Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s first briefing as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services dangerously misrepresented facts about autism, claiming it is entirely caused by environmental factors and disregarding genetic contributions recognized by scientists for decades. He expressed a grim view of autism's impact on families, suggesting children with autism lack potential and won't contribute to society. Kennedy later attempted to clarify his remarks, specifying he referred to low-functioning autism, but many criticized his comments for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misinformation about individuals with the disorder.
Kennedy claimed, 'Genes do not cause epidemics,' suggesting that environmental exposure is solely responsible for autism, which contradicts established scientific understanding.
Kennedy's assertion that autism 'destroys families' and implies children with autism will never contribute to society underlines harmful stereotypes about the neurodevelopmental disorder.
#autism #robert-f-kennedy-jr #health-and-human-services #misinformation #genetics-vs-environmental-factors
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