The NIH, in collaboration with CMS, will create a database using Medicare and Medicaid data to research autism causes. This "real-world data platform" will link insurance claims, medical records, and wearable device data from approximately 36% of Americans. While officials assure privacy protections, concerns remain among the autistic community and privacy experts regarding data security and potential misuse. The initiative follows previous controversial announcements and RFK Jr.'s unsubstantiated claims linking autism to vaccines and environmental toxins.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.