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Autism community concerned about RFK Jr.’s potential impact on progress


The scientific community has long worked to dispel the debunked theory that vaccines cause autism and focus on finding true potential causes. Autism advocates fear that if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. becomes the health and human services secretary, it could undermine progress and divert research funds to a discredited theory. Kennedy, known for promoting the false claim that vaccines cause autism, has faced criticism for his views. Critics argue that vaccines do not cause autism and diverting attention to this issue could hinder important research on genetic and environmental factors. Kennedy’s appointment could impact health policy significantly as he would oversee agencies like the FDA, CDC, and NIH. Concerns also exist about former Rep. David Weldon, Trump’s pick for the CDC, due to his statements doubting vaccine safety.

Kennedy often links the increase in autism diagnoses to childhood vaccinations, despite the evolving nature of autism diagnosis and the historical institutionalization of those with disabilities. The prevalence of autism has risen, leading researchers to look at genetic factors and environmental influences. Advocates emphasize the need for more research into genetic-environment interactions to understand autism better. Kennedy’s focus on vaccines as a cause for autism risks diverting crucial funding from other research areas, delaying progress in autism treatments and interventions.

The community consensus is that vaccines are safe, supported by numerous studies. Kennedy’s language around autism and vaccines has been criticized as stigmatizing and fearmongering. Trump and Kennedy’s remarks regarding vaccines and autism have been considered derogatory by the autism community. Overall, the concern is that promoting the vaccines-cause-autism theory could lead to decreased vaccination rates and hinder progress in understanding the true causes of autism.

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www.nbcnews.com

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