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News in English (USA) / 27.04.2025 / 09:00

Controversy Surrounds RFK Jr.’s Statements on Autism and Proposed Registry

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent comments regarding autism have sparked significant backlash from advocates, parents, and celebrities alike. Critics label his claims about environmental toxins causing autism as misleading, stating that they undermine the realities of families affected by autism. The controversy intensified following his suggestion of creating a national autism registry, which numerous disability advocates and experts have characterized as dangerous and ethically problematic. Despite claims from RFK Jr. that autism rates are an epidemic surpassing COVID-19, the Health and Human Services (HHS) has since walked back earlier statements regarding a national autism registry. Prominent figures from the autism community have expressed outrage, emphasizing that autistic individuals are valuable members of society who do not need fixing. The debate reveals deep divisions over the understanding of autism and the appropriateness of proposed data collection efforts, while many are calling for a more respectful and informed dialogue around the issue.
PBS, statnews.com, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, BBC, The New York Times, HuffPost, The Hill, Snopes, Axios, The Washington Post