RFK Jr. Pushes for Investigation into Environmental Causes of Autism Amid Rising Rates
Written by Site Hub on April 17, 2025
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared autism a growing “epidemic” during a press conference on Wednesday, citing a new CDC report that shows autism rates have increased from 1 in 36 children in 2020 to 1 in 31 in 2022. Kennedy called the trend “alarming” and emphasized the need to identify a potential environmental toxin responsible for the rise.
While Kennedy did not name a specific cause, his comments mark a renewed push to examine non-genetic contributors to autism. The announcement is expected to prompt additional research and public debate, especially given Kennedy’s long-standing controversial views on environmental health and vaccines. Health experts caution that autism diagnoses may also be influenced by broader awareness and improved diagnostic tools.
Source: NPR
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