RFK Jr. calls autism a 'preventable disease,' launches environmental study
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in April 2025 that U.S. autism diagnoses were rising at an "alarming rate," calling autism an epidemic and a "preventable disease." He announced studies aimed at identifying environmental toxins behind the rise, while a new CDC report pointed to improved diagnosis and independent scientists were skeptical.
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The story so far
2 developments- Apr 16, 2025RFK Jr. plans autism studies aimed at identifying 'environmental toxins' linked to rise
- Apr 17, 2025RFK Jr. calls autism a 'preventable disease,' launches environmental study
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Quiet for 530 daysLast development · Apr 17, 2025 — RFK Jr. calls autism a 'preventable disease,' launches environmental study
The bigger story
Left
2 viewpointsRFK Jr. calls autism an 'epidemic' and launches effort to find 'environmental' cause
Kennedy plans autism studies aimed at identifying 'environmental toxins' linked to rising rates
RFK pushes to find 'environmental' cause of autism, calls rising rates an 'epidemic'
Center
5 viewpointsHealth chief RFK Jr.: Autism caused by environmental exposures; contradicts new CDC report
Kennedy announces new studies to examine environmental factors linked to autism
Right
4 viewpointsRobert F. Kennedy Jr. rings alarm on rising autism, calls for examination of environmental factors
RFK Jr attributes rise in autism to environmental factors, while CDC points to improved diagnostic practices
Other outlets
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Left
1 articleRFK Jr contradicts experts by linking autism rise to ‘environmental toxins’
Center
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