Gideon Resnick

is making research into autism one of his major initiatives. But he's also making proclamations about the disorder that scientists who study autism say is in direct contradiction to the research.

is making research into autism one of his major initiatives. But he's also making proclamations about the disorder that scientists who study autism say is in direct contradiction to the research.

Scientists say genetic factors play a critical role in whether a child will develop autism, though they acknowledge that not every case can be explained by genetics alone. Kennedy says that the HHS will launch a new series of studies to look at whether autism can possibly be connected to things like mold, pesticides, as well as certain medications and even food. And he's promised to move quickly.

Scientists say genetic factors play a critical role in whether a child will develop autism, though they acknowledge that not every case can be explained by genetics alone. Kennedy says that the HHS will launch a new series of studies to look at whether autism can possibly be connected to things like mold, pesticides, as well as certain medications and even food. And he's promised to move quickly.

Scientists say genetic factors play a critical role in whether a child will develop autism, though they acknowledge that not every case can be explained by genetics alone. Kennedy says that the HHS will launch a new series of studies to look at whether autism can possibly be connected to things like mold, pesticides, as well as certain medications and even food. And he's promised to move quickly.

Kennedy made those comments at a press conference yesterday. That followed a new study released this week from the CDC, an agency that falls under HHS, that concluded that among 8-year-olds, 1 in 31 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2022. In 2020, that figure was 1 in 36.

Kennedy made those comments at a press conference yesterday. That followed a new study released this week from the CDC, an agency that falls under HHS, that concluded that among 8-year-olds, 1 in 31 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2022. In 2020, that figure was 1 in 36.

Kennedy made those comments at a press conference yesterday. That followed a new study released this week from the CDC, an agency that falls under HHS, that concluded that among 8-year-olds, 1 in 31 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2022. In 2020, that figure was 1 in 36.

While scientists have not ruled out the notion that both genes and environmental factors can contribute to the development of autism, there is still no evidence it can be prevented. One longtime autism researcher told the New York Times, quote, autism is not an infectious disease, so there aren't preventive measures that we can take.

While scientists have not ruled out the notion that both genes and environmental factors can contribute to the development of autism, there is still no evidence it can be prevented. One longtime autism researcher told the New York Times, quote, autism is not an infectious disease, so there aren't preventive measures that we can take.

While scientists have not ruled out the notion that both genes and environmental factors can contribute to the development of autism, there is still no evidence it can be prevented. One longtime autism researcher told the New York Times, quote, autism is not an infectious disease, so there aren't preventive measures that we can take.

It's also important to recognize that more people are aware of autism symptoms today than before, and our screening systems have vastly improved. Meaning more people may be seeking diagnoses than before, and we're better positioned to make diagnoses. In other words, the CDC says its findings don't necessarily mean that more people are autistic than before.

It's also important to recognize that more people are aware of autism symptoms today than before, and our screening systems have vastly improved. Meaning more people may be seeking diagnoses than before, and we're better positioned to make diagnoses. In other words, the CDC says its findings don't necessarily mean that more people are autistic than before.

It's also important to recognize that more people are aware of autism symptoms today than before, and our screening systems have vastly improved. Meaning more people may be seeking diagnoses than before, and we're better positioned to make diagnoses. In other words, the CDC says its findings don't necessarily mean that more people are autistic than before.

Researchers also say that Kennedy declaring we'll have answers by September or any arbitrary date runs counter to how science works. Recently, many people who are skeptical of what mainstream scientists have to say about autism attended what's known as the Annual Autism Health Summit. The summit promotes treatments that are not proven to work, like water filters or fecal transplants.

Researchers also say that Kennedy declaring we'll have answers by September or any arbitrary date runs counter to how science works. Recently, many people who are skeptical of what mainstream scientists have to say about autism attended what's known as the Annual Autism Health Summit. The summit promotes treatments that are not proven to work, like water filters or fecal transplants.

Researchers also say that Kennedy declaring we'll have answers by September or any arbitrary date runs counter to how science works. Recently, many people who are skeptical of what mainstream scientists have to say about autism attended what's known as the Annual Autism Health Summit. The summit promotes treatments that are not proven to work, like water filters or fecal transplants.

NBC News reporter Brandi Zadrosny told us about a pre-recorded video message from RFK Jr. that was played for attendees.

NBC News reporter Brandi Zadrosny told us about a pre-recorded video message from RFK Jr. that was played for attendees.

NBC News reporter Brandi Zadrosny told us about a pre-recorded video message from RFK Jr. that was played for attendees.