Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new HHS secretary, falsely claimed an "alarming epidemic" of autism, contradicting decades of research. He ignored established factors like improved diagnosis and broadened definitions, instead promoting unsubstantiated claims of environmental toxins. His statements were criticized by the autism community and experts, who highlighted that increased diagnosis, not a rise in cases, explains the higher prevalence rates. Kennedy's dismissal of genetic factors and focus on debunked vaccine-autism links raise concerns about his understanding of autism and potential misallocation of research funds.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.