Today, Explained No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
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May 1, 2025 
Science writer Catherine Wu dives into the backlash surrounding RFK Jr.'s controversial claims linking environmental toxins to autism. James B. Jones, known from Love on the Spectrum, shares insights on how these discussions affect the autistic community, particularly in their quest for love and connection. They unpack the disproven vaccine-autism link and the harmful myths that persist despite scientific evidence. The conversation ultimately challenges societal perceptions and advocates for informed leadership that truly supports autistic individuals.
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RFK Jr.'s Flawed Autism View
- RFK Jr. believes autism is caused by an environmental toxin and is preventable.
- This view contradicts most scientific consensus which sees autism as multifactorial, including genetic components.
Origins of Vaccine Link Myth
- The debunked vaccine-autism link originated from Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent 1998 study.
- RFK Jr. embraced vaccine blame due to these misconceptions and parental concerns, despite lack of evidence.
Science Needs Objectivity
- RFK Jr.'s approach to autism research is biased toward proving predetermined environmental cause narratives.
- Proper science requires following the evidence, not trying to confirm a preconceived position.