RFK pushes to find 'environmental' cause of autism, calls growing rates an 'epidemic'

**Summary:** Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that rising rates of autism in the U.S., currently at 1 in 31 children, is an "epidemic" driven by environmental factors. He announced plans for studies to identify these "toxins." However, experts warn this timeline may be too short for reliable results and emphasize that autism likely has multiple causes including genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Some of Kennedy's statements were criticized as stigmatizing, inaccurate, and fear-mongering. Critics also expressed concern about proposed cuts to Medicaid and the dismantling of support agencies for people with disabilities.