RFK Jr. Is using a new study on autism rates to push his anti-vaccine agenda

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made crude and stigmatizing references to people with profound autism.

He also called people who question or question increased autism rates “deniers” and said they are engaging in “the myth of epidemic denial”.

The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network said the data is “explained by better access to screening and improved understanding of autism” The group added that more work needs to be done to address the economic and racial disparities that affect which kids receive early, accurate autism diagnoses.

Kennedy has previously vowed to find the cause of rising autism rates by September .