Responding to RFK Jr.'s remarks, Representative Frost wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "This is disrespectful and a flat-out lie that further stigmatizes autism. It's not a virus or a disease — it's a neurological condition with a wide spectrum. Many Americans with autism work, pay taxes, and are living happy and healthy lives."

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the agency is planning to study what causes autism and release results in September. Experts question how realistic this goal is.