In a powerful piece, The Autism Surge: Lies, Conspiracies, and My Own Kids, in The Free Press Jill Escher discusses the alarming surge in autism diagnoses. The mother of two children with severe autism, she notes an increase of 50-fold in California over the last 33 years. Escher highlights the reality of autism’s impact, challenging the notion that it is merely a difference to be celebrated, and emphasizes the urgent need for better care and support for this vulnerable population. She criticizes the neurodiversity movement for overshadowing the severity of autism and hindering research into its origins and potential cures. Escher also refutes claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linking vaccines to autism, stating that autism is a complex brain organization disorder with its roots in early brain development abnormalities.

Despite extensive research, the causes of autism remain largely unknown, and the increasing rates continue to puzzle experts. Escher points out the lack of preparedness for the growing demand for adult autism services, urging for innovative solutions to address this impending crisis. As aging parents, who often serve as primary caregivers, won’t live forever, she stresses the need for frank discussions about the realities of autism and the enormous financial toll it imposes. Escher calls for clear-eyed views, fearless investigation of new ideas, and a shift towards meaningful subcategories within the autism spectrum to drive progress and find solutions for those affected by this serious mental disability.

Escher strongly criticizes RFK Junior in a manner similar to many others who oppose him. Their primary focus is on his perceived stance against vaccinations, but Kennedy’s actual message is quite different.

Kennedy asserts that over the past 30 years, there has been an unexplained increase in autism cases. He points out that the rise coincides with the introduction of an increased number of vaccine doses given to children. His argument suggests that prior to this 30-year period, autism cases were relatively rare. However, after the vaccine dosages were ramped up, the incidence of autism steadily rose, as noted by Escher as well.

Escher acknowledges that the cause of autism remains unknown, but she dismisses any connection to vaccines, labeling it a conspiracy theory. This dismissal raises a logical question: if we don’t know the cause, how can we confidently rule out vaccines as a factor? The truth is that we know when the increase in autism cases began, but the reason behind it remains elusive. Therefore, according to RFK Junior, it might be worth considering other changes in the environment, diet, or the introduction of artificial products, medications, etc., that occurred around the same time as the vaccine increase. By exploring a wider range of factors, we could potentially narrow down the cause of the rise in autism.

I applaud Escher for her valuable insights in other parts of the piece and I have a deep sense of empathy for the families dealing with autism struggles. However, dismissing RFK Junior’s viewpoint as mere conspiracy theories is unhelpful. Instead, encouraging open debate on the matter without fear would be more constructive. By doing so, we might gain a deeper understanding of the issue and find more effective solutions.