Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that autism "destroys children," and those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder will "never go on a date," a claim that was quickly debunked by fans of the Netflix series, Love on the Spectrum.
The remarks came amid a press briefing on Wednesday where Kennedy, who leads the US Department of Health and Human Services, discussed a CDC report that found increases in the prevalence of autism diagnosis. A vocal critic of vaccines, Kennedy insisted "fully functional" kids "regress, because of some environmental exposure, into autism."
RFK JR: And these are kids who will never pay taxes, they'll never hold a job, they'll never play baseball, they'll never write a poem. They'll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted pic.twitter.com/8T3hcYYn9O
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 16, 2025
"These are kids who will never pay taxes, they'll never hold a job, they'll never play baseball, they'll never write a poem," Kennedy said. "They'll never go out on a date."
The remark, made during a recent speech, has been widely condemned as ignorant, ableist, and dehumanizing, sparking outrage across social media platforms.
"This is cruel, ableist rhetoric masquerading as concern," an X user wrote. "RFK Jr. reduces children with disabilities to economic burdens and stripped humanity...They're not broken, they're different. And they deserve dignity, not dismissal."
Critics were quick to point out that Kennedy's statement not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes, but also erases the lived experiences of countless autistic individuals who form deep, meaningful relationships. Many referenced the popular Netflix docuseries Love on the Spectrum, which follows autistic people navigating dating and romantic life with authenticity, vulnerability, and joy.
"Maybe he needs to watch Love on the Spectrum and learn how successful autistic adults are," tweeted one user. "Their emotional intelligence surpasses his by millions of miles—shame on RFK for making up info on the spot!"
Another user quipped, "Say you haven't seen Love on the Spectrum without saying it!!"
"Love on the Spectrum would like a word, Mr. Secretary," another added.
Advocates and allies have denounced Kennedy for peddling outdated and stigmatizing narratives about neurodivergent individuals. The backlash highlights growing frustration with Kennedy's pattern of spreading misinformation, particularly around autism and public health.
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