Sandra Myers

What has been perpetrated on our heritage of the Lord? Autism is a frequent topic in the news these days. In 1970, only 1 child in 10,000 was diagnosed with autism. As of 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number is 1 in 31. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls—in California the number is as high as 1 in 12.5 says the CDC.

    In an April 14, 2025 statement, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (RFK, Jr.) said that “the autism epidemic has now reached a scale unprecedented in human history.”

    From a fluff-interview by Erika Edwards with NBC News, Dr. Alex Kolevzon, child and adolescent psychiatrist, cautioned “parents shouldn’t panic.” He said. “We’re not seeing an epidemic with autism.” Kolevzon went on further to caution, “as a doctor who’s been working with people with autism for more than two decades, the phrase ‘autism epidemic’ doesn’t sit well with me.”

What is Causing the Rise of Autism?

The answer to the question of why the rise of autism is myriad: Is it the Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) vaccine? RFK, Jr. has previously suggested so. He also seems to be back-pedaling that theory, possibly to mitigate his legal liabilities.

    Dr. Kolevzon acknowledges there is so much unknown yet about autism. But in the next breath he attests, “One thing for certain is that vaccines do not cause autism. This has been studied extensively among multiple continents, and it’s been well established in the scientific community.”

    Dr. Kolevzon wants us to trust his science while ignoring studies showing altered DNA by mRNA vaccines done at both MIT and Lund University in Sweden.

    The neurotoxin thimerosal/mercury and its impact on the body had long been glossed over by trusted science and the media. Quietly vaccine manufacturers have removed the preservative thimersol from most (but not all) vaccines.

Are There Other Potential Causes of Autism?

Environmental—pesticides, certain foods, allergens, overwhelming vaccine schedule, and even stress can trigger an immune reaction in the child’s body which impacts the brain and can cause symptoms of autism.

Genetics—Autism cannot be confirmed with a blood test, brain scan, or any other objective exam. There is no “autism gene” or combination of autism genes yet discovered.

    We could also consider the parents’ own vaccines, fluoride in water. Then there’s processed food and the obesity epidemic. Is there a link to the explosion of diabetes?

The Spectrum

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is just that—it’s a spectrum. Notable people who are on the autism spectrum are the high functioners like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg and some other high-tech high achievers—have Aspergers. It is suggested that also among the spectrum was Albert Eistein, Bejamin Franklin, Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla and other brainiacs. Science and technology advancements may owe a lot of credit to autism and the different kinds of thinking it creates

    In my own little immediate circle of friends and family, I personally know 3 children from ages 4-18 in various places on the autism spectrum. Each is at varying degrees of functionality. Two of the 3 in my circle are largely non-verbal. Their social skills are also largely non-existant. Daily activities such as brushing teeth, tying shoelaces, or putting on clothes can be enormous challenges—tasks we take for granted. There are lower functioning individuals still.

Progress?

ChildrenHealthDefense.com (RFK, Jr) reports that after over 30 years of known exponential growth of autism occurrence, the NIH is still finalizing plans for a new multimillion-dollar research program. “We will leave no stone unturned in our mission to figure out what exactly is happening,” bragged an HHS spokesperson. Where is the justified alarm and warp speed? Will this research find the real underlying causes, or will this simply be another pharmaceutical boom to manage manufactured symptoms? Our children are in a precarious predicament: The United States ranks 9th in the whole world for autism occurance. Ahead of the US, to name a few, is Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Long-Term Care and Conclusion

Even if the real cause is determined and curbed immediately, the wide, long-term impact of autism will be felt for many generations.

    The numbers of those at the severe to lower functioning end of the spectrum is scary. They will never be independent in their adulthood. Who will oversee their care as their parents (or caregivers) age or pass?