Tags: autism, RFK Jr., public health, disability, CDC, neurodiversity, autism spectrum, misinformation
Public Comments Draw Backlash
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. drew national attention and criticism after comments he made during an April 16 press conference addressing a new CDC report on autism. The report found autism prevalence rising to 1 in 31 among 8-year-olds. In his remarks, Kennedy called autism a tragedy that “destroys families,” suggesting that many autistic children regress after age 2 and will never work, date, write poetry, or use a toilet unassisted.
Kennedy further stated, “Most cases now are severe,” claiming that 25% of children with autism are nonverbal, non-toilet-trained, and exhibit other stereotypical symptoms.
Experts Say Kennedy Overstated Severity
Medical professionals and autism advocates challenged Kennedy’s characterization. While a 2023 study did find that 26.7% of children on the autism spectrum had what researchers termed “profound” autism—characterized by minimal verbal skills or an IQ under 50—this is not representative of the entire spectrum.
David Mandell, a University of Pennsylvania psychiatry professor, criticized Kennedy’s “fixed, myopic view” and encouraged engagement with scientists and families familiar with autism’s full range.
Health and Human Services did not clarify what portion of those diagnosed are unable to perform the activities Kennedy cited. A spokesperson later said Kennedy was referring to those with severe autism, not the broader population.
Autism: A Broad and Evolving Diagnosis
The definition of autism has changed significantly over time. Previously misunderstood or misdiagnosed as intellectual disability or schizophrenia, autism is now seen as a spectrum that includes individuals with diverse strengths and support needs.
Christopher Banks of the Autism Society of America noted that today’s broader diagnostic criteria encompass people with strong language abilities and higher IQs, not just those with profound disabilities.
How Prevalent Are Severe Autism Symptoms?
Estimating the number of individuals with severe autism is difficult. The 2023 CDC study referenced by Kennedy offered the highest figure, placing 26.7% of children in the “profound” category. However, other studies report lower numbers. A 2024 study involving over 1,300 U.S. children with autism found that only 10.1% were characterized by their parents as having “severe” autism. Of those, only 38% were identified as having a severe intellectual disability.
Judith Ursitti, whose son falls into the “profound” category, emphasized the importance of recognizing those with higher needs without letting them define the entire spectrum.
Meanwhile, CDC data shows that 42% of people on the autism spectrum have average or above-average IQs. Other studies suggest this number could be as high as 60%.
Debunking Kennedy’s Specific Claims
Many of Kennedy’s statements don’t align with available data:
- Employment: A 2017 study found 61% of autistic adults were employed.
- Baseball: Individuals with autism have participated in Special Olympics and even Major League Baseball, like Tarik El-Abour and Jim Eisenreich.
- Poetry: Nonverbal poet DJ Savarese is one of several known autistic creatives.
- Dating: Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum” showcases the romantic lives of autistic people. Advocates like Zoe Gross, who is married, say relationships are very much a reality.
- Toileting and daily care: In the 2024 study, only 67% of the “severe” subgroup had trouble with bathing or dressing—translating to less than 7% of the overall autistic population. Other studies show 12.5% experience urinary incontinence and 7.9% report fecal incontinence.
Advocates Push Back
Eric M. Garcia, an autistic journalist and author, said Kennedy’s remarks were demoralizing. “Even if people say, ‘He didn’t mean autistic people like you,’ that doesn’t make it better,” Garcia said.
Ultimately, critics argue that Kennedy’s comments reinforce stigma and offer a distorted view of a highly diverse community. Instead of relying on selective or exaggerated figures, experts urge a nuanced understanding of the autism spectrum and greater emphasis on support, inclusion, and accurate representation.
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