As criticism mounts from political opponents and media pundits, families of severely autistic Americans are speaking out in strong support of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., praising him for daring to address the reality they live with every day.
Kennedy recently came under fire for his candid remarks on severe autism—particularly his statement that many individuals with profound autism may never reach basic developmental milestones like independent living, communication, or toilet training. While some Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accused Kennedy of being insensitive, families directly impacted by severe autism say they’re grateful someone is finally telling the truth.
“These aren’t offensive statements,” said one mother. “They’re facts. And RFK Jr. is the first public official who’s not afraid to say what the rest of us are living.”
Kennedy, who has long been outspoken about environmental health, noted that the autism rate has skyrocketed in recent years—now affecting 1 in 36 children, with about a quarter experiencing what he classifies as severe autism. He announced plans to commission a sweeping federal research effort into environmental contributors, including exposure to mold, pesticides, food additives, medications, and even prenatal ultrasound frequency.
“This is a preventable disease,” Kennedy said. “Genes don’t cause epidemics. Genes may make someone more vulnerable, but you need an environmental trigger.”
The statement drew predictable backlash from critics, but it also sparked a groundswell of support from parents who feel their families have been ignored for too long.
“My son is 14 years old and still in diapers. He will never have a job, never get married, and may never say ‘I love you,’” one father shared. “We don’t need another sugar-coated press release. We need action. Let RFK try to help us.”
Another parent put it more bluntly: “The political class has had decades to investigate autism, and they’ve done nothing. Now someone finally wants to research environmental factors, and they attack him? That tells me he’s on to something.”
Many families say the current political establishment has focused too heavily on high-functioning autism cases, ignoring those with the most profound disabilities—individuals who may never live independently or communicate verbally. Kennedy’s initiative, they argue, could finally shift federal attention toward solutions, not slogans.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about survival for our families,” said one mother. “Stop the attacks. Start listening.”
Secretary Kennedy’s push to investigate environmental causes of autism is still in the early stages, but for thousands of families across the country, his willingness to face the issue head-on is already a sign of long-overdue hope.