In a recent op-ed, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health, alongside Dr. Marty Makary, Commissioner of the FDA, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, highlighted the sweeping measures being proposed by the Trump Administration to address the growing autism crisis, which has seen a sharp increase in prevalence over the last 20 years.
Key Points from the Op-Ed:
“Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., we have been called to tear down the silos within our federal agencies. Our mission is clear: urgently tackle the pressing health challenges confronting American families. Today, we are unveiling a new strategy aimed at providing real support for children affected by autism.
This administration’s audacious initiatives — from facilitating the first FDA-approved treatment for autism to investigating environmental and medical risk factors while funding pioneering research — are grounded in scientific evidence. This approach restores public confidence and offers a foundation of hope to countless families. The staggering near five-fold surge in autism cases over the past two decades necessitates a swift and decisive response, guided by emerging research and insights.
However, despite the notable rise in cases, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of the underlying causes, leaving families with limited options for prevention or treatment. Today, we are excited to announce a trio of collaborative initiatives that reflect an unprecedented alliance between the NIH, FDA, and CMS — the three agencies we have the honor to lead — to assist families in need.
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