U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has caused controversy again by saying that autism is a “preventable disease,” contradicting decades of scientific research.
Kennedy believes that environmental toxins may be behind the increasing number of autism cases, but experts say autism is a complex brain condition with no single cause and cannot be simply prevented.
Kennedy called for more studies to find out if environmental factors are involved. His statement came just after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. have autism, a significant increase from previous years.
Kennedy said, “This is a preventable disease. We know it’s environmental exposure — it has to be,” adding that genes do not cause autism to spread like an epidemic but that environmental toxins might be a factor.
He emphasized the importance of researching these environmental influences, including chemicals and pollutants.
He also expressed concern about how autism affects families and children, calling it a tragedy that destroys lives and potential. However, scientists and autism experts strongly disagree with Kennedy’s view.
They explain that autism is a brain disorder caused by many factors, including genetics, and not a disease that can be prevented by avoiding certain environmental risks.
Autism affects people differently, causing delays in speech, learning, and social skills. Some signs of autism may not show up until adulthood. Researchers have studied autism for many years but have not found a single cause.
Instead, they believe that a mix of genetic and environmental factors, such as a parent’s age, health during pregnancy, or exposure to certain chemicals, can influence the risk.
Kennedy announced that his department will study these factors and hopes to have some answers by September. He also said scientists will be free to follow the evidence wherever it leads, but many experts remain skeptical.
They say autism is a very complex condition, and rushing to find a single cause or blaming environmental toxins oversimplifies the issue.
The CDC’s latest report shows that autism diagnoses are rising, with about 1 in 31 children diagnosed in 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls, and the rates are higher among some racial and ethnic groups.
Experts say the increase is mainly due to better awareness, improved diagnosis, and recognition of milder cases, not because autism is spreading like a disease.
Many professionals warn that Kennedy’s claims could spread misinformation and stigmatize people with autism.
Critics argue that autism is a brain development condition influenced by many factors, not a preventable disease caused by environmental toxins.
In summary, while Kennedy insists autism can be prevented by avoiding environmental risks, scientists emphasize that autism is a complex condition with no simple cause or cure.
The ongoing research aims to better understand autism, but experts caution against oversimplifying or misrepresenting what is known about this condition.
Related topics:
- Autism Rates In U.S. Surge To 1 In 31 Children, CDC Reports
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- What Is Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosed & Treated
