Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. controversially claimed autism is preventable due to environmental toxins, contradicting his agency's research. His statement at a press conference followed a CDC report showing a continued rise in autism diagnoses to 1 in 31 among 8-year-olds. Kennedy dismissed genetic factors as insignificant, attributing the increase to environmental toxins and accusing the public of 'epidemic denial'. This contradicts established scientific understanding and the CDC's report which cites various contributing factors beyond solely environmental influences.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.