Key Points:

• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promises to determine the cause of autism by September.
• The initiative includes a "massive testing and research effort" involving hundreds of scientists.
• Experts criticize the project, warning it may revive debunked theories linking vaccines to autism.

In an announcement that has sparked significant debate within the medical community, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared on Thursday that the government would identify the cause of what he terms the "autism epidemic" by September this year. During a televised meeting with President Donald Trump, Kennedy emphasized the launch of a "massive testing and research effort" that will incorporate the work of "hundreds of scientists from around the world" to explore potential causes of rising autism rates, which he suggests may be linked to various exposures.

However, this pledge has faced backlash from both autism advocacy groups and health officials. The Autism Society of America criticized Kennedy's approach as "unrealistic and misleading," highlighting the importance of credible scientific research over sensational claims. They express concern that linking vaccines to autism could undo decades of progress in understanding and treating the condition. The society's President and CEO, Christopher Banks, stated, "There is a significant need for more investment in credentialed research," stressing that Kennedy's proposed effort lacks transparency in methodology and leadership.

Historically, claims that vaccines are linked to autism gained traction from a discredited 1998 paper by Andrew Wakefield, which has since been extensively debunked through rigorous scientific studies. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the current autism diagnosis rate is approximately 1 in 36 children, a rise attributed not to an actual increase in cases but to improved diagnostic criteria and heightened awareness among clinicians.

Experts from various health organizations, including Autism Speaks, reiterate that age, genetics, and environmental factors contribute significantly to autism spectrum disorder, a complex condition not caused by vaccinations. Dr. Alex Kolevzon of the Mount Sinai Health System remarked, "The increase in autism diagnoses is largely due to changes in diagnostic capabilities and definitions.”

Kennedy's initiatives include hiring individuals with contentious backgrounds, such as David Geier, who has been associated with various debunked claims regarding vaccines and autism—a point of contention for health advocates who fear this may lead to biased research outcomes.

Public health experts caution that perpetuating discredited vaccine theories poses serious risks, including declining vaccination rates associated with outbreaks of once-controlled diseases. Recent incidents, including severe measles outbreaks originating from unvaccinated populations, underline the critical need for evidence-based public health strategies.

This unfolding situation raises questions about the future direction of autism research and public health, with many advocating for a return to scientifically grounded discussions amid the resurgence of misinformation.

For more details, visit the full articles by South China Morning Post, Reuters, and BBC.