Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggests compensating families of some people with autism [View all]

Source: USA Today

Updated April 20, 2025 5:51 p.m. ET


Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - who has long spread debunked claims surrounding autism and vaccines − suggested compensating families of some Americans with autism, calling them "injured."

"Bottom line, the more than 25% of people who have severe autism will never go on a date, write a poem, live independently, or have a job," Kennedy said in an April 18 social media post. "We need to identify the exposures that are causing this epidemic and compensate the families of the injured." USA TODAY has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for more information.

The post comes after Kennedy during his first official press conference on April 16 said that some kids diagnosed with autism will "never play baseball" or "write a poem." "They’ll never go out on a date," he continued. "Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted."

Though some applauded Kennedy's push for answers, the comments drew wide-reaching accusations of ableism from many Americans with autism, their loved ones and advocacy groups. Autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed based on challenges with social skills, communication and repetitive behaviors. It is a spectrum, meaning symptoms vary widely, with a percentage unable to communicate at all and others highly successful in some areas of life.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/20/rfk-jr-autism-claims-compensate-families/83185167007/