RFK Jr. Claims HHS Will Identify Cause of Autism by September, Sparking Scientific and Political Debate
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred controversy once again, announcing that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will determine the cause of autism by September. The bold claim, made during a recent campaign appearance, has drawn sharp criticism from health experts and autism advocacy groups who warn that such declarations risk spreading misinformation and oversimplifying a complex neurological condition.
Kennedy, known for his vocal skepticism of vaccines and longstanding criticism of government health agencies, did not offer detailed scientific evidence to support his timeline. Instead, he cited what he referred to as a “commitment” from HHS to accelerate research into autism causation.
“I’ve spoken with officials at HHS, and they’ve agreed to determine the cause of autism by September,” Kennedy said. “We owe it to American families to get answers and uncover the truth.”
However, health officials have not confirmed any such timeline. In fact, leading scientists and researchers emphasize that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition with genetic, environmental, and possibly epigenetic factors, and that pinpointing a singular “cause” oversimplifies decades of ongoing research.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have invested heavily in autism research, but experts caution that a definitive cause may not be identifiable, especially given the wide variability in how autism presents and develops.
Kennedy’s statement comes amid his broader campaign push to reform public health institutions and challenge the pharmaceutical industry, themes that have drawn support from certain voter groups but alienated many in the scientific and medical communities.
Autism advocacy organizations, including the Autism Society of America, quickly responded to Kennedy’s remarks, urging the public to seek out accurate, evidence-based information and warning against politicizing developmental disorders.
“It’s dangerous to make promises like this, especially when they’re not grounded in scientific consensus,” one advocacy leader said. “Families living with autism need support, services, and inclusion—not sensationalized rhetoric.”
The HHS has yet to issue a public response to Kennedy’s comments. Meanwhile, researchers continue to focus on improving early diagnosis, expanding therapeutic interventions, and deepening the understanding of ASD through peer-reviewed studies and international collaboration.
As Kennedy campaigns on a platform that includes major reforms to public health oversight, his latest claim adds to the growing scrutiny over his views on science and medicine. With the presidential race heating up, statements like these are likely to remain at the center of public debate.
Source : Swifteradio.com
