Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr claims that environmental factors are largely behind autism, he has talked about a pandemic and that when the US last cracked the code on what causes the disease in September, it will be possible to eliminate it.
Vaccine skeptic Kennedy has also announced that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will carry out a study on the possible link between vaccines and autism.
No evidence
Kennedy's plans are met with skepticism from many scientific quarters.
I think like many in the autism research field, that there is no basis for what he claims, says Kristiina Tammimies, associate professor of medical genetics at the Karolinska.
Tammimies says that research has time and again demonstrated that there is no link between vaccines and autism.
Looking at studies, there is no evidence that vaccinations cause autism, she says and continues:
It's true that children get vaccinated at around the same age as early symptoms (of autism) can show up. Therefore, many are worried and wonder if there is a connection.
Autism diagnoses are more common now than before, both in the US and Sweden.
One in 36 in the US has the diagnosis, so it's definitely increasing. But it's probably due to greater awareness and a changed attitude, says Tammimies.
"Not talking about a cure"
And then there was this about finding the answer to the question of the cause of autism, something that Kennedy says the US will be able to do in five months.
That they will be able to understand and explain the causes of autism in just five months, that won't work, says Tammimies.
All research points to genes being the largest basis for autism. That has been investigated in many countries over decades. Of course, one should continue to research possible environmental factors for a complete picture. My reaction when I hear this is that one should not talk about a cure, but rather talk about how research can enable better interventions and adaptations.
Autism is similar to ADHD a development-related (neuropsychiatric) disability that can vary in severity between individuals.
In autism, there are difficulties for the brain to handle and process information, which affects the ability to social interaction and communication.
Other characteristics include, among other things, limited and repetitive interests, behaviors or activities.
Autism can be diagnosed from two years of age. One to two percent of the population is estimated to have autism, although it is reported to be increasing today.
Source: The National Board of Health and Welfare
