Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a large-scale study to investigate the causes of autism, despite scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause it. The study, endorsed by President Trump, will involve hundreds of scientists and conclude by September. Leading autism organizations express concern, citing the study's focus on debunked theories and the involvement of a controversial figure with a history of promoting the discredited vaccine-autism link. The rising autism diagnosis rates are largely attributed to increased awareness and improved diagnostic methods, not vaccines.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.