The Autism “Cure” Con: Why RFK Jr.’s Promise is Dangerous Nonsense About What Causes Autism
By Joe Bob Justice and Quin Halliwell
Joe Bob: By now y’all might’ve heard the latest headline bait: RFK Jr. says by September, we’ll know what causes autism. Just like that. Boom. Problem solved. Forget decades of research, forget the lived experience of millions of families, forget common sense. RFK Jr.’s got a plan—and it’s built on the same busted engine that’s been dragging half the country down a YouTube rabbit hole since 2008. 🙄💩
Quin: Let’s be clear: there is no credible scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism. This theory was popularized by Andrew Wakefield’s fraudulent 1998 paper, which has since been retracted and thoroughly debunked. Major medical institutions—including the CDC, WHO, NIH, and the American Academy of Pediatrics—agree: vaccines do not cause autism. 🌐🧼
But RFK Jr. is reviving this dead horse with all the fanfare of a miracle crusade. 🤠 He’s promised to unveil the “cause” of autism by September, based on a research team led by David Geier—a man who’s not only promoted discredited treatments like chemical castration for autistic children, but also lost his medical license for unethical conduct. ⛔️
Joe Bob: Y’all, if that ain’t a red flag I don’t know what is. 🚩 This ain’t a breakthrough—it’s a rerun. And just like before, it ain’t about helpin’ folks. It’s about scarin’ ‘em. Makin’ ‘em think someone’s hidin’ the truth. That they’re the brave few who “get it,” while everyone else is brainwashed. 🧐👁
Sound familiar? It should. This is the same script that brought us QAnon, anti-mask hysteria, the hydroxychloroquine craze, ivermectin as a COVID cure, and “plandemic” conspiracy DVDs sold outta the back of Facebook groups. 📻🧵
Quin: And here’s the part that’s actually dangerous: we are currently seeing a resurgence of preventable diseases—like measles—because of vaccine refusal. 🩸 In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the CDC reported 97 measles cases, a dramatic increase from previous years. The majority of those affected were unvaccinated children. 🪒🏫
This isn’t theoretical. This isn’t distant. This is now. And it’s getting worse. ⚠️
History shows us how dangerous RFK’s claims can be.
Historically, we’ve seen the same cycle repeat:
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Thiomersal (a mercury-based preservative) was falsely linked to autism in the early 2000s. It was removed from childhood vaccines out of caution, but autism rates did not drop—debunking the theory. (FDA) 🦉🚫
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The Geiers (yes, the same ones) used chemical castration drugs like Lupron on autistic children, claiming they were “curing” them by lowering testosterone. The treatments were discredited, and their licenses were revoked. (Chicago Tribune) 🤯😒
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Jenny McCarthy, despite her platform and passion, became the face of a movement that caused genuine harm—prompting waves of parents to delay or refuse vaccinations. 🪩😢
Joe Bob: We’ve already seen what happens when misinformation gets mainstreamed. It don’t stay in forums and podcast rants. It shows up in real life—in hospital beds, in funeral homes, and in the quiet regret of parents who were told to “do their own research” by people sellin’ book deals and detox kits. 🚫🏥📚
Quin: Let’s not forget that the increase in autism diagnoses is largely due to better screening, broader diagnostic criteria, and increased awareness. 📈 It’s not an epidemic—it’s recognition. And the idea that there’s one, single “cause” to be uncovered by September is not just arrogant—it’s scientifically incoherent. 🔬
Joe Bob: But arrogance sells. And fear? Fear prints money. 💲 And right now, the same folks who used to yell about microchips and 5G are out here actin’ like they discovered the truth about neurodevelopment. Hell, what’s next? Jenny McCarthy back on Oprah with a new juice cleanse? Gwyneth Paltrow sellin’ vaccine “detox” candles? 🙄🍵💡
Quin: We say this with seriousness and respect for the families navigating real challenges: you deserve better. You deserve truth, compassion, and actual support—not carnival barkers with fake cures and a political agenda. 🙏💜
Joe Bob: So here’s our promise: We’ll be here. Callin’ it out. With data, with heart, and with zero tolerance for snake oil. September’s comin’, y’all. And we’ll have the receipts. 🔢🔍
Sources & References:
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – https://www.cdc.gov/measles
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World Health Organization (WHO) – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders
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Retraction of Wakefield’s 1998 Lancet paper – https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60175-4/fulltext
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American Academy of Pediatrics – https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations
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AP News on RFK Jr. autism claim – https://apnews.com/article/b66251888f039c80b15beda23c279d5b
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FDA on Thiomersal safety – https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/thimerosal-and-vaccines
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Chicago Tribune on Geier case – https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-05-21-0905200587-story.html