennedy has also downplayed a deadly measles outbreak in Texas, where two unvaccinated children died. He stated on Fox News that one child had “complications,” although the Texas health department found no underlying conditions.
Despite briefly endorsing the MMR vaccine this week, Kennedy praised doctors using questionable off-label treatments like clarithromycin and budesonide—neither approved for measles.
“The thing that stops a measles outbreak is vaccination,” said Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious disease expert.
A Political Play?
The study also arrives as HHS cuts staff by 25% and undergoes major restructuring, raising questions about how it can execute a global research initiative amid such budget reductions.
“How do you run a worldwide study while cutting NIH budgets and alienating global research partners?” asked Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association.
Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress have launched a probe into David Geier’s involvement and demand greater transparency about how the study will be conducted.
“Millions of families want answers,” said an HHS spokesperson. “We’re committed to using gold-standard, evidence-based science.”
Many in the autism community say the damage is already done. The study promotes the idea that autism stems from a specific, possibly preventable exposure, framing neurodivergence as something to eradicate instead of understand and support.
Source: CNN
