Why RFK Jr.’s search for autism’s cause is so divisive

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s pledge to investigate autism’s “root cause” has split advocates for people with the condition: Some, like Kennedy, want to know what’s causing it, while prominent groups think his search could do more harm than good.

Kennedy’s grim depiction of the most profound cases of autism — many “will never use a toilet unassisted,” he said in April — sparked condemnation from several groups devoted to championing autistic people. They said his remarks perpetuate stigmas associated with a condition that has a broad spectrum of manifestations — and, coupled with his well-known vaccine skepticism, color any attempt by the agency he leads, the Department of Health and Human Services, to conduct further autism research.

But others who say they speak for people with severe autism were heartened that Kennedy is promising to devote HHS’s resources to help them as autism diagnosis rates continue to climb.