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U.S. HHS Secretary Sets September Deadline for Autism Cause Investigation
In a significant announcement, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Thursday that the United States aims to identify the causes of autism by September. This ambitious deadline comes as scientists have been grappling with this issue for decades.
The prevalence of autism in the U.S. has notably surged, raising alarm among the public. By 2020, the prevalence rate for autism in eight-year-olds reached 1 in 36, equating to 2.77 percent, a stark increase from 2.27 percent in 2018 and just 0.66 percent in 2000, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Under your directive, we will have answers by September. We have initiated a comprehensive research and testing initiative involving hundreds of scientists globally,” Kennedy remarked during a meeting with President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
He further claimed, “By September, we will uncover the factors contributing to the autism epidemic and identify means to eliminate these exposures.”
However, the specifics of this initiative have not been disclosed, and Kristyn Roth, the chief marketing officer for the Autism Society of America, expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of the September timeline. She deemed the label of an “epidemic” inappropriate, arguing that it could foster fear and stigma around the autism community.
“Autism is a complex developmental condition that affects individuals in diverse ways,” Roth emphasized.
In February, President Trump established the “Make America Healthy Again” Commission, featuring Kennedy among other secretaries to examine various health issues, including rising rates of autism and asthma in children, as well as the extent of prescriptions for conditions like ADHD.
During a cabinet meeting, Trump stated, “There has to be something artificial causing this. No other announcement will garner as much attention as when we solve this matter.”
Despite extensive research over the years, many underlying reasons for autism remain elusive. Experts suggest that the rise in diagnoses may largely be attributable to an expanded definition of autism and greater awareness around the condition.
A new large-scale study released this week indicated a potential association between diabetes during pregnancy and an increased risk of nervous system and brain disorders in children, including autism.
Kennedy has previously endorsed discredited theories linking vaccines to autism, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus that refutes these claims. He stated, “We will investigate vaccines, but we will also consider all possibilities, including our food and water systems, air quality, varied parenting methodologies, and other changes that may have triggered this epidemic.”
Scrutiny and Concerns Over Research Approaches
There are indications that various studies into autism may already be in progress, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts brain function.
According to reports, the CDC had plans for a significant study examining potential vaccine-autism connections. Additionally, a group of House Democrats criticized Kennedy for involving David Geier, a controversial figure in vaccine skepticism, who has faced disciplinary actions for past unlicensed medical practices aimed at autistic children.
The National Institutes of Health is reportedly gearing up for a multimillion-dollar research initiative focused on autism causes, which will include an exploration of any links to the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Both the CDC and the NIH operate under the auspices of Kennedy’s Department of Health and Human Services, but a spokesperson for the department did not respond to inquiries regarding these matters.
Colin Killick, executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, criticized Kennedy’s earlier statements, reminding the public of Kennedy’s history of propagating false narratives regarding the vaccine-autism link, stating, “This latest announcement suggests he is once again rushing to present misinformation about the causes of autism, which cannot be substantiated by credible scientific evidence.”
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globalnews.ca