RFK Jr Announces Plan To Reveal The 'Cause Of Autism' Later This Month

Robert F. Kennedy Jr has announced that he intends to present what he says are the 'causes' of autism at a press conference set for September.

This announcement follows earlier promises from Kennedy that 'hundreds' of scientists from different parts of the world would be brought in to help 'investigate' autism and where it comes from.

The 71-year-old politician has suggested that 'certain interventions' are behind the condition, claiming autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could even be prevented if those factors are addressed.

ASD is a lifelong developmental condition that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is diagnosed in roughly one out of every 31 children. Data also shows that boys are more than three times as likely as girls to receive a diagnosis.

Extensive research has found that autism occurs across all races, ethnicities, and social classes. Despite ongoing conspiracy theories, decades of studies confirm there is no connection between vaccines, medications, or other pharmaceuticals and autism, as reported by CNN Health.

Back in April, Kennedy — who has served as Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary since February — said his office was committed to uncovering the truth behind what he referred to as the 'autism epidemic'.

Robert F Kennedy Jr has claimed he will stage a press conference in September Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

He insisted that 'hundreds of scientists' would be tasked with investigating possible causes of ASD and that the HHS would take action to remove any risk factors found to be contributing to it, according to ABC News.

Kennedy, a father of six, also shared his personal belief that autism was being fueled by environmental toxins.

He claimed: "Somebody made it and put that environmental toxin into our air or water or medicines or food."

In his most recent update, Kennedy confirmed that results are still scheduled to be presented at a news conference later this month.

On August 26, he said: "We're finding interventions, certain interventions now that are clearly, almost certainly causing autism."

"And we're going to be able to address those in September."

However, CNN Health has since reported that as of September 4, these studies had not yet officially begun.

Donald Trump responded in support of Kennedy’s claims, describing the anticipated announcement as 'such a big day' for the country.

"I'm looking forward to that day, because there's something wrong when you see the kind of numbers that you have today versus 20 years ago," he added, according to USA Today.

Donald Trump has claimed the day the so-called autism press conference is staged will be a 'good day' for America Rebecca Noble/Getty Images

"There has to be something artificially causing this, meaning, a drug or something."

Alison Singer, who founded the Autism Science Foundation, strongly criticized Kennedy’s announcement and the way he has framed the issue.

She argued: "It's highly unusual to announce you have the results of a study before the study even begins."

Similarly, M. Remi Yergeau, a professor at Carleton University and a Canada Research Chair in Critical Disability Studies and Communication, dismissed Kennedy’s statements about an autism 'epidemic'.

"Autism is not an epidemic, nor is it a disease, and nor is it preventable," they explained to PBS.

"Discussing autism in such terms is scientifically inaccurate and can dehumanize autistic people and instill fear."