1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

As a constituent from Kanawha County, the parent of an autistic child, and an educator, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in which he compared the prevalence of autism to an epidemic worse than COVID-19. Also as someone who values science, public health, and the wellbeing of all individuals, I find these remarks not only misleading but also dangerous and, frankly, analogous to eugenics. These baseless statements undermine critical scientific research and public health efforts, and they are harmful to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mr. Kennedy's claim that autism is an "epidemic" is an oversimplification of an incredibly complex and nuanced issue. The increase in autism diagnoses over recent decades is largely due to a better understanding of the condition, changes in diagnostic criteria, and increased awareness, not a surge in cases. Suggesting that autism is somehow comparable to the global devastation of COVID-19 diminishes the realities of both the pandemic and the lived experiences of those on the autism spectrum and their families. Furthermore, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments are part of a troubling pattern of unsubstantiated theories about vaccines and autism that have been thoroughly debunked by the scientific community. His promotion of such pseudoscience is a serious threat to public health, as it fuels vaccine misinformation that leads to real-world harm, including vaccine hesitancy and outbreaks of preventable diseases. He is not a medical professional or a scientist, and his promotion of these conspiracy theories has no basis in evidence or reality. I urge you to speak out against such harmful rhetoric and to reinforce the importance of science, facts, and expert opinion in shaping public policy. The American people deserve leadership grounded in truth and supported by credible research, not sensationalized theories from individuals who lack the qualifications or expertise to make informed decisions about health and science. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your action in this matter and hope to see strong leadership that upholds the values of public health and evidence-based policymaking.