According to a story in the April 2025 New York Times, in response to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control showing rising rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said, “…that autism was preventable…” and that he would find a cure by the fall.
That was just one of the myriad versions that the Secretary of Health and Human Services elicited:
Love on the Spectrum stars criticize RFK Jr’s approach BBC News
People with autism seek dignity where RFK seeks a cure AXIOS News
RFK, Jr., Is Completely Wrong about Autism, Say Scientists Scientific American
RFK Jr pledges to find the cause of autism ‘by September’ BBC News
How RFK Jr. is shaping the conversation about autism and… PBS
Statement on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Comments … Autism Society Response
And others…
Everyone has an opinion about Mr. Secretary’s proclamation, so what follows is my take on the Autism ‘situation’.
Most of the families that come to The Child Development Center agree that, at least NOW, the government is showing interest in solving this perplexing childhood developmental problem.