US CDC report shows no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. Alright, so here’s the deal, and it’s pretty straightforward: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has once again reiterated that there’s no connection between vaccines containing thimerosal and autism. This isn’t new information; it’s something that the medical community has been quite certain of for a good while. The science is pretty definitive.
US CDC report shows no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. The fact that this even needs to be repeatedly stated highlights the impact of misinformation. Some individuals and groups have been spreading claims that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative previously used in some vaccines, causes autism.… Continue reading
Trump’s assertion that autism “has to be artificially induced” is a profoundly inaccurate and harmful statement. It demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Autism is not something that is inflicted upon someone; it’s a condition with a recognized presence throughout human history, appearing in individuals across diverse cultures and time periods. The suggestion that it’s artificially induced is not only scientifically baseless but also deeply insensitive to the individuals and families affected by autism.
The statement’s implications are far-reaching and troubling. By suggesting autism is artificial, it opens the door to dangerous speculation and misinformation. This kind of rhetoric could easily be misinterpreted as support for harmful conspiracy theories, potentially influencing decisions about healthcare and education for autistic individuals.… Continue reading
Secretary Kennedy’s claim of quickly uncovering autism’s causes is deemed unrealistic by experts. Decades of research points to the involvement of approximately 200 genes and developmental brain differences present from birth, not solely environmental factors. While a new NIH database merging health records may aid in studying access to care and treatment, it’s insufficient to determine the complex, multifactorial origins of autism. Rising autism rates are largely attributed to broadened diagnostic criteria, not a sudden increase in severe cases. The link between genetics and autism is well-established, but environmental influences and their interplay with genetic vulnerabilities are also under investigation.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent comments on autism, characterizing individuals with autism as incapable of contributing to society, have drawn sharp criticism from the autism community. His assertion that rising autism rates represent a national catastrophe and are preventable, ignoring the established understanding of improved diagnosis, has been widely refuted by experts and advocates. Kennedy’s statements are viewed as deeply hurtful and stigmatizing, undermining decades of progress in fostering acceptance and understanding of autism. The scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism is also being challenged by Kennedy’s proposed research focus. Advocates emphasize the value and contributions of individuals with autism, regardless of support needs.
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Following controversial statements regarding autism, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attempted damage control, clarifying his remarks to apply only to nonverbal autistic individuals, a subset he estimated at 25 percent. He attributed the rising autism diagnosis rates to an actual epidemic rather than improved detection, citing a 2013 study. Kennedy’s comments sparked widespread outrage, including calls for his resignation, while he countered accusations by claiming the media downplays the issue. The increase in autism diagnoses continues to be a subject of debate.
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Following the release of a CDC report showing a 3% autism diagnosis rate in U.S. children, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared the rise an “epidemic” requiring investigation into environmental causes. He controversially asserted that autistic children will never achieve typical milestones, leading to widespread condemnation from parents of autistic children and other autism advocates, including celebrities such as Rosie O’Donnell and Holly Robinson Peete. Kennedy’s claims directly contradict the understanding of autism as a spectrum disorder with diverse capabilities. He announced plans for HHS to launch new studies, aiming for results by September, a timeline many experts consider unrealistic given existing research.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s assertion that autistic children will be unable to work or pay taxes has drawn strong criticism. His statement, made following a CDC report on increased autism prevalence, attributed autism to environmental toxins, a claim disputed by many experts who cite improved diagnosis and awareness as contributing factors to the rising numbers. The backlash included public rebukes from Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost and autism advocates who shared personal accounts contradicting Kennedy Jr.’s remarks. Kennedy Jr. maintains his commitment to identifying the cause of autism and reducing its prevalence.
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During a press conference, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made inaccurate and insensitive claims about autistic individuals’ inability to contribute to society. This follows a CDC report showing an increase in autism diagnoses, which the CDC attributes to improved diagnostic methods, not a rise in prevalence. Kennedy Jr. plans to investigate what he terms an “epidemic,” despite existing medical consensus. His remarks disregard the wide spectrum of autism and the capabilities of many autistic individuals.
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A funeral will be held Tuesday for 17-year-old Victor Perez, who was fatally shot nine times by police in Pocatello, Idaho. Police responded to a neighbor’s report of a person with a knife, claiming Perez, who had autism and cerebral palsy, advanced toward officers despite repeated commands to drop the weapon. The family disputes this account, stating Perez was experiencing a mental health crisis and posed no threat. Multiple investigations into the shooting are underway.
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Eleven-year-old Kyle, a nonverbal autistic child, suffered a shattered femur after falling at school and lying unattended for two hours while crying in pain. Video evidence shows school employees failing to provide timely assistance, instead remaining inactive while Kyle remained on the floor. The Fort Bend Independent School District subsequently terminated the involved staff members. Kyle underwent surgery and faces further procedures, leaving his family deeply distrustful of the school system and prompting legal action.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker