Kennedy pushes autism study deadline
The federal government may provide some insights into the suspected causes of autism by this fall, though it is unlikely to offer a complete explanation, despite the commitment made by
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in April.
Following a White House event unveiling the initial report from the Make America Healthy Again Commission, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke with Kaitlan Collins on Thursday.
The report highlighted the roles of ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, and excessive medication in the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses among children. Kennedy mentioned that the commission’s next report-focused on outlining strategies to address chronic diseases through collaboration among health, agriculture, and environmental agencies-is expected to be released in August.
However, the timeline Kennedy set for identifying the causes of autism by September-an announcement he made during an April Cabinet meeting-is being postponed.
Kennedy stated on Thursday that certain information is expected to be ready by September. “But to obtain the most reliable data, it will likely take another six months.” By around March, he added, “I expect we will have the answers regarding the origins of autism.
Experts in autism research have expressed skepticism regarding the ability to reach definitive conclusions about the causes of autism in such a brief period, considering that studies in this field typically span many years. Existing research has indicated likely contributors, such as genetic factors and prenatal exposures.
Department of Health and Human Services
However, Kennedy stated on Thursday that the Department of Health and Human Services “expects to have some studies completed by September,” primarily involving the replication of previous research. He also noted, “We’re deploying new teams of scientists-15 groups in total-and we plan to issue grant opportunities for these projects within the next three weeks.”
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Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institute of Health, has suggested that it may take longer than anticipated to obtain results. Speaking to reporters in April, he emphasized that “science progresses at its own speed” and expressed hope for seeing “early findings” within a year.
A key focus for Bhattacharya, also underscored in the MAHA report, is the importance of reproducibility in research-being able to repeat studies and achieve consistent outcomes. On Thursday, Kennedy appeared to suggest that current researchers might interpret the data differently from those involved in earlier studies.
Milwaukee’s lead program
Kennedy also spoke about his tense interactions during recent Senate hearings with Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, who has criticized his handling of the ongoing lead contamination issue in Milwaukee public schools. During an appropriations hearing this week, Kennedy told lawmakers that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had deployed a team to Milwaukee to assist. However, city officials have disputed that claim.
In a Thursday interview with NewsFastTv, Kennedy clarified that the CDC is supporting Milwaukee by providing lab resources, analytical support, and guidance, though he admitted he was unsure how many CDC personnel were physically present in the city.
Kaitlan Collins mentioned that there was just one technician present on location. Kennedy then referred back to his previous interactions with Senator Baldwin, saying, “You could listen to my earlier exchanges with Tammy Baldwin,” and added, “In any case, I don’t automatically accept what Senator Baldwin says. says at face value.
Pushback to MAHA report
On Thursday, Kennedy addressed concerns raised by major agricultural organizations regarding the MAHA report’s references to studies linking widely used herbicides to toxic exposure. Groups such as the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Corn Growers Association issued statements expressing concern that the report’s implications about pesticide dangers could undermine public trust in the U.S.
food system. When asked about the backlash, Kennedy stressed the importance of collaboration with farmers and the broader agricultural sector in advancing the MAHA initiative. “If we lose the farming community, the MAHA effort fails,” he stated. “Our goal isn’t to drive any farmer out of business. We aim to encourage innovation and offer incentives so they can adopt less chemically dependent practices-but we’re not trying to impose top-down regulations.
American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Corn Growers Association
Collins also questioned Kennedy about the cost differences between whole foods and cheaper, heavily
processed alternatives. Kennedy responded by stating that the perceived low cost of processed foods is misleading, emphasizing that the long-term health consequences render them far more expensive.
“You ultimately pay the price through conditions like diabetes, autoimmune issues, mitochondrial problems, and chronic inflammation,” he said. “In the end, the true cost is much higher.”
Skeptical of medical advice
Kennedy reaffirmed remarks he made during a budget hearing last week, where he advised Americans against relying on him for medical guidance. “People probably shouldn’t take medical advice from any HHS secretary,” he said on Thursday. “I’m not a doctor. But in general, people should approach all medical advice with skepticism. They need to educate themselves and look into the information.
He referenced public frustration with health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for caution. “My advice is to question authority,” Kennedy said. “My father taught me early on that people in positions of power don’t always tell the truth.”
