For Immediate Release
Organizational Contacts:
AAPD: Jess Davidson, [email protected]; 202-465-5528
AUCD: Lillie Heigl, [email protected]
The Arc: [email protected]
ASAN: [email protected]
Autism Society: [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, September 22, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the department's actions to address what he called the “epidemic of autism.” The theories that Secretary Kennedy presented to the public demonstrate his continued disrespect for autistic people and follow a now-familiar pattern of citing debunked claims, demeaning people with disabilities, and spreading misinformation about vaccines and autism.
The White House also held a press conference on Monday where they raised unfounded concerns about acetaminophen as a potential cause of autism. Acetaminophen is commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol. The President went as far as to explicitly tell pregnant people “don’t take Tylenol,” repeated incorrect information about the history of the prevalence of autism, and called for several changes to the childhood vaccine schedule and to the ingredients of vaccines.
These unfounded and unscientific claims that Tylenol causes autism endanger the lives of pregnant people and go against the advice of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Acetaminophen is widely considered the safest option for pregnant people when it comes to over-the-counter medication that is needed to treat pain or fevers, and it is certainly better than letting a fever go untreated. Autism existed long before Tylenol was sold. Similarly, the administration’s claims about autism and vaccines are dangerous to children, immunocompromised people, and to our nation’s public health more broadly. Three decades of scientific research have repeatedly shown that vaccines and their ingredients do not cause autism. Claims that autism is “preventable” by taking—or not taking—certain medications are not supported by scientific consensus and serve only to perpetuate stigma against autistic people.
HHS leadership also announced approval of the drug leucovorin to “treat” autism. Limited evidence exists studying the effects of leucovorin on autistic people. The studies that do exist have small sample sizes and are not a substitute for large, robust clinical trials. Approval of this drug as an autism “treatment” at this time exposes autistic people to a range of unknown risks. Autism is complex and multifactorial, presenting differently from person to person. Autistic people need self-directed supports and services tailored to them based on their functional needs, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Autistic people deserve respect and support. There are many policy and program changes HHS could pursue that would materially improve the lives of autistic people and our families. Avenues to provide suggestions have been limited. The only federal body specifically designed to include engagement from the autism community, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), has not convened since the start of the Trump administration. The IACC is required to meet by the Autism CARES Act, which was reauthorized last year.
This press conference and the administration’s actions come on the heels of Secretary Kennedy’s testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, during which he made more false claims about vaccines. The targeting of autism is part of a broader initiative led by Secretary Kennedy to undermine public health and well-being, undermine trust in science, and to advance harmful, ableist beliefs that make all of us less safe.
We call on policymakers to collaborate with autistic individuals, families, researchers, clinicians, and disability organizations to ensure that policy is grounded in science and responsive to community needs.
We urge public leaders, institutions, and media to uphold scientific integrity, disseminate accurate public health information, and work together to strengthen—not weaken—the infrastructure of support for the entire autism community. It is what autistic people and their families deserve.
Signed By:
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
The Arc of the United States
The American Association of People with Disabilities
The Autistic People of Color Fund
The Autism Society
Full list of endorsing organizations (rolling sign-on):
Allies for Independence
American Association on Health & Disability
Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE)
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)
Autistic Doctors International
Autistic Women's Alliance
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion (ICARS)
International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL)
The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health
Organization for Autism Research
Pivot Neurodiversity
The Sibling Leadership Network
1 On the day of publication of this statement, the Federal Register posted a notice for IACC nominations. This does not change that the Committee has not convened.
