Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday the launch of a sweeping global research initiative aimed at identifying the cause of what he called the “autism epidemic” by September. The project, involving hundreds of scientists worldwide, is part of the Biden administration’s public health agenda, Kennedy told President Trump during a Cabinet meeting. However, health experts raised serious concerns about the credibility and intent of the effort, citing Kennedy’s long-standing, debunked claims linking vaccines to autism.
Kennedy emphasized that the research would examine a wide range of potential environmental and lifestyle factors, including food, air, water, and parenting styles. He stated that once the cause is identified, the U.S. will work to eliminate the associated “exposures.” Trump supported the plan, speculating that something “artificial” could be to blame.
Autism diagnoses in the U.S. have increased in recent decades—from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to roughly 1 in 36 in 2020, according to the CDC—with Kennedy suggesting it may now be closer to 1 in 31. Researchers attribute this rise to improved screening and broader diagnostic criteria, not environmental or vaccine-related causes.
Kennedy’s announcement has been met with skepticism from autism advocates and medical professionals.
Critics, including the Autism Society of America and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, questioned the transparency and scientific rigor of the initiative, suggesting the outcome may be predetermined. Some expressed concern about Kennedy’s controversial staffing decisions, including the hiring of David Geier, a discredited figure in the autism-vaccine debate.
Public health leaders and researchers also cast doubt on the timeline, arguing it’s implausible to develop, execute, and analyze a comprehensive global study within five months. Dr. Lisa Settles of Tulane University and Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine both criticized the effort as biased and unscientific, pointing out that autism research has already identified a range of genetic and prenatal factors, with no credible link to vaccines.
Despite Kennedy’s public support for some vaccinations, including a recent endorsement of the MMR vaccine, his comments downplaying a deadly measles outbreak and promoting unproven treatments have further fueled concern among health experts and lawmakers.
