Speaking during a cabinet meeting, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy made claims linking autism with circumcision. Our response to the claims is below. 

Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said:

"More dangerous anti-science from the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy, now linking autism with circumcision. This is not based on any form of rigorous, robust research and could put lives at risk."

"This incessant focus on pseudo-scientific causes of autism means autistic people are forced to listen to the suggestion that they need to be cured, as though it’s not ok to be autistic and someone should be ‘blamed’. This is wrong and dangerous. People recently told us at the National Autistic Society how they were scared and as if they should be in hiding. Parents told us they felt people were judging them."

"These myths are a distraction from the real, urgent issues autistic people face. In England, waiting lists for autism diagnosis are growing, with average waits of over 17 months. The special educational needs system in schools is crumbling because of insufficient funding and only three in 10 autistic people are in work, one of the lowest of any disability."

"The National Autistic Society is focused on uniting those who agree: Truth. It Matters. Autistic people deserve better. In just 48 hours, an astounding 20,000 people joined our campaign and signed our open letter calling for an end to misinformation about autism. It’s time to face the urgent issues facing autistic people and not to spread misinformation." 

Autistic people deserve better.  Find out more about our Truth. It Matters campaign and sign our open letter. 

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability which influences how people experience and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are autistic and there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. 

Autism is understood as a spectrum and autistic people can be very different to each other, with different sets of strengths and challenges. You can read more about autism on our website here. 

What are the causes of autism? 

The causes of autism are still being looked into. Many experts believe there isn’t one specific cause and that there are genetic factors. 

There is no link between autism and vaccines. Much research has been devoted to this issue over the years and the results have comprehensively shown there is no link. Autism is not caused by emotional deprivation or the way a person has been brought up. 

There is no known cure for autism. We also believe that autism does not need a cure and should be seen as a difference, not a disadvantage. You can read more on our website here. 

• Read our previous response to comments about autism by President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 
• Find out more about autism. 
• Read more about the causes of autism.
• Find out more about our work to support autistic people and their families.