Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sounding the alarm over the increasing number of U.S. children diagnosed with autism, calling the rise an “alarming” trend. On Wednesday, Kennedy pledged to spearhead comprehensive studies aimed at identifying any environmental factors that might contribute to the growing prevalence of the developmental disorder.

This statement comes just one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report revealing that approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism—up from 1 in 36 in 2020. The spike in autism diagnoses has raised questions about potential causes, leading Kennedy to emphasize the need for further investigation.

Kennedy described autism as a “preventable disease,” despite it not being classified as a disease but a complex disorder that affects brain development. “Autism destroys families,” Kennedy stated. “More importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be suffering like this.”

While Kennedy’s focus is on understanding the environmental factors that may contribute to autism, experts in the field suggest the rising numbers may also reflect changes in how the condition is diagnosed. Over time, the definition of autism has expanded to include cases that are milder, contributing to a higher number of diagnoses.

Autism, a developmental disorder, manifests in a wide range of symptoms, including delays in language, learning, and social skills. Some individuals may not show symptoms until adulthood. While no single cause has been identified, researchers believe genetics play a significant role. In addition, factors such as a child’s father’s age, maternal weight, and prenatal exposure to certain chemicals have been linked to autism risk.

Kennedy’s approach will investigate these and other potential environmental factors. Although he had initially set a September deadline to determine autism’s causes, he now believes that his department will provide at least partial answers by that time.

Kennedy’s plan includes issuing grants to universities and researchers, encouraging them to “follow the science, no matter what it says.” This initiative follows a history of cuts to science and health research funding under the Trump administration, which had previously slashed billions of dollars in grants to universities.

To conduct this research, the CDC gathered autism data from 14 states and Puerto Rico in 2022, focusing on 8-year-olds as most autism diagnoses occur by this age. The CDC’s most recent estimate of 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism is considered the gold standard by many experts due to its rigorous methodology.

Despite Kennedy’s focus on environmental factors, other researchers argue that the increase in autism diagnoses can be attributed to improved awareness and medical advancements. Annette Estes, director of the autism center at the University of Washington, explained, “The reasons for increases in autism diagnosis come down to scientific and health care progress. It’s hard for many people to understand this because the causes of autism are complex.”

The Autism Science Foundation, in response to Kennedy’s comments, emphasized that factors like better access to services and reduced stigma surrounding autism spectrum disorders are key contributors to the rise in autism prevalence. Dr. Alycia Halladay, the foundation’s Chief Science Officer, noted, “This report is the most convincing evidence yet that changes in factors like access to services and de-stigmatization of autism spectrum disorders are leading to the increases in prevalence.”

As the debate over autism’s causes continues, Kennedy’s initiative promises to shed light on this complex issue, offering a deeper understanding of the environmental factors that may be contributing to the increasing number of diagnoses.

Source: AP News – Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says US autism cases are climbing at an ‘alarming rate’

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Seminole, Texas — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the heart of Texas’ growing measles outbreak on Sunday — the same day a funeral was held for a second young child who died from complications tied to the disease.

Kennedy, who was once known for his anti-vaccine stance, shared on social media that he traveled to Gaines County “to help control the outbreak” and offer comfort to grieving families. He was seen outside a local Mennonite church where the child’s funeral took place, but did not attend a nearby CDC press briefing.

The outbreak, centered in Seminole, began in late January and shows no sign of slowing. Texas now reports nearly 500 cases, with infections believed to have spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and even Mexico.

The most recent victim — a child with no underlying health conditions — died Thursday from measles pulmonary failure, according to state health officials. The child had been receiving treatment at UMC Health System in Lubbock.

This marks the third death linked to the outbreak:

• A young child in Texas
• An adult in New Mexico
• And now, another young child in Seminole

None of the individuals who died were vaccinated.

Kennedy, who took office earlier this year, had previously resisted calls to promote vaccinations. But in a shift, he acknowledged in a statement posted to X that vaccination is “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine has been safely used for over 60 years and is 97% effective after two doses.

Still, Kennedy’s earlier vaccine skepticism, combined with mixed messaging from officials, has raised concerns among public health experts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a new team was sent to the region on Sunday, after a previous team departed April 1. Dr. Manisha Patel, leading the new response, urged families not to delay seeking care for children showing symptoms.

“Call your doctor,” Patel said. “A healthcare professional can guide you on the next steps.”

Despite the urgency, official CDC statements stopped short of urging the public to get vaccinated — instead calling it a “personal decision” while emphasizing the need to be informed about vaccine risks and benefits.

Between March 28 and April 4, Texas saw 81 new measles cases and 16 additional hospitalizations. Nationwide, the U.S. has already surpassed the total number of measles cases reported in all of 2024 — and it’s only April.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and liver specialist who voted to confirm Kennedy, sharply criticized the response, writing on X:

“Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no treatment for measles. No benefit to getting measles.”

Cassidy has asked Kennedy to testify before the Senate health committee this Thursday. It remains unclear whether Kennedy will appear.

Medical staff in Lubbock report treating children with vitamin A toxicity, linked to attempts by some families to treat measles with high doses of the supplement — a method unsupported by doctors.

Dr. Lara Johnson of Covenant Children’s Hospital said parents reported using vitamin A to prevent or treat measles. Doctors emphasize that such supplements should only be given under medical supervision.

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Marks, the former FDA vaccine chief ousted after clashing with Kennedy, placed blame on current leadership.

“These are needless deaths,” Marks told the Associated Press. “Vaccination is how you prevent people from dying of measles.”

The CDC warns that if the outbreak continues, the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status, a designation it earned in 2000.

With declining childhood vaccination rates and cases spreading across state lines, experts predict this outbreak may last months — or even into next year.

Measles is highly contagious. It can live in the air for up to two hours, and 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will get infected. The CDC recommends the first MMR dose between 12–15 months, and the second between 4–6 years.

Source: AP News – RFK Jr. visits epicenter of Texas measles outbreak after death of second child who was infected

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