If you’ve spent any time on social media or watching the news lately, you’ve probably seen the name Robert F. Kennedy Jr. popping up next to some pretty intense headlines about autism. It’s a polarizing topic, to say the least. People either see him as a hero trying to uncover a hidden "epidemic" or as someone spreading dangerous misinformation that hurts families.
But what exactly has he been saying?
Honestly, it’s a lot to untangle. From his early days as an environmental lawyer to his current role as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Kennedy’s rhetoric has shifted, but his core message has remained remarkably consistent: he believes something in our environment—specifically vaccines and toxins—is "breaking" our children.
The "Never Pay Taxes" Comment That Sparked Outrage
One of the most recent and arguably most controversial things Kennedy said happened in April 2025 during an HHS press conference. He was discussing a new CDC report that showed autism rates rising to 1 in 31 children.
Kennedy didn't just talk about numbers. He painted a incredibly bleak, almost dystopian picture of what life looks like for autistic people. He said these are "kids who will never pay taxes. They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never play baseball. They’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date." He even went as far as to say many would never use a toilet unassisted.
The backlash was instant. Advocates, parents, and autistic adults themselves were floored. Senator Maggie Hassan, whose own son has disabilities, called the comments "dehumanizing." The big issue here is that Kennedy’s description ignores the massive "spectrum" in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
While it's true some individuals need 24/7 care, many others are PhD researchers, artists, and taxpayers. By framing autism only as a tragedy of "lost" potential, critics say he's stripping away the dignity of millions of people who are living full lives.
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The "Preventable Disease" and "Epidemic" Narrative
For years, Kennedy has used the word "epidemic" to describe the rise in autism. He views it not as a natural variation in human neurology, but as a "preventable disease" caused by external factors.
At that same April 2025 briefing, he stood next to a co-author of the CDC report and argued that the 300% increase in diagnoses over the last 20 years couldn't just be better screening. He claimed that, at most, 25% of the increase is due to better doctors and more awareness. The other 75%? He calls that a "real" increase caused by toxins.
What the science actually says
Most researchers in the field, like Dr. Annette Estes from the University of Washington, disagree. They point out that:
- The criteria changed: We used to only diagnose "classic" autism. Now the "spectrum" includes much milder cases.
- Better Screening: Schools are now required to report these numbers to get funding, which naturally drives up the count.
- The "Rain Man" Effect: As awareness grew, parents started noticing traits in their kids that were previously just labeled as "weird" or "difficult."
Kennedy essentially argues that these scientists are part of an "ideology of epidemic denial." He's basically saying they're looking the other way while a generation is being harmed.
The Vaccine Link: From Thimerosal to "The Big Asterisk"
You can't talk about RFK Jr. and autism without talking about vaccines. This is his longest-running battle. For two decades, he’s pushed the idea that the preservative thimerosal (which contains mercury) or the sheer number of shots given to babies is the "smoking gun."
Even though thimerosal was removed from most childhood vaccines in 2001 and autism rates continued to rise, Kennedy hasn't backed down.
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In late 2025, things took a dramatic turn at the CDC. Under Kennedy's leadership at HHS, the CDC's "Vaccine Safety" webpage was rewritten. For years, it stated flatly: "Vaccines do not cause autism." Now, it includes a massive asterisk and a statement saying that claim is "not evidence-based" because studies haven't ruled out every single possibility.
This move sent shockwaves through the medical community. Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, called it "absolute insanity." Scientists argue that you can't "prove" a negative in science, but with over 40 high-quality studies involving 5.6 million children, the evidence against a link is as solid as it gets.
Tylenol, Mold, and the "September Deadline"
Kennedy has recently expanded his list of culprits beyond just vaccines. He’s now pointing fingers at:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): He and President Trump have warned pregnant women to avoid it, citing studies that suggest a link. While some research exists, most experts say the data is far from conclusive.
- Environmental Toxins: He’s mentioned everything from mold and pesticides to food additives and seed oils.
- The "September" Promise: In early 2025, he promised that by September, he would have "the answer" to what is causing the autism epidemic.
Interestingly, while he's vowing to find these environmental causes, reports from ProPublica and the University of Nebraska suggest he has actually cut funding for the very divisions at agencies like NIOSH that were already studying how workplace chemicals affect pregnancy and autism. It's a bit of a contradiction that has many researchers scratching their heads.
The Focus on "Profound Autism"
One of Kennedy's more nuanced (though still controversial) claims is that "profound autism"—the type where individuals have severe intellectual disabilities and require constant support—didn't exist in the past.
He often says he doesn't see "70-year-olds with profound autism" in the same numbers we see kids today.
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Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation, has a very direct answer to that: "I would urge the HHS Secretary to come and meet my 61-year-old brother Steven." She points out that in the 60s and 70s, people with profound autism weren't "visible" because they were often institutionalized and hidden from society, not because they didn't exist.
What This Means for Families Right Now
If you're a parent, this back-and-forth is probably exhausting. On one hand, you have the head of the nation's health department saying your child’s condition is a "preventable tragedy" caused by the government. On the other, you have your pediatrician telling you that vaccines are the best way to keep your kid safe.
Here is the reality of the situation in 2026:
- The "Cause" is complex: It’s almost certainly a mix of hundreds of different genes interacting with various environmental factors during pregnancy. There is no single "toxin" that does it.
- Resources are at risk: Many advocates fear that by chasing a "cure" or a "cause" in vaccines, Kennedy is diverting money away from things like Medicaid, home care, and educational supports that autistic adults actually need to survive.
- The Narrative is shifting: The government is now officially "questioning" settled science. This means you’re going to see a lot more conflicting information on official websites.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Advocates
If you're looking for clarity amidst the noise, here are a few things you can do:
- Look at the RAW Data: Don't just take a politician's word for it. Look at the CDC’s actual ADDM Network reports. They show that the states with the best services have the highest rates of diagnosis—which strongly suggests that "finding" the kids is why the numbers are up.
- Consult Specialists, Not Just Officials: Talk to developmental pediatricians and neurologists who work with autistic kids every day. They see the nuance that a 30-second soundbite misses.
- Support Neurodiversity: Regardless of the "cause," autistic people are here now. They need jobs, housing, and respect. Support organizations that focus on quality of life and civil rights, like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).
- Verify Website Changes: If you notice a change on a government site like the CDC, check the "Wayback Machine" or archived versions to see what was deleted. Understanding the history of the information helps you see the current political slant.
The conversation about what RFK Jr. said about autistic kids isn't just about science—it's about how we value people who think and experience the world differently. Whether you agree with him or not, his words have real-world consequences for the funding, safety, and dignity of millions of Americans.