RFK Jr. has called for removing the taboo on discussing environmental factors contributing to autism, citing a potential link between environmental toxins and the condition. He accused industries of profiting from releasing harmful substances into the environment. In response, Autism Speaks urged increased investment in research to understand autism's causes and support its growing diagnosed population. The Autism Society of America countered that the CDC data does not indicate an "epidemic," but rather reflects diagnostic progress and a need for policy decisions based on science.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/us-news/rfk-jr-says-hhs-will-research-six-environmental-factors-for-potential-link-to-autism/Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US Health Secretary, has expressed concern over a rising trend of autism diagnoses in children, stating he will investigate potential environmental causes behind the condition.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/04/16/rfk-jr-autism-rates/Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Secretary of Health, warned that children in the US are being diagnosed with autism at an alarming rate, promising to conduct thorough studies to identify any environmental factors that may be causing this developmental disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a report estimating that one in 31 children in the country suffers from autism, a notable increase since 2020. Experts in autism praise Kennedy's efforts to better understand this health issue, but note that the number of reported cases began to surge significantly when the definition of autism was expanded to include mild cases. Kennedy described autism as "a preventable disease" and emphasized its devastating impact on families, stating that it "destroys our greatest resource - our children."
https://apnews.com/article/autismo-kennedy-salud-cdc-diagnostico-3b7121d2369bc7f52f093d3ac9a22128Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has attributed the rise in autism cases to environmental factors, claiming "epidemic denial" among those who attribute it to increased awareness and diagnostic testing. He pointed to the introduction of a new environmental toxin around 1989 as the cause, sparking debate over his proposal to remove fluoride from drinking water. The CDC's latest survey found that autism prevalence is on the rise, with one in 31 8-year-old children diagnosed in 2022, compared to one in 36 in 2000, and significantly higher rates for boys than girls.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rfk-attributes-rise-autism-environmental-factors-while-cdc-points-improved-diagnostic-practicesThe Autism Community in Action (TACA) is a nonprofit organization that provides education, support, and hope to families affected by autism. Founded in 2000, TACA has grown to support over 61,000 active members nationwide through various programs, including virtual support events, scholarship programs, and online resources. The organization's co-founder and executive director, Lisa Ackerman, is calling for a collective response to the rising numbers of autism cases, stating that "behind every data point is a child, a family, and a future." TACA's efforts are led by experts like Associate Professor Walter Zahorodny at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-cdc-data-show-autism-rates-soar-1-in-31-u-s-children-diagnosed-302430877.htmlTerzo has launched its Terzo Cares Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving financial literacy and supporting mental health initiatives for underserved communities. The foundation is named in memory of late co-founder Al Giocondi and reflects the company's commitment to prioritizing mental wellness. CEO Brandon Card aims to bring together top leaders in AI, finance, and tech to drive positive change, with a range of programs designed to support employees' well-being and enable them to give back to others.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/terzo-announces-the-terzo-5d-ai-leadership-gala-in-miami-in-partnership-with-ibm-302431136.htmlThe Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund has continued its support for Community Access, transforming the organization's Young Filmmaker Festival into a fully formed event. The festival, now in partnership with the Isora Foundation, aims to reduce mental health stigma by providing a platform for young people to share their experiences and foster empathy. Community Access, founded in 1974, offers supportive housing and social services to individuals living with mental health concerns in New York City. The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, established by philanthropist Laurie M. Tisch in 2007, supports innovative approaches across various issues, including arts education and promoting healthy communities.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/community-access-celebrates-10th-anniversary-of-changing-minds-young-filmmaker-festival-on-may-17th-in-new-york-city-302431967.htmlMemoShield is a brain supplement that combines Rhodiola and Panax Ginseng to boost mental energy, motivation, and cognitive function. It helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol, enhances mood, and improves focus, memory, and reaction time. The formula also promotes long-lasting benefits by addressing various neural pathways, including neuroplasticity, inflammation, memory consolidation, and oxidative damage from environmental stressors.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/18/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/memoshield-under-review-the-memory-switch-brain-health-supplement-by-empower-health-labs/2094789The Trump administration plans to cut annual discretionary spending at the US federal health department by approximately $40 billion, or one-third of its budget, as outlined in a draft budget document. This reduction would significantly impact the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has already announced massive restructuring efforts, including staff cuts that have affected key agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The proposed budget also includes significant changes to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research programs, with several branches set to be merged.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/trump-admin-plans-40-billion-in-health-budget-cuts-report-8185020