Despite all its defects, the will of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to speak openly about autism as a public health concern took some of us to find spots of hope upon arrival as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
As parents and caregivers, we know the challenges faced by the more than 25% of people with autism who experience their deepest form, which generally require support for a lifetime 24/7. In recent years, the attention of our society has become relieved in the spectrum. That includes in federal research, where the sub -presentation of people with severe autism is dramatic despite the problems ranging from self -harm to seizures.
So, even with Kennedy’s anti -cacamous history, we expected the best: that would revitalize federal federal research efforts, and that would at least mount the silenced position in the vaccination of their confusion audiences.
On the other hand, we have seen a wild swing in a different direction, since Kennedy quickly cuts the HHS workforce in a fixed shake.
If autism constitutes a public health crisis, it is difficult to see how an effective response would occur in reducing the work of thousands of researchers, doctors and other personnel. When Kennedy went back and said he would return, he joined the feeling of chaos. It is not clear where Kennedy is taking HHS, or those who need a beneficial investigation.
Same worrying, it is Bone reported that officials once again study vaccines as a possible cause of autism, a path that has followed the leg again and again: Johns Hopkins University puts it in 16 “carefully designed” studies without link. In addition to the existing fears, the Washington Post reports that Kennedy has chosen a vaccine skeptic for a long time to lead the effort. Kennedy’s little queen statement last week on April 10 that “we will know what the autism epidemic has caused” for September showed empty Bravuconería, not the serious scientist.
After Kennedy’s tumultuous beginning, it’s time to change course. The vaccine approach must give way to a broader and more credible search for autism causes along with specific investigations to address worrying medical and behavior challenges.
There is an available path that fits the administration’s efficiency objectives by focusing on the deepest needs and Kennedy’s public health concerns about autism.
At the end of last year, the Congress lasted, with bipartisan support, the law of Cares de Autism, the main federal vehicle for autism research. This time it containeted significant new language, which is advocates pushed hard for, calling for research that “reflects the entire population of individuals with autism Spectrum disorder, including tose individuals with co-occurring conditions and the full range of need and supports and supports and supports and supports and supports Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports and Supports. ” “” “” “”
Kennedy can give life to this directive.
As it begins, he can deliver more studies that include as subjects with people with severe autism. While there are challenges for the participation of people who are not verbal, they can be overcome when researchers invest time and effort, looking for innovative methods to better understand the needs of the most affected by autism.
Research must concentrate on the causes of some of the most worrying impediments that can come with autism, such as self -harm, aggressive behavior and even catatonia, as indicated by the Foundation of Autism Sciences. This would help lead to treatments.
Because communication is such a universal necessity, it is also time to prioritize the search for new methods and technologies in this area. Current augmentative and alternative communication approaches, such as the use or use of tablet applications, have significant limitations.
Finally, we cannot leave the debate on the increase in autism cases. While some attribute promotion to factors such as labor consciousness and a broader definition of autism, we need comprehensive responses, and research should consider genetic and potential external factors at work.
These are the first steps. If Kennedy adjusts the course, they will mark an important start to help a group of people who overlook for too long.
Mark Kendall is the father of a young adult with severe autism and president of California for the National Autism Council.