Yesterday, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. held a press conference addressing the rising prevalence of autism diagnoses in the United States. While increased attention to autism is long overdue, his remarks misrepresent both the cause and the nature of what it means to be Autistic—and risk fueling fear, stigma, disinformation, and the dehumanization of millions of Autistic people.
Mr. Kennedy repeatedly described autism as a “childhood epidemic” and a “preventable disease” caused by “environmental factors." He went on to add, “And these are kids who will never pay taxes.” “They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of themwill never use a toilet unassisted.” These claims are not only categorically false but also dangerous. Decades of research conducted by the CDC, NIH, and other global scientific institutions have found no causal link between autism and environmental exposures like pesticides, mold, or food additives. Autism is not a disease. It is a natural and lifelong variation in brain development, part of the broad spectrum of human neurodiversity.
Last month, the CDC reported that 1 in 31 eight-year-old children in the U.S. is Autistic. This increase isn’t a reason for alarm—it reflects meaningful progress. Thanks to expanded awareness and more inclusive diagnostic criteria, especially in historically underserved communities, more people are being accurately identified. These communities have often been overlooked due to systemic biases about what Autism “looks like” or have lacked access to essential services like diagnostic evaluations, therapy, and healthcare. Recognition is the first step toward inclusion, and that’s something to celebrate.
However, identification alone is not enough. While more Autistic people are accessing resources and support, far too many still face barriers and struggle to access the services they need due to chronic underfunding of programs and a nationwide shortage of trained personnel. The real crisis isn’t autism—it’s the lack of accessible systems and sustainable infrastructure to support Autistic people across their lifespan. The spread of disinformation by a government official only widens this gap. It undermines the tireless work of Autistic advocates, families, and organizations like AutismTN, who are building a neuro-affirming world of understanding, acceptance, and justice.
Autistic people deserve to be accepted, respected, and empowered in a society that too often creates barriers to their success. The AutismTN Staff and Board of Directors remain committed to sharing accurate information and amplifying the voices of Autistic people. We encourage everyone to reject fear-based narratives and seek out truth, compassion, and lived experience. We proudly stand with our Autistic community.
