Autism advocates react to RFK Jr.'s comments

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A new focus on autism in America and it's causes. Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said he's launching new studies into the condition. Autism advocates are stunned by some of his comments.

"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. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted," said RFK Jr. during a press conference.

"I have a career, I write poetry, I go on dates, I use the restroom, I drive a car, I pay taxes," said Carley Marissa Dummitt, with the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma.

Dummitt said RFK's comments on a new CDC report about autism rates is insulting.

"It's fear mongering," said Dummitt.

The report said 1 in 31 8-year-olds were identified with autism in 2022, an increase from 2020.

"We have data that a certain percentage of some types of autism can be clearly explained by genetic differences. we have other evidence suggesting that actually it's a complex interplay of environmental factors," Dr. Zach Warren, an author of the CDC report, told NBC News.

Dummitt said autism runs in her family.

"Before I was born, at that genetic test happened, my father who is very autistic, him and I shared that same marker on that gene," said Dummitt.

"Genes do not cause epidemics. It can provide a vulnerability. You need an environmental toxin," said RFK Jr.

RFK's claims that autism is triggered by environmental factors, from pollution to food additives is being studied, but not currently backed up by research.

In a statement, Autism Speaks said, "These narratives have historically fueled harmful rhetoric, including anti-vaccine sentiment and pseudoscientific claims, while drawing attention away from meaningful research and support."

Their full statement can be read below:

Today's comments from HHS Secretary Kennedy’s news conference about autistic people are extremely disappointing and damaging, and we join many others in their concern with how the autistic community is being misportrayed. 

Autism is not a preventable condition. The suggestion that it is—especially when linked to environmental toxins without scientific evidence—contributes to decades-old misinformation and distracts from the real needs of autistic people and their families. These narratives have historically fueled harmful rhetoric, including anti-vaccine sentiment and pseudoscientific claims, while drawing attention away from meaningful research and support.

Framing autism as a personal or societal tragedy, and implying that autistic people are incapable of joy, growth, or fulfillment, is deeply hurtful. Statements that suggest autistic children will never contribute, connect, or thrive erase the full humanity of millions of people—and ignore the many ways autistic people enrich our world every day.

At Autism Speaks, we remain focused on advancing scientific understanding while ensuring that autistic people are supported, seen, and celebrated. We believe progress requires listening to autistic voices and investing in their future: in healthcare, education, employment, housing, and research that reflects the full diversity of the spectrum.

We are hopeful that this conversation can continue, and we invite Secretary Kennedy to meet with autistic people and families, to hear directly from those most affected, and to engage with the broader scientific community. We would welcome the opportunity to be part of that dialogue.

To learn more about autism and the priorities that matter most to this community, visit www.autismspeaks.org

Autism Speaks

Dummitt believes autism rates are going up because it's easier to diagnose.

"The playing field has leveled, which makes diagnostics criteria easer to access for everyone which is one reason why numbers are rising," she said.

"This epidemic denial has become a feature in the mainstream media, and it's based on an industry canard," said RFK.

Now, Dummitt is worried what these comments will do to children and adults who already feel like outcasts.

"And I fear for the kids, especially the ones who are being bullied," said Dummitt.

RFK Jr. also said the Health and Human Services Department will announce studies t identify these alleged environmental factors that cause autism in the coming weeks.