Kennedy Jr reignites vaccine-autism debate with new study, medical experts warn of public health risks

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has launched a new study to investigate what he calls the autism “epidemic”, but the move has alarmed many in the medical community. They say the effort could promote long-debunked claims linking vaccines to autism—claims Kennedy has repeatedly pushed in the past.
Speaking on Thursday, Kennedy said the study would involve hundreds of scientists and promised results by September. He added that the goal would be to “eliminate those exposures”, which many believe was a reference to vaccines.
Autism organisations and health experts were quick to respond. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network said the study could be biased and designed to match pre-existing beliefs held by Kennedy and President Donald Trump, reported news agency AFP. The network accused the health department of planning “fraudulent research.”

Medical experts stressed that autism is not a result of vaccination. Hugo Peyre, a child psychiatrist in France, said Kennedy’s comments show a clear lack of understanding of the scientific evidence.
"Nearly 200 genes have been associated with autism, and approximately 80 percent of autism cases can be linked to genetic mutations," Thomas Bourgeron, head of the human genetics and cognitive functions lab at France's Pasteur Institute, told AFP.
According to WHO, around one percent of children are currently diagnosed with autism, a number that has grown over time mostly due to improved awareness and broader diagnostic criteria.
Experts say calling it an “epidemic” is misleading. They warn that pushing discredited theories could reduce vaccination rates and harm public health. During a recent measles outbreak in the US, most of the patients were unvaccinated. Two children have died so far.