In a bold and unprecedented move, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a comprehensive initiative aimed at uncovering the cause of autism by September 2025. This ambitious endeavor, described as a “massive testing and research effort,” will mobilize hundreds of scientists and researchers to delve into the complexities of autism spectrum disorders. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by their 8th birthday. In 2000, the rate was 1 in 150, and in 2024 autism spectrum disorder affected 1 in 36 children.  

Kennedy’s approach is driven by a sense of urgency and a commitment to addressing the rising rates of autism diagnoses. Despite decades of research, the exact cause of autism remains elusive, with genetic factors and various environmental influences being considered potential contributors. Kennedy’s initiative seeks to bring fresh perspectives and innovative methodologies to the forefront, hoping to achieve breakthroughs that have so far been out of reach.  

You may be asking, “hasn’t this already been done?” Yes, it has.  There are more than two dozen studies that have looked at the MMR vaccine and autism and have not found a link.  These include a massive 2019 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which looked at more than 600,000 children in Denmark. These studies have been done in different styles and in different countries. All have reached the same conclusion. Scientists tell us that genetics plays the dominant role-both inherited traits and spontaneous mutations in early conception. Kennedy recently doubled down on Fox News, claiming that previous vaccine safety studies were insufficient.  

“We’re going to look at facts,” he said. “We’re going to look at everything. Everything is on the table: our food system, our water, our air, different ways of parenting, all the kind of changes that may have triggered this epidemic.”  

Many in the autism community are concerned that Mr. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine critic, who has promoted the discredited theory that routine childhood vaccinations cause autism, is now leading Health and Human Services. It’s worth reminding everyone that not too long ago, the theory of “refrigerator moms” was believed to be the cause of autism. Is Mr. Kennedy now suggesting that different ways of parenting could cause autism?  We can be sure that there will be more to come on this issue.