Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Health and Human Services Secretary, announced a massive research effort involving hundreds of scientists to find the cause of the "autism epidemic" by September. This claim has been met with significant skepticism due to Kennedy's known anti-vaccine stance and past promotion of the false link between vaccines and autism.
Experts raise doubts about the feasibility of completing such extensive research within the short timeframe. They also express concerns about potential bias in the research, given Kennedy's predetermined views on the causes of autism.
Kennedy's past actions and the appointment of controversial figures such as David Geier, a discredited autism expert, to key positions further undermine the credibility of the initiative. Geier has previously published a retracted paper linking vaccines and autism. Critics point to Kennedy's downplaying of a measles outbreak, despite his recent endorsement of the MMR vaccine.
The Autism Society of America and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network have expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and potential bias in the research effort. They call for rigorous, science-based research adhering to established scientific standards.
Other health researchers emphasize that existing studies have already established that vaccines do not cause autism, and that focusing on this false claim is a distraction from legitimate research into the actual causes of autism. They also highlight the lack of funding and the potential challenges of coordinating a global study.