Combating Misinformation: Understanding Autism Beyond Myths and Misconceptions

Nyssa Petersen Ventura, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
April 27th, 2025

As a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in assessing autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental conditions, I've worked in diverse settings such as schools, neuropsychological clinics, primary care, and outpatient behavioral health. My research in social cognitive neuroscience at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Biola University has informed my understanding of autism. My postdoctoral experiences include continuing education from the UW Autism Center, UW Project ECHO Autism, the Washington Association for Infant Mental Health, and Massachusetts General Hospital's Psychiatry Department, enhancing my competencies in evaluating and supporting autistic individuals across the lifespan. I've participated in the Washington State Autism Center of Excellence and School and Medical Autism Review Team initiatives and volunteer with the Valley Autism Support Team (VAST), a local group of multidisciplinary professionals dedicated to increasing access to neurodiversity-affirming diagnostic and support services for autistic individuals, their families, and healthcare providers in our community. Given my experiences and dedication to evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, I feel compelled to address the recent misinformation spread by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about autism.

The Genetic Basis of Autism

Scientific consensus, supported by extensive research, indicates that autism is predominantly a genetic condition. Studies published in journals such as JAMA estimate the heritability of autism to be around 83%, underscoring the significant role genetic factors play in its development.¹² While there is evidence that non-shared environmental factors and epigenetic mechanisms may influence gene expression and contribute to autism in some cases, these do not support the notion of an "epidemic" caused exclusively by vaccines or other environmental toxins. Mischaracterizing autism in this way not only misleads the public but also reinforces stigma for individuals on the spectrum.³⁴ It is critical to focus on evidence-based understanding to counter such misinformation.

Rising Prevalence: A Result of Evolving Diagnostic Practices and Heightened Awareness

The reported increases in autism diagnoses over recent years should not be interpreted as the emergence of an epidemic. Instead, they reflect substantial shifts in diagnostic practices and greater public awareness. Several key factors explain these trends:

1. Co-occurrence with ADHD:
   The DSM-5 permits the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) alongside Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a distinction not allowed in the DSM-IV. According to scientific literature, 50 to 70% of individuals with autism also present with comorbid ADHD.⁵ This suggests that the increased prevalence of autism includes individuals previously identified with only ADHD.

2. Broadened Diagnostic Criteria:
   The evolution from discrete categories—such as Asperger’s syndrome, PDD NOS, and Autistic Disorder—to the unified umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-5 has expanded diagnostic criteria. This broader framework captures a wider range of phenotypic presentations and nuances, increasing the number of individuals who meet diagnostic thresholds.⁶⁷

3. Improved Recognition Among Understudied Populations:
   Enhanced research efforts and refined assessment tools have led to better recognition of autism in girls, women, and intellectually capable individuals—groups historically underdiagnosed.⁸⁹ This progress ensures that individuals previously overlooked now receive appropriate attention and care.

4. Heightened Practitioner and Public Awareness:
   Increased education and media coverage have raised overall awareness about autism. Both healthcare practitioners and the general public are now more knowledgeable about the signs of autism, contributing to earlier identification and intervention.⁶¹⁰

Collectively, these changes in diagnostic guidelines, research focus, and societal awareness have resulted in higher prevalence rates reported in studies—not because the underlying incidence of autism has dramatically increased, but because diagnostic practices have become more inclusive and precise.⁶¹¹¹²

The Diversity of the Autism Spectrum

Kennedy’s portrayal of autistic individuals as incapable of societal contribution is not only inaccurate but also harmful. Autism exists on a spectrum, encompassing a wide variety of abilities and challenges, and the evolution in diagnostic criteria has highlighted this diversity further. Many autistic individuals lead fulfilling lives, maintain careers, and form meaningful relationships.³¹³ Moving away from outdated stereotypes allows us to appreciate the varied experiences and capabilities within the autism community.

Promoting Neurodiversity and Evidence-Based Supports

Embracing neurodiversity means recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and strengths of autistic individuals.¹⁴ Rather than diverting attention to unproven environmental causes, our focus should be on evidence-based supports and interventions that improve quality of life. This involves advocating for policies that foster inclusion and provide the necessary resources across the lifespan for all members of the autism community.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals and Society

Healthcare professionals bear the responsibility of countering misinformation with rigorous, science-based information. By continuing to educate the public, challenging harmful stereotypes, and advocating for the rights and dignity of autistic individuals, we contribute to a more informed and inclusive society.³ Recognizing that the reported increase in autism prevalence largely reflects changes in diagnostic criteria, improved assessment methods, and heightened awareness allows us to support early intervention and tailored care rather than fueling undue alarm.

In conclusion, a commitment to evidence-based practice, neurodiversity, and the well-being of all autistic individuals will ensure that our public discourse and policies accurately reflect the nature of autism. By embracing these shifts, we can build a society where every neurodivergent individual has the opportunity to thrive and make unique contributions.

References

1. Sandin, S., Lichtenstein, P., Kuja-Halkola, R., Hultman, C., Larsson, H., & Reichenberg, A. (2017). The heritability of autism spectrum disorder. JAMA, 318(12), 1182–1184. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.12141

2. Tick, B., Bolton, P., Happé, F., Rutter, M., & Rijsdijk, F. (2016). Heritability of autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of twin studies. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(5), 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12499

3. American Psychological Association. (2025). APA statement on RFK misinformation. Retrieved on April 27, 2025, from https://updates.apaservices.org/autism

4. Wilson, P. (2025). Autism is mostly genetic. Medscape. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/we-are-seeing-more-autism-and-its-mostly-genetic-2025a10009kv

5. Hours, C., Recasens, C., & Baleyte, J. M. (2022). ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About?. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 837424. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years. Retrieved on April 27, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/ss/ss7402a1.htm

7. Pearson Assessments. (2025). Supporting students with ASD and ADHD. Retrieved from https://www.pearsonassessments.com/content/dam/school/global/clinical/us/assets/featured-topics/supporting-students-with-asd-and-adhd.pdf

8. Cruz, S., Zubizarreta, S. C.-P., Costa, A. D., Araújo, R., Martinho, J., Tubío-Fungueiriño, M., Sampaio, A., Cruz, R., Carracedo, A., & Fernández-Prieto, M. (2025). Is there a bias towards males in the diagnosis of autism? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuropsychology Review, 35(2), 153–176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-023-09630-2

9. Neff, M. A. (2025). Understanding autism in women: A neurodivergent perspective. Retrieved from https://neurodivergentinsights.com/womenafab-and-autism/

10. Grosvenor, L. P., Croen, L. A., Lynch, F. L., Marafino, B. J., Maye, M., Penfold, R. B., Simon, G. E., & Ames, J. L. (2024). Autism diagnosis among US children and adults, 2011-2022. JAMA Network Open, 7(10), e2442218. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.42218

11. Hansen, S. N., Schendel, D. E., & Parner, E. T. (2015). Explaining the increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders: The proportion attributable to changes in reporting practices. JAMA Pediatrics, 169(1), 56–62. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.1893

1. Zwaigenbaum, L., & Penner, M. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder: Advances in diagnosis and evaluation. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 361, k1674. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1674

2. Gross, Z. (2017). Employment and autism: A perspective from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Retrieved from https://autisticadvocacy.org/

3. Singer, J. (1999). Why can't you be normal for once in your life? From a 'problem with no name' to the emergence of a new category of difference. In M. Corker & S. French (Eds.), Disability Discourse (pp. 59-67). Open University Press.