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Robert F Kennedy's daring yet immensely contentious pledge to locate the 'toxin' he mentions Is fueling autism has sparked varied responses within the autism community.

On Wednesday, the health secretary pledged to demonstrate the reasons behind the increase in autism cases by September and disclosed that his team of investigators would examine environmental hazards such as pesticides, mold, and ultrasounds.

Sport.bangjo.co.id spoke with almost a dozen parents of children with autism and individuals with autism who expressed hope regarding Kennedy's intentions to investigate environmental influences.

However, numerous individuals argued that the secretary was stigmatizing autism and depicting autistic persons as 'a tragedy' or implying that their condition requires fixing.

They were also concerned that Kennedy might be spreading false information and focusing on unproductive avenues, which implies that his team’s investigations may not yield scientifically valid conclusions.

Many professionals think autism is a multifaceted condition primarily influenced by genetic elements along with various other contributors, instead of being caused solely by a singular toxic substance as suggested by RFK Jr.

RFK Jr held his initial press conference As the head of the Department of Health and Human Services following CDC data indicating that one in every 31 children in the U.S. has autism, a staggering increase From one in 150 two decades ago.

He referred to the increase as an "epidemic" and asserted that "autism devastates families and, even more significantly, ruins our most valuable asset, which is children."

Kathleen Schnier, who serves as a university provost in Colorado whose 12-year-old child Nathaniel has autism , said Sport.bangjo.co.id: 'Kennedy’s remarks were infused with fear and ableism. Claiming that "autism ruins families" is entirely offensive.'

His statement that autism is a disease is entirely incorrect. Autism should not be considered a disease; rather, it is a disorder with varying manifestations in each person.

Labeling autism as a disease is meant to have a sobering impact—suggesting that accommodations for individuals are unnecessary. It’s important to recognize that autism does not have a cure.

Kennedy also asserted that instances of autism were not just increasing in number but also intensifying in severity.

He stated that approximately one out of every four autistic children are severely impaired, indicating that they might not speak and could rely entirely on others for fundamental needs.

"These are children who will never contribute income tax, never maintain employment, never participate in a baseball game, never compose a poem, never go on a date. Numerous individuals among them won’t be able to utilize a restroom independently," stated Kennedy.

Many parents informed Sport.bangjo.co.id that although various families require differing levels of support, autism should not be considered a 'tragic' condition.

Charles 'Kwesi' Neblatt, who serves as a member of the National Guard, California The president of Community Projects, Inc., whose son has autism and speaks very little, understands his child will need ongoing assistance as they mature.

He stated to Sport.bangjo.co.id: "Whenever Secretary Kennedy characterizes autism as an issue that ‘tears apart families,’ I believe he is instilling fear instead of acknowledging the genuine experiences of families such as my own."

Caring for a child with autism isn't simple, yet it's far from disastrous. My child possesses remarkable qualities that often go unnoticed by many.

The system has the potential to cause destruction. Ignorance too can lead to ruinous outcomes. However, not my child.

Researchers in the new CDC The report indicated that advancements in recognizing autism at an earlier stage have become evident recently and might account for the increase observed.

Nevertheless, Kennedy suggested that up to 85 percent of these cases might be attributed to environmental exposures.

Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner, informed Megyn Kelly earlier this week that he believes "the combined effect of various exposures, both environmental and dietary, alters our microbiome."

He stated that since approximately 90 percent of the mood-affecting hormone serotonin is generated in the intestines, specific types of bacteria and pollutants might hinder its delivery to the brain, potentially causing neurological problems.

Dr. Makary, however, did not identify which specific toxins might be responsible for this.

"He mentioned that we need to consider every aspect," she stated.

Lauren Chaloupka, whose child has autism and resides in Finland The developer of the NeuroParent application described Kennedy's autism pledge as "highly detrimental."

'Autism isn’t an epidemic; it’s a neurodevelopmental variation. Describing it as something that “ruins lives” overlooks the intricacies and human dignity of the kids we’re nurturing and the families striving to care for them.'

Yes, certain families require extensive care and assistance. However, using broad terms like these diminishes each person’s unique journey and perpetuates the notion that our children are seen as 'tragedies' rather than individuals.

Marla Bautista, whose 15-year-old son has autism, Florida , told this website she worries 'RFK Jr's spread of misinformation will create an even greater divide and more targeted prejudice against children like mine.'

Kennedy's promise has similarly angered autistic adults.

Shea Belsky, a 28-year-old autism advocate and software engineer based in Massachusetts, received an autism diagnosis during her childhood.

He criticized Kennedy harshly for implying that autistic individuals could never contribute financially through taxation, maintain stable employment, or marry, since this did not apply to himself or numerous other autistic individuals he knew.

Belsky stated: "[RFK Jr.'s] recent remarks suggesting that individuals with autism will never dating, never work, and never contribute through taxation contradict my personal experiences. I have held a steady job for years and most recently got married to the person I adore."

Suggesting that not a single autistic individual can secure a significant career or form substantial relationships is entirely incorrect and contradicts my personal encounters.

'The use of the word "never" is a significant blow autistic self advocates such as myself; we are living proof that autistic people are more than capable of accomplishing our dreams, living autonomous and fully independent lives, and being able to stand up for ourselves.'

Kory Andreas, who holds a license as a clinical social worker, Maryland has two children who have been diagnosed with autism ADHD a spectrum of individuals, along with one neurotypical child and another whose classification is pending.

The woman who has four children has also received diagnoses of autism and ADHD for herself.

Andreas stated to Sport.bangjo.co.id: "I can confidently assert that my family is not part of any epidemic. What RFK Jr. is advocating for is perilous. Portraying Autism as something that ‘ruins families’ reinforces obsolete and discriminatory beliefs which lead to significant damage."

By informing everyone that Autism is a disease or a public health emergency, you foster fear, isolation, and unnecessary medical interventions. This reinforces the misguided idea that Autistic individuals require "correction" or prevention instead of support.

This type of language isn't merely insulting; it has the capability to influence public perception and legislation.

Many autism specialists, along with families impacted by this condition, informed Sport.bangjo.co.id that the increase in diagnoses is probably due to improved diagnostic methods and increased acceptance of individuals who are autistic.

However, Neblatt concurred with Kennedy that environmental risk factors "deserve thorough consideration."

He stated: "I am receptive to studies that enable all of our children to lead healthier lives. I am convinced that environmental injustice is indeed a reality."

I have served with the National Guard to safeguard communities following wildfires, floods, and chemical spills. I have witnessed directly how particular postal zones often face the worst of such contaminations.

He recommended that Kennedy should concentrate not only on laboratory tests but also inspect regions containing chemical plants or other establishments responsible for pollution.

Neblatt commented on the forthcoming research: "However, if this merely serves as an excuse to refrain from funding care and services, then it would be nothing more than superficial at best."

Christina Collura, who serves as both the CEO and founder of Creative Beginning—a firm specializing in puzzles designed for autistic children—is also a single parent raising two sons aged 12 and 15.

Her smallest child, Luca, received an autism diagnosis when he was three years old.

Collura told Sport.bangjo.co.id: "Being a parent of a child with autism, I value discussions about autism that incorporate the real-life experiences of actual families. However, RFK Jr.'s remarks—especially when they involve sweeping generalizations—may come across as dismissive or potentially damaging."

Although I think it’s crucial to inquire about and investigate elements that might influence brain development, this exploration must always be conducted with respect and appreciation for autistics exactly as they are.

'A story that portrays autism merely as an object of fear or something to avoid can foster prejudice and confusion.'

Parents have voiced concerns over the rigid timetable Kennedy has outlined for delivering information regarding the origins of autism. The secretary stated, "We will provide some insights by September... the American public will receive an explanation very, very soon."

Schnier, who operates within the academic sphere, stated: "It is scientifically impossible for him to determine the cause of autism by September. That’s precisely why we require trained professionals such as scientists and medical practitioners to handle this task."

Causality can only be established within a scientific setting, and without conducting experiments on humans, they won’t be able to draw any valid or dependable conclusions.

Andreas thinks the government ought to concentrate more on offering assistance to individuals with autism instead of attempting to stop the condition altogether.

She stated, "Indeed, certain individuals require additional support. Therefore, let's discuss financing, accessibility, inclusivity, and practical services. However, attributing issues to factors like mold, artificial food colorings, or ultrasounds won't bring us nearer to assisting genuine individuals."

It simply takes away from the reality: Autistic individuals have always been around. They're merely starting to be recognized now.

Chaloupka expressed a comparable viewpoint.

She stated, "If RFK Jr aims to assist families similar to mine, he could begin by providing support that truly addresses our needs... rather than pursuing obsolete ideas that fuel fear. Autism doesn’t require rescuing."

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