Coalition of Autism Scientists Critiques HHS Autism Research Plan

Author: Coalition of Autism Scientists
Published: 2025/04/25
Publication Type: Announcement
Topic: Disability Press Releases - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article presents a statement from the newly formed Coalition of Autism Scientists, a group of leading U.S. researchers led by Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg, in response to recent remarks and initiatives by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The coalition rejects Kennedy's narrative about autism's incidence and causes, emphasizing that decades of rigorous research have already established autism as a complex, multifactorial condition involving hundreds of genetic factors, environmental interactions, and diverse neurological pathways.

The scientists express concern that Kennedy's dismissal of this body of work, and his plan to rapidly conduct a study focused on environmental toxins, risks undermining public trust, trivializing scientific progress, and misrepresenting the needs and experiences of autistic individuals. The coalition urges adherence to transparent, evidence-based research protocols, including public commentary and independent data analysis, to ensure that future studies build on established knowledge and genuinely benefit autistic people and their families. This information is authoritative and valuable because it reflects the consensus of experienced researchers and advocates for research integrity, which is crucial for guiding policy, funding, and support services affecting people with disabilities and their communities - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Coalition of Autism Scientists Critiques U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Autism Research Initiative

Focus

The newly formed Coalition of Autism Scientists today issued a statement in response to remarks and actions taken by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the study of autism. Led by Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Director of the Center for Autism Research, Boston University, this growing group of experienced research scientists from across the United States came together to reject Mr. Kennedy's false narrative about the incidence and causes of autism, instead urging HHS to focus on established, research approaches that already inform the global understanding of autism.

Dr. Tager-Flusberg said:

"The Coalition of Autism Scientists came together to demand respect for autism research. Instead of focusing on questions that have been asked and answered, limited and valuable research dollars must focus on what we don't yet know about autism so that we can meet the urgent needs of autism individuals and their families."

Full Statement from the Coalition of Autism Scientists

"For more than three decades, the National Institutes of Health has invested substantial resources into research to advance knowledge about autism spectrum disorder. As scientists dedicated to this venture, we have witnessed many remarkable achievements in our field revealing the complexity of autism. These include: discovery of hundreds of genes associated with autism; identification of environmental factors that may interact with genetic predisposition; knowledge about differences in brain architecture and function; documenting the significant prevalence rates across the globe; divergent presentations and highly variable outcomes; early development of brain and behavioral signs in infants; and the development and evaluation of innovative interventions that improve autism symptoms and enhance quality of life for individuals and their families."

"Considering these advances, we were deeply troubled to hear the Secretary of Health & Human Services dismiss past research, downplay the causal role of genes, and portray autistic people in ways that counter our experiences and demean their value to society. We are unified in our commitment to conduct the highest quality research and build mutual respect and trust with the public. This trust is seriously threatened by the Secretary's interpretation of the rising prevalence rates and his plans to carry out a study that will deliver findings within a few months on an environmental toxin that causes autism. We fully support genuine advances in the field, so we urge the Secretary to register the planned study protocol, provide time for public comment, include independent data analysts, and make the data available to the scientific community. Following these widely accepted scientific practices that ensure research integrity, will allow the planned study to build on the strong foundation of prior research and help guide future work to unravel the causes of this complex disorder and lead to new approaches in how we support individuals and their families."

Coalition of Autism Scientists

List of Signatories to the April 25, 2025 Media Statement: "Coalition of Autism Scientists Critiques U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Autism Research Initiative."

Signatories and Affiliations:

The Coalition of Autism Scientists

The Coalition of Autism Scientists formed in 2025 and is comprised of the leading autism researchers across the United States. It is led by Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Director of the Center for Autism Research, Boston University.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The coalition's public critique underscores a vital tension in autism research: the need to balance open scientific inquiry with respect for established evidence and the lived experiences of autistic people. As political narratives increasingly shape research agendas, it is essential for policymakers and the public to recognize the dangers of sidelining decades of validated science in favor of expedient or ideologically driven studies. Only by maintaining rigorous standards and including the voices of those most affected can research translate into meaningful support and improved quality of life for autistic individuals - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Coalition of Autism Scientists and published on 2025/04/25, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Coalition of Autism Scientists can be contacted at coalitionofautismscientists.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

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Citing and References

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Cite This Page: Coalition of Autism Scientists. (2025, April 25). Coalition of Autism Scientists Critiques HHS Autism Research Plan. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved May 13, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/news/pressreleases/kennedy.php

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