Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the idea that increased screening and understanding of autism is responsible for the rising rate of autism diagnoses in the U.S. Instead, he directly blamed “environmental toxins” for the increase, stating that it is a preventable disease caused by environmental exposure. Kennedy emphasized the need to end this harm to children and announced a federal study to determine the cause of autism by September.
Kennedy’s message contradicts the recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found an increase in autism diagnoses among children. While researchers have not identified a single cause for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the CDC study suggests factors such as access to early therapies, socioeconomic disparities, and rates of intellectual disability among preterm births may contribute to the rise in diagnoses. The study also noted a decrease in autism evaluations and identifications during the COVID-19 pandemic, which later returned to previous levels.
Kennedy rejected the notion that autism prevalence increase is simply due to better diagnosis or changing criteria, calling it a “canard.” He also dismissed genetic factors as a significant cause, arguing that environmental toxins play a crucial role in the development of autism. Kennedy pointed out that more than 100 genes may be involved in causing ASD to varying degrees, emphasizing the impact of environmental toxins on genetic mutations.
In conclusion, Kennedy emphasized that environmental toxins, present in air, water, medicines, and food, are responsible for the increase in autism diagnoses, and called for action to address this issue. Kennedy emphasized the importance of acknowledging and normalizing autism, stating, “And it’s to their benefit to say, to normalize it, to say all this is all normal, it’s always been here.” He announced that his department would soon launch new studies to pinpoint the environmental toxins responsible for autism within two to three weeks. These studies will cover a range of factors such as food additives, mold, water, medicines, and ultrasounds.
Dr. Walter M. Zahorodny, an associate professor at Rutgers involved in monitoring autism in New Jersey, highlighted the increased recognition and awareness of autism due to a rise in diagnosed cases. He emphasized the seriousness of autism as a condition that is not fully understood and likely triggered by environmental or risk factors.
Zahorodny stressed the need for a correct perception of autism, noting the shift from it being a rare disability to a prevalent condition in every community and school district. The focus now is on understanding and addressing the environmental factors that may contribute to the development of autism. sentence: The cat ran quickly across the yard.
Rewritten sentence: Quickly, the cat raced across the yard. following sentence:
I am going to the store to buy groceries.
I will go to the store to purchase some groceries.
