{"id":2422963,"date":"2025-04-13T08:26:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T12:26:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rfk-jr-research-agenda-draws-flak-from-autism-advocates\/"},"modified":"2025-04-13T08:29:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T12:29:09","slug":"rfk-jr-research-agenda-draws-flak-from-autism-advocates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rfk-jr-research-agenda-draws-flak-from-autism-advocates\/","title":{"rendered":"RFK Jr. research agenda draws flak from autism advocates"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Frfk-jr-research-agenda-draws-flak-from-autism-advocates%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2422963&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/afghanistan-rescue-operation-leaders-attach-harris-to-disastrous-withdrawal-blood-on-her-hands-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Afghanistan rescue operation leaders attach Harris to disastrous withdrawal: \u2018Blood on her hands\u2019 - Washington Examiner\">article discusses criticism directed<\/a> at Robert F. Kennedy jr. by autism advocates regarding his recent proclamation of a research initiative aimed at uncovering the causes of autism. Advocates argue that Kennedy&#8217;s approach is harmful, framing autism as a disorder that needs to be fixed rather than recognizing it as a neurodevelopmental difference. Ciara Bogdanovic, a therapist and autistic individual, pointed out that such rhetoric perpetuates stigma and has historically led to unethical treatments. The Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) condemned Kennedy&#8217;s claims about rising autism rates, suggesting that increased diagnoses are primarily due to improved detection methods rather than an actual rise in prevalence. Advocates emphasize that resources should focus on better accommodating autistic individuals rather than pursuing potential cures. the article highlights the tension between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-is-for-stoners-commonwealth-becomes-16th-state-to-legalize-marijuana\/\" title=\"Virginia Is For Stoners: Commonwealth Becomes 16th State To Legalize Marijuana\">public health initiatives<\/a> and the perspectives of the autistic community regarding their identity and needs.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">RFK Jr. <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">research agenda draws flak<\/a> from autism advocates<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2089959\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Autism advocates said that the &ldquo;massive testing and research efforts&rdquo; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/healthcare\/3377284\/rfk-jr-promises-uncover-autism-epidemic-causes-september\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"announced\">announced<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/health-and-human-services\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Health and Human Services \">Health and Human Services <\/a>Secretary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/rfk-jr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"announced\">Robert F. Kennedy Jr. <\/a>this past week could be more harmful than beneficial for autistic people.<\/p>\n<p>Kennedy told President <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Donald Trump\">Donald Trump<\/a> in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/cabinet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Donald Trump\">Cabinet<\/a> meeting Thursday that the department &ldquo;will know what has caused the autism epidemic&rdquo; and be prepared to eliminate environmental exposures that Kennedy speculates cause the neurological condition.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/in_focus\/3377377\/katie-porter-waiting-game-california-governor-race\/\">Katie Porter stuck in waiting game in California governor&#8217;s race<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/supreme-court\/3378470\/trump-supreme-court-rulings-unlawful-regulations\/\">Trump cashes in on Supreme Court rulings tackling &#8216;unlawful&#8217; regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3378823\/how-oval-office-look-changed-biden-to-trump\/\">How the Oval Office&#8217;s look changed from Biden to Trump<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>But autism advocates said that Kennedy&rsquo;s rhetoric on the subject does much more harm than good for those with the neurological condition.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sagebrushpsychotherapy.com\/ciara\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Ciara Bogdanovic\">Ciara Bogdanovic<\/a>, a marriage and family therapist in California, told the <em>Washington Examiner <\/em>that Kennedy&rsquo;s approach to autism is &ldquo;very damaging to autistic people, as it frames their differences as an illness and something that needs to be fixed.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Seeking to identify a &lsquo;cause&rsquo; of autism ignores decades of previous research that has identified the complexity of the disorder and has shown autism to be a neurodevelopmental difference, not a &lsquo;disease&rsquo; with a cure,&rdquo; said Bogdanovic.<\/p>\n<p>Bogdanovic herself is autistic and often works with neurodivergent clients. She says that past attempts to develop a cure for autism have led to &ldquo;cruel and dehumanizing treatments,&rdquo; including forced institutionalization and sterilization.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Secretary Kennedy&rsquo;s statements add to a damaging legacy of stigma against autistic people, treating them like problems to be solved,&rdquo; said Bogdanovic. &ldquo;Autistic people deserve better.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>About one in 36 children as of 2020 are diagnosed as having <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/father-considers-lawsuit-against-gender-clinic-for-affirming-9-year-old-autistic-son-as-transgender-lesbian\/\" title=\"Father Considers Lawsuit Against Gender Clinic For Affirming 9-Year-Old ... Son As Transgender Lesbian\">autism spectrum disorder<\/a>, or ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2000, the rate was closer to one in 150 children.<\/p>\n<p>Researchers debate the possible reasons for this increase, but most attribute it to refined diagnostic criteria and earlier detection.<\/p>\n<p>Kennedy said in the Cabinet meeting Thursday that newer statistics indicate that the rate has increased to one in 31. <\/p>\n<p>Shortly after the HHS Secretary made his remarks at the Cabinet meeting, the Autism Self-Advocacy Network condemned both Trump and Kennedy for &ldquo;spouting dangerous autism misinformation.&rdquo; <\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/autisticadvocacy.org\/2025\/04\/trump-and-kennedy-spouting-dangerous-autism-misinformation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"ASAN press release\">ASAN press release<\/a> disputes the claim that autism rates are indeed increasing. The group argues autistic and other disabled individuals &ldquo;belong in our society&rdquo; even if the condition is becoming more prevalent.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;To speak as though our existence is some kind of calamity that must be eliminated is a form of eugenics&ndash;the dangerous ideology based on the idea that &lsquo;some people are born to be a burden on the rest,&rsquo;&rdquo; reads the ASAN press release.<\/p>\n<p>ASAN also said that when Kennedy mentioned &ldquo;exposures&rdquo; as the cause for autism diagnoses, we was referring to the debunked theory that chemicals in vaccines cause autism.<\/p>\n<p>Identifying a cause for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/san-diego-teachers-provide-in-person-learning-to-migrant-children-while-residents-remain-online\/\" title=\"San Diego Teachers Provide In-Person Learning To Migrant Children While Residents Remain Online\">rising rates<\/a> of autism diagnoses is not possible by the September deadline, the group said.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Real science does not move that quickly, because real science cares about truth,&rdquo; said ASAN. <\/p>\n<p>Other autism advocates say that resources should not be directed towards better accommodating people with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences rather than eliminating the conditions. <\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3292730\/all-executive-orders-actions-trump-first-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FULL LIST OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ACTIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS TRUMP HAS MADE AS PRESIDENT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dralissacounseling.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Alissa Beuerlein\">Alissa Beuerlein<\/a>, a licensed counselor in Nashville, Tennessee, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that Kennedy&rsquo;s Cabinet meeting pronouncement &ldquo;exposed his team&rsquo;s ignorance about autism.&rdquo; <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Autism is a name we have assigned to one way a brain can work. It&rsquo;s not a problem or disease itself,&rdquo; said Beuerlein. &ldquo;The challenges that come from being autistic are related to how our society is set up.&rdquo; <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2089959\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2089959\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>RFK Jr.&#8217;s research plan faces criticism from autism advocates<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2666,"featured_media":2422964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/RFK-Kennedy-endorses-Trump-scaled-1024x682.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[53354,50410,32068,53355,32458],"class_list":["post-2422963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-autism-advocacy","tag-controversy-2","tag-public-health","tag-research-agenda","tag-rfk-jr"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/RFK-Kennedy-endorses-Trump-scaled-1024x682.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2422963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2666"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2422963"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2422963\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2422967,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2422963\/revisions\/2422967"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2422964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2422963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2422963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2422963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}