Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to investigate what he refers to as the “autism epidemic” by the fall, although experts say this is unlikely. SAN DIEGO — Attendees of the second annual Autism Health Summit had endured numerous presentations on various treatments, such as water filters, electromagnetic devices, supplements, stem cell therapies from Europe, and even fecal transplants in the U.S. The highlight of the conference was a video message from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who, now serving in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, assured the audience of his continued support for their cause. Kennedy praised the summit organizers and vowed to create a future where autism is rare, families are well-supported, and individuals on the spectrum are valued for their unique contributions to society. These gatherings, which are becoming more prevalent, share a common disregard for mainstream science and suspicion toward the government, often alleging a cover-up of information from the public. With Kennedy’s involvement in Washington and the president’s apparent validation of these claims, these events are gaining political significance. In a recent televised Cabinet meeting, Kennedy made headlines by declaring his intent to identify the cause of autism within five months, a statement met with enthusiasm from President Trump. However, experts question the feasibility of this timeline, as the origins of autism have eluded researchers for decades. While genetics are recognized as a key factor, the interplay of environmental and developmental influences remains complex and ongoing research. Despite the widespread debunking of the vaccine-autism hypothesis, approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, underscoring the importance of continued scientific inquiry.
Autism has found support among parents and organizations such as those gathered at the summit. Typically appearing in childhood, often around the time of routine immunizations, this group sees a meaningful connection. In the realm of science, proving a universal negative is a challenging task. Not every variable can be examined in every scenario across all periods of time. Despite extensive peer-reviewed studies in various countries like the U.S., Japan, and Denmark demonstrating no direct link between vaccines and autism, this conclusion has not satisfied those who oppose vaccinations.
Legal proceedings have also failed to support claims against the overwhelming evidence presented by medical professionals and scientists. However, due to the slight chance – however improbable – that a theory could hold some truth somewhere, the belief persists. Prior to his acknowledgment of autism, Kennedy’s brief tenure as HHS secretary had already drawn criticism from public health experts who believed his anti-vaccine stance eroded trust in scientific knowledge.
Author James Terence Fisher, a parent of an autistic child, expressed concern in a published opinion piece, mentioning how Kennedy’s ascent to power had caused distress within autism families. He cautioned against the potential exploitation of individuals like his son for experimental and conspiratorial treatments, drawing attention to past instances of abuse.
Kennedy’s supporters were taken aback when he suggested vaccination for children in Texas to combat a measles outbreak, viewing this guidance as a betrayal of the movement he helped establish. However, with Kennedy’s pledge to identify and eliminate potential environmental factors contributing to autism by autumn, such as in food, water, or even vaccinations as implied by Trump, he revitalized the underlying narrative of the modern anti-vaccine movement, which resonated strongly with the audience at the Autism Health Summit.
Despite the absence of media coverage options on the summit’s website, I purchased a ticket for $395 using my name and work email. Identifying myself as a journalist, I distributed my business card and engaged in conversations while wearing my name badge. Photography and filming were allowed, and the event was streamed live for remote participants.
Market The Autism Health Summit as a “wellness journey,” it was part of a series of events related to the anti-vaccine movement in recent weeks. Another gathering, the Summit for Truth & Wellness, took place in Rochester, New York at the end of March. Notable figures like Drs. Pierre Kory and Mary Talley Bowden, known for advocating Ivermectin for Covid-19 and long Covid despite limited evidence, shared the stage with writer and conspiracy theorist Naomi Wolf and Mary Holland, president of the anti-vaccine group previously led by Kennedy.
Furthermore, a conference called Honest Medicine: Redefining Health was held earlier this month at a hotel in Atlanta, organized by the Independent Medical Alliance, formerly known as the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance. This group includes doctors who prescribe anti-viral medications.
There are individuals promoting treatments that oppose the medical consensus. Some of their medical professionals have faced sanctions from governing medical bodies for spreading false information. Once, AutismOne stood as the primary event for self-identified Autism Moms and Dads, organized annually by a nonprofit organization in Chicago. However, as other anti-vaccine groups thrived during the pandemic, such as Children’s Health Defense, AutismOne lost funding and quietly disbanded in January. Tracy Slepcevic, an Air Force veteran and author of “Warrior Mom,” emerged to fill this gap by establishing Autism Health Inc. as a nonprofit. Slepcevic, who supported Kennedy’s failed presidential bid in 2024, now coaches parents on methods to “heal” their autistic children. She shared her personal journey of utilizing various treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen and stem cell therapy, to help her son, whom she believes was affected by vaccines. Slepcevic emphasized that she exhausted significant financial resources, even resorting to selling her home to fund the treatments. Encouraging commitment and determination, she challenged parents who claimed financial constraints. At an event attended by movement advocates Geoff and Simone Sewell, Slepcevic showcased a couple who had seen improvements in their son’s condition after implementing her dietary suggestions. The vendors outside the main event hall promoted products and services promising wellness solutions at a cost. These offerings ranged from detoxifying water filters to expensive gadgets claiming health benefits. Attendees were introduced to various contraptions emitting light or electromagnetic fields, along with supplements targeting detoxification. The marketplace also featured services like consultations with nutritionists, hyperbaric chamber sessions, and unique treatments like a “blood oil change.” Amidst this display, a mother attending with her husband, whose son was receiving chiropractic care, expressed a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the technical and medical terminology presented. She found the abundance of information overwhelming and sought practical guidance on what was essential for her son’s well-being. Other parents at the event shared similar sentiments, reflecting a diverse range of reactions to the offerings available.
At a summit I attended, a woman in her 60s shared how she had treated her daughter’s illness in the 2000s by taking her for stem cell transplants in Greece. She had come to the event seeking new information, as her daughter was finding relief on an all-meat diet but still had challenging days. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of an all-meat diet for individuals with autism. The summit consisted of around two dozen sessions spanning two days. Some sessions aimed to inspire parents by showcasing what is achievable. One of the initial speakers was Collin Carley, a 28-year-old who narrated his journey from a young child diagnosed with autism, exhibiting behaviors such as tantrums and fixations on trains, to his current state of success after undergoing various therapies and treatment plans. Among these interventions were IV infusions and chelation treatments to remove metals from the body. Carley’s story resonated with the audience, demonstrating how hard work and dedication had significantly improved his life. Peter McCullough, a cardiologist advocating for alternative treatments and vaccine “detoxes,” presented on risk factors that he believed warranted further investigation, such as gene mutations and immune system dysfunction. He also proposed a shift in language within the anti-vaccine community to refer to vaccines as a “risk factor” for autism rather than a cause. McCullough challenged the audience’s perception of certain figures in the field and expressed skepticism regarding their ability to deliver on their promises. Del Bigtree, an anti-vaccine activist and CEO of the organization Make America Healthy Again, was the final speaker. Attendees at the summit shared personal stories about their children’s challenges and experiences with various treatments. The discussions were emotionally charged, reflecting the struggles and uncertainties faced by families dealing with autism.
Crafted to exploit the anxiety surrounding autism and the deep affection we all hold for our children, I expressed my skepticism about the lack of compelling evidence challenging my faith in mainstream autism science at the Autism Health Summit. Del Bigtree, the CEO of the anti-vaccination organization Informed Consent Action Network, captivated the audience by exceeding his allotted time, enthusiastically recounting his extensive history in anti-vaccine activism and his connection with Kennedy. As Bigtree passionately played a clip of Kennedy’s recent pledge, one of the women I had been conversing with during the event rose to depart, leaving me a heartfelt handwritten note urging me to consider the possibility of alternative explanations for autism causes. Onstage, Bigtree delivered a fervent speech akin to a revival preacher, promising revolutionary revelations from Kennedy in the near future. He reassured parents that they had a powerful advocate in Washington in the form of Robert Kennedy Jr., celebrating his newfound influence in global health. As the summit drew to a close, attendees mingled in the reception area, forming a line for photos with Bigtree. Amidst the festive atmosphere, an inventor of a sensory play tent for children with autism danced to the tune of Journey’s “Any Way You Want It,” while guests enjoyed cocktails and conversations, reluctant to bid farewell to the event.
