7 sources·Health

Health Agency Launches Massive Research Effort to Investigate Autism Causes

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces a new research initiative to determine autism causes, raising concerns among experts about anti-vaccine rhetoric.

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record, sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
Leans Right
The underlying sources slightly lean right.
  2. RFK Jr. Says US Is Launching Massive Effort to Pinpoint Cause of Spiking Autism Rates

    Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the United States has started a “massive” new effort to learn what has caused autism rates to spike in recent years.

    RFK Jr. Says US Is Launching Massive Effort to Pinpoint Cause of Spiking Autism Rates

    Epoch TimesEpoch Times·8d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  3. RFK Jr. says HHS will determine the cause of autism by September

    Kennedy has offered no details on how his study will be different or what researchers will be involved.

    RFK Jr. says HHS will determine the cause of autism by September

    Associated PressAssociated Press·8d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  4. RFK Jr. Promises To Find the Cause of Autism by September

    There is speculation that autism rates have simply grown as doctors spend more time looking for it and diagnosing the condition.

    RFK Jr. Promises To Find the Cause of Autism by September

    New York SunNew York Sun·8d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  5. RFK Jr. Says HHS Will Determine the Cause of Autism by September

    There’s scientific consensus that childhood vaccines don’t cause autism.

    RFK Jr. Says HHS Will Determine the Cause of Autism by September

    NewsmaxNewsmax·9d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  1. NBC News
  2. Epoch Times
  3. Associated Press
  4. New York Sun
  5. Newsmax
Updated: Apr 10th, 2025, 6:53 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a comprehensive research initiative aimed at identifying the causes of autism, claiming it will be completed by September. This announcement comes amidst ongoing debates about the role of vaccines in autism, despite overwhelming scientific evidence disproving this link. Kennedy's approach has drawn criticism from autism advocacy organizations and experts, who fear it may promote outdated and debunked theories. The initiative will involve hundreds of scientists, but details on the research design and collaborations remain unclear.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

  • The Health and Human Services Secretary announced a new research effort to determine the cause of autism, involving hundreds of scientists and expected to conclude by September.

  • Despite the lack of scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism, Secretary Kennedy has previously criticized vaccines, raising concerns among autism advocacy groups about returning to debunked theories.

  • The rise in autism diagnoses is attributed to increased awareness and improved screening methodologies, not to a direct link with vaccines.

FAQs

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.
Health Agency Launches Massive Research Effort to Investigate Autism Causes - Pano News