Hot Topic: RFK Jr Calls Autism 'Preventable' After CDC's Latest Report
04/24/25 • 36 min
HOT HOT HOT!
In our first standalone Hot Topic episode (released every Friday) we discuss and debunk the inaccurate remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr (26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services) in responding to a new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This report claims that rates of Autism had increased to one in 31 among 8-year-olds. We analyse the claims made, the studies cited, and the broader impact of such rhetoric on public perception and policy.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
- Mr Kennedy blames environmental risk factors for the uptick, he accused the media and the public of succumbing to a “myth of epidemic denial” when it came to autism. We discuss why he is so wrong!
- He called research into the genetic factors that scientists say play a vital role in whether a child will develop autism “a dead end” and that autism was preventable - while directly contradicting researchers within his own agency on a primary driver behind rising rates of Autism diagnosis in young children.
- The importance of accurate representation, the role of genetics in autism, and the need for advocacy and community support to combat damaging misinformation and stigma.
Resources:
Article written by Columnist (and father to an Autistic Son) John Harris in the Guardian
A new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:
Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde
Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.
Follow NDE on social media:
Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience
If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.
Get bonus content on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOT HOT HOT!
In our first standalone Hot Topic episode (released every Friday) we discuss and debunk the inaccurate remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr (26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services) in responding to a new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This report claims that rates of Autism had increased to one in 31 among 8-year-olds. We analyse the claims made, the studies cited, and the broader impact of such rhetoric on public perception and policy.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
- Mr Kennedy blames environmental risk factors for the uptick, he accused the media and the public of succumbing to a “myth of epidemic denial” when it came to autism. We discuss why he is so wrong!
- He called research into the genetic factors that scientists say play a vital role in whether a child will develop autism “a dead end” and that autism was preventable - while directly contradicting researchers within his own agency on a primary driver behind rising rates of Autism diagnosis in young children.
- The importance of accurate representation, the role of genetics in autism, and the need for advocacy and community support to combat damaging misinformation and stigma.
Resources:
Article written by Columnist (and father to an Autistic Son) John Harris in the Guardian
A new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:
Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde
Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.
Follow NDE on social media:
Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience
If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.
Get bonus content on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
Autistic Meltdowns & Emotional Regulation: Big Feelings & Everyday Struggles
In this episode Jordan and Simon return to a topic that they first discussed right at the beginning of Season 1 of The Neurodivergent experience - Meltdowns and Emotional Regulation. Its been over a year since they first talked about meltdowns and life could not be more different for either of our hosts. So what has changed and how has Simon's perspective and coping strategies changed now he has better understand of himself as an Autistic and ADHD individual?
Here's what we cover in this episode:
- Emotional regulation through retail therapy shopping and the challenges of self soothing meltdowns by using our special interests
- The significance of family support systems and the complexities of emotional responses in love, relationships, and the challenges of navigating family relationships.
- Parental expectations of personal growth in Neurodivergent children and the necessity of clear communication and boundaries in relationships between parent and child.
- The challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and the systemic issues surrounding assessments and accommodations with a need for better understanding, resilience, and advocacy within the neurodivergent community.
- We discuss our recent life updates, focusing on Simon's new role as a producer at the Autistic Culture Podcast and Jordans new love for oversized hoodies.
SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:
Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde
Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.
Follow NDE on social media:
Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience
If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.
Get bonus content on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
Is The Simpsons Autistic? Exploring Neurodivergent Themes in Springfield
In this episode Jordan James and Simon Scott chat about one of the worlds most famous and loved tv shows, the Simpsons. Why do we relate to this cartoon family so much and how does the show serve as a medium to explain and represent Autism and ADHD people? Plus we discuss why the titular family aren't the only autistic-coded characters in Springfield who reflect and resonate with the experiences of neurodivergent audiences.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
- Through character analysis, particularly of Bart Simpson, we delve into the neurodivergent traits of Bart Simpson, exploring how his character could reflect the experiences of the show's creators.
- How Ralph and Martin could be viewed as 'high and low functioning' characters yet we relate to both of them!
- We discuss the complexities of Bart's intelligence and struggles with traditional education, as well as the similarities between Bart and his father, Homer.
- The discussion also touches on Maggie's representation of nonverbal autism and the broader themes of mental health and family dynamics within The Simpsons.
- We discuss the complexities of autism representation in media, the significance of non-speaking individuals on tv, and the unique dynamics of characters like Maggie and Marge Simpson.
SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:
Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde
Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.
Follow NDE on social media:
Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience
If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.
Get bonus content on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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