Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent comments regarding autism spectrum disorder and COVID-19 have ignited controversy and drawn widespread criticism. During an interview on WABC 770 AM’s The Cats Roundtable with John Catsimatidis, Kennedy perpetuated misinformation about autism, falsely labeling it an epidemic and minimizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserted that the harms of autism dwarf those of COVID-19, claiming the latter “killed old people.”
This incident is the latest in a series of misleading statements from Kennedy on autism. In early April, during a cabinet meeting, he pledged to uncover the “cause” of autism by September. Later, at a press conference, he presented a CDC report documenting a slight increase in autism diagnoses between 2020 and 2022. Contradicting the report’s findings and other established research, Kennedy declared autism a rapidly escalating “epidemic,” promising HHS-led studies to identify the alleged “environmental toxin” driving this supposed surge.
He further claimed that children with autism are incapable of contributing to society, asserting they will “never pay taxes. They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never play baseball. They’ll never write a poem.” These remarks sparked immediate condemnation from the autism community, families, and researchers.
While the rate of autism diagnoses has increased, experts attribute this largely to heightened awareness and broader diagnostic criteria. Factors like increased parental age may contribute to a genuine rise in cases, but there’s no credible evidence linking vaccines to autism, a claim Kennedy has repeatedly made.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, and while some individuals experience intellectual disabilities, many lead fulfilling lives. Kennedy’s remarks not only demean people with autism but also insult those who lost loved ones to COVID-19.
The pandemic, the deadliest in over a century, claimed over a million lives in the U.S. While older adults were at higher risk, the virus affected all demographics. In the pandemic’s early stages, COVID-19 was a leading cause of death for adults in their 30s to 50s and remained a significant cause of death among children and teens. Millions of children globally, including over 140,000 in the U.S., lost parents or caregivers.
Kennedy’s assertions about a single “cause” for autism overlook the complexity of this neurodevelopmental disorder. His misguided pursuit of this “cause” is unlikely to yield meaningful results. His rhetoric not only misrepresents scientific understanding but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and minimizes the devastating impact of a global health crisis.
In conclusion, Kennedy’s recent comments on autism and COVID-19 are not only inaccurate but also deeply insensitive. His statements highlight the dangers of misinformation and the importance of relying on credible sources for information on complex health issues. His rhetoric disrespects both the autism community and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to prioritize accurate information and compassionate discourse when discussing these sensitive topics.
