Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reiterated his controversial stance that autism has a more significant societal impact than Covid-19, which has caused the deaths of more than seven million people worldwide. Appearing on Fox News, he insisted that autism is "20 times worse than Covid-19" regarding its effects on the economy, society, and morals in the United States. This statement comes just days after he previously suggested that the fatalities from Covid were primarily among elderly individuals.
In addition to his claims, Kennedy has committed to investigating the underlying causes of what he referred to as an "autism epidemic," with plans for extensive testing and research aimed at discovering answers by September. During his Fox News appearance, he expressed surprise at the backlash following his announcement and noted that he was tasked by former President Trump to uncover the cause of autism within a year. He claimed that the impact of autism far surpasses that of Covid, again categorizing it as a more pressing national issue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that the rising number of autism diagnoses is largely due to advancements in diagnostic methods rather than an actual epidemic. Kennedy's remarks have faced significant pushback, especially after he characterized autistic individuals in a damaging light during a recent press conference. He suggested that many children with autism will never achieve common life milestones, leading advocates like Alison Singer of the Autism Science Foundation to criticize his dangerous rhetoric, which undermines the value of autistic individuals' lives.
Furthermore, Kennedy's comments extend to Covid-19 vaccines, in which he persistently reiterates unfounded claims linking vaccination to increased death rates in children. Despite his assertions that the vaccine poses a greater risk than the virus itself, the FDA has confirmed the vaccines' safety for children, with ongoing research continuing to support this position, according to the CDC.
11 Comments
Katchuka
COVID-19 was a serious concern, but it didn't completely alter the course of every life in the same way that autism can.
BuggaBoom
Maybe he does have a point about the long-term societal impact of autism. It's a valid concern.
KittyKat
The government has to focus on multiple issues, and autism is definitely a national concern.
Katchuka
The way he talks about autistic children is incredibly offensive and paints a bleak picture of their lives.
Eugene Alta
He's raising important questions that the establishment media is ignoring. Keep digging!
Donatello
More research into what causes autism and any potential treatments is always a good direction to move.
Leonardo
It's good that someone with influence is taking this seriously and committing to investigate further.
Michelangelo
We need to explore the potential impacts on society - it affects all aspects of our lives.
moshiurroney
I agree. Society is definitely suffering. This is the right person to investigate the causes.
Raphael
I appreciate Kennedy's willingness to challenge the status quo and look deeper into the autism issue.
moshiurroney
Someone finally has the courage to prioritize the pressing problems, it is far more damaging to society in the long run.