Families Criticize RFK Jr.'s Autism Remarks Amidst Environmental Investigation Plans

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing widespread backlash after promising to identify a 'toxin' he claims is responsible for rising autism rates, a position met with skepticism and concern by many in the autism community and among experts. Kennedy's remarks, which included characterizing autism as a disease that 'destroys families' and asserting that many autistic individuals will 'never pay taxes' or 'hold a job,' have been criticized as ableist, derogatory, and misrepresentative of the diverse experiences of those with autism. Parents, autistic individuals, and public figures condemned Kennedy's comments for stigmatizing autism and overlooking the achievements and contributions of people on the spectrum. Critics argue that his focus on a single environmental cause disregards the scientific consensus that autism is a complex condition influenced by genetic and multiple environmental factors, not a single 'toxin.' Some families expressed that the rhetoric was hurtful and failed to acknowledge the value and capabilities of their children, while others worried the initiative would spread misinformation and fuel false hopes. Despite some hopefulness about increased research into environmental factors, the dominant response has been strong opposition to Kennedy's framing and language on autism.