Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced plans for the agency to study possible environmental links to autism spectrum disorder. Kennedy has made controversial comments regarding autism, suggesting that families of individuals with autism should be compensated for their struggles. While some supported his efforts to seek answers, others criticized his remarks as ableist.
Autism spectrum disorder is a condition characterized by challenges in social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning symptoms vary widely among individuals, with some being non-verbal and others being highly successful in certain areas of life. Kennedy clarified that he was referring specifically to the 25 percent of individuals with autism who are nonverbal.
Kennedy has promised to determine the cause of autism and has stated that new studies will be launched to identify environmental toxins that may be linked to the disorder. Researchers have been investigating the causes of autism for years, with some studies suggesting a genetic component. The CDC has stated that vaccines are not associated with autism, despite ongoing concerns and misinformation. The prevalence of autism in the United States has increased, with one in 31 children being diagnosed with the disorder by age 8 in 2022. This rise in diagnoses is attributed to better screening practices and a broader definition of the condition.
