Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed US Secretary of Health and Human Services, has filled a key autism committee with individuals who promote pseudoscientific theories about vaccines causing autism. These appointees include doctors and advocates who have been involved in anti-vaccine efforts, as well as those who believe that vaccines are not safe for children.
Kennedy's decision to fill the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) with these individuals has sparked concern among health experts and autism advocates. The committee is responsible for recommending what types of autism research the government should fund and providing guidance on services required by the autistic community.
Among those appointed are Daniel Rossignol, a doctor who was sued for alleged fraud after prescribing a treatment that had been widely debunked; Tracy Slepcevic, who promotes exposure to animal stem cells as a cure for autism; and Toby Rogers, who has claimed that vaccines are "poisoning children" and that vaccine manufacturers are engaging in a conspiracy to harm people.
Kennedy's decision to appoint individuals with anti-vaccine views to the committee has been met with criticism from experts. "Once again, [Kennedy] proves that he is one of the world's most extreme and dangerous conspiracy theorists who loves stacking his committees with anti-science, anti-public-health kooks," said Gavin Yamey, a professor at Duke University.
Autism advocates are worried that the new panel could lead to fewer resources for people with autism and their families, as well as promote pseudoscientific treatments that can put people's lives at risk. "The new IACC is overwhelmingly made up of anti-vaccine advocates and peddlers of dangerous quack autism 'treatments'," said the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
Kennedy has already overhauled another key advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), by stacking it with individuals who share his vaccine-skeptic worldview. This could lead to disastrous outcomes for public health experts and policymakers.
As a result of Kennedy's appointments, autism advocates are feeling a deep sense of dread about what is going to happen in the future if debunked treatments like chelation therapy and stem cell injections become mainstream. "We've fought so hard to protect our community, but they want to experiment on us," said Fiona O'Leary, an autism activist.
The appointments have been widely condemned by health experts and advocacy groups, who say that Kennedy is essentially creating an ideological echo chamber. "Secretary Kennedy is essentially creating an ideological echo chamber," said Kayla Hancock of Protect Our Care.
In a statement, the Department of Health and Human Services said that claims about the new panel's composition were unfounded and misleading. However, experts say that the appointments are a clear example of Kennedy's efforts to undermine public health efforts and promote pseudoscientific theories about vaccines and autism.
Kennedy's decision to fill the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) with these individuals has sparked concern among health experts and autism advocates. The committee is responsible for recommending what types of autism research the government should fund and providing guidance on services required by the autistic community.
Among those appointed are Daniel Rossignol, a doctor who was sued for alleged fraud after prescribing a treatment that had been widely debunked; Tracy Slepcevic, who promotes exposure to animal stem cells as a cure for autism; and Toby Rogers, who has claimed that vaccines are "poisoning children" and that vaccine manufacturers are engaging in a conspiracy to harm people.
Kennedy's decision to appoint individuals with anti-vaccine views to the committee has been met with criticism from experts. "Once again, [Kennedy] proves that he is one of the world's most extreme and dangerous conspiracy theorists who loves stacking his committees with anti-science, anti-public-health kooks," said Gavin Yamey, a professor at Duke University.
Autism advocates are worried that the new panel could lead to fewer resources for people with autism and their families, as well as promote pseudoscientific treatments that can put people's lives at risk. "The new IACC is overwhelmingly made up of anti-vaccine advocates and peddlers of dangerous quack autism 'treatments'," said the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
Kennedy has already overhauled another key advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), by stacking it with individuals who share his vaccine-skeptic worldview. This could lead to disastrous outcomes for public health experts and policymakers.
As a result of Kennedy's appointments, autism advocates are feeling a deep sense of dread about what is going to happen in the future if debunked treatments like chelation therapy and stem cell injections become mainstream. "We've fought so hard to protect our community, but they want to experiment on us," said Fiona O'Leary, an autism activist.
The appointments have been widely condemned by health experts and advocacy groups, who say that Kennedy is essentially creating an ideological echo chamber. "Secretary Kennedy is essentially creating an ideological echo chamber," said Kayla Hancock of Protect Our Care.
In a statement, the Department of Health and Human Services said that claims about the new panel's composition were unfounded and misleading. However, experts say that the appointments are a clear example of Kennedy's efforts to undermine public health efforts and promote pseudoscientific theories about vaccines and autism.
robert f kennedy jr just appointed a bunch of anti vaxxers to lead a committee on autism research and it's got everyone freaking out 
like what even is the point of this ? these people are literally promoting pseudoscience and putting kids lives at risk. has kennedy gone full conspiracy theorist or something 
he thinks hes above science but really hes just spreading misinformation thats gonna hurt people with autism or who are already sick he needs to be more open minded instead of listening to weirdos and pseudoscientists hes the one in charge 
how can anyone trust these ppl to make decisions about funding research or services for people with autism when they're just spreadin' misinformation? i need some proof, kennedy, get ur facts straight before u start makin moves 
. and to think that these people are supposed to be advising the gov on how to help kids with autism... it's a joke 
. we need people who actually know what they're talking about, not just conspiracy theorists 
. this is going to lead to so many kids being put in harm's way because of kennedy's ideology 
. as a parent, it's heartbreaking to think about our children having access to treatments that are just plain wrong 
this is soooo bad 
Robert F. Kennedy Jr is literally putting people with autism in harm's way 
like what's next? 
is he gonna fill another committee with flat earthers or anti-masker types? 
and I'm seriously worried about the impact on our communities 
we need people making decisions who actually care about science and evidence-based medicine, not some ideologue who's just gonna push their agenda 
can't they just focus on finding real treatments and supporting families instead of spreading misinformation? 
. autism advocates have fought so hard for people's lives and rights, and then you turn around and stack a committee with folks who are gonna try to undo all that progress 
?
.
I'm all for exploring alternative therapies, but only if there's solid evidence behind them! And it's so worrying that Gavin Yamey said Kennedy is one of the world's most extreme conspiracy theorists... 
what kind of messaging does that send?!
... So Robert F. Kennedy Jr is like this new Sec of Health and Human Services and he fills a committee with people who think vaccines are bad for you? 
I don't get why they wouldn't choose people who know more about vaccines, you know? 
, where Michael Scott (aka Robert F. Kennedy Jr.) just made everyone super uncomfortable! I mean, what's next? Appointing Kevin Malone as the head of the CDC? 
Anyway, it's not funny when people with anti-vaccine views are in charge of setting policies for our health, though 
It gives me the chills thinking about it... 
It's like they're trying to undermine public health efforts on purpose.
! Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should know better, he's a doctor himself 
. But instead of promoting science and safety, he's stacking the committee with pseudoscience peddlers 
. What about all the families who've lost loved ones due to preventable diseases? 
.
this is a disaster waiting to happen... autism advocates are right to be worried 
like, how can u make decisions about autism research with ppl who dont even believe in science?! 