Apr 11, 2025 3-5pm ET

Friday on The Robert Scott Bell Show:

Hour 1

RFK Jr. Says HHS Will Determine the Cause of Autism by September U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a comprehensive initiative to identify the cause of autism by September 2025. This large-scale research effort will involve hundreds of scientists and aims to address the rising autism diagnosis rates in the United States. Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, shared these plans during a televised Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, who suggested that artificial factors, including vaccines, might be contributing to the increase in autism cases. Despite these claims, the scientific consensus maintains that vaccines do not cause autism, with extensive research, including twin studies, indicating that genetics and prenatal environmental factors play significant roles. The National Institutes of Health currently invests over $300 million annually in autism research, exploring potential risk factors such as prenatal exposure to pesticides, air pollution, extreme prematurity, low birth weight, certain maternal health issues, and advanced parental age at conception. The initiative also considers that increased awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria, and improved screening have contributed to the rise in autism diagnoses. Leading autism advocacy groups, including Autism Speaks, support the scientific consensus debunking the vaccine-autism link. However, the new research effort has raised concerns among some experts who worry that focusing on discredited theories may divert resources from more promising areas of study. The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet provided detailed information about the methodology or specific goals of the initiative.

Special Guest: Steve Slepcevic

Steve Slepcevic is a nationally recognized leader in disaster management, boasting over 30 years of hands-on experience in construction, disaster recovery, and emergency response. As the CEO and founder of Strategic Response Partners (SRP), Steve has built one of the largest and most respected disaster management firms in the United States, serving clients both nationally and internationally.Steve began his career in 1989, launching Paramount Disaster Recovery Inc., growing it into one of the nation’s largest disaster recovery contractors. After a successful exit, he founded Pride Public Adjusters in 2010, transforming it into a leading nationwide public adjusting firm before selling it in 2016 to pursue his larger vision — SRP.

Under Steve’s leadership, SRP provides comprehensive disaster planning, emergency response, and recovery services for commercial, multifamily, and municipal clients. His client roster includes global brands like CBRE, Wells Fargo, Four Seasons, Costco, and many more across healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and logistics industries. Steve’s disaster recovery expertise spans major events such as hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Maria, Ian, and countless wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes around the globe. His international work has taken him to Australia, Canada, the Bahamas, France, Mexico, and beyond.

In addition to SRP, Steve founded Sabre Defense Team in 2021 — a full-service private security firm specializing in armed and unarmed security, executive protection, cyber security, and surveillance operations. Steve is also the co-founder of the American Policyholder Association, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting consumers from insurance fraud. His thought leadership has made him a sought-after keynote speaker at over 70 industry events, and he frequently serves as an expert witness in disaster-related litigation.

Committed to philanthropy, Steve supports numerous charitable organizations including St. Jude, Autism Health Summit, Firefighters4Freedom, and Operation BBQ Relief.

RFK Jr. praises Arizona legislation targeting processed foods, soda U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly endorsed Arizona’s proposed legislation aimed at reducing the consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages. The legislation seeks to implement measures such as taxation on sugary drinks, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and educational campaigns promoting healthier dietary choices. Kennedy commended the state’s proactive approach, highlighting the potential public health benefits of curbing the intake of processed foods and sugary beverages, which are linked to various health issues including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. He emphasized the importance of state-level initiatives in addressing the nation’s growing health concerns and expressed hope that Arizona’s efforts would serve as a model for other states. The proposed legislation has garnered support from health advocacy groups and public health officials who argue that such measures are necessary to combat the rising rates of diet-related illnesses. However, it has also faced opposition from industry stakeholders who contend that the legislation could negatively impact businesses and infringe on consumer choice. Despite the controversy, Kennedy’s endorsement underscores a broader federal interest in supporting state-led public health initiatives aimed at improving nutritional standards and reducing the burden of chronic diseases.

Hour 2

Special Guest Stuart Tomc

Links to The Studies Talked About:

Association between maternal diabetes and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 202 observational studies comprising 56·1 million pregnancies

Who are RFK Jr.’s ‘MAHA moms’? They might surprise you. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement garners support from a diverse group of mothers, collectively referred to as “MAHA moms.” These supporters fall into three primary categories: left-leaning “crunchy moms” who prioritize natural lifestyles and are cautious about environmental toxins; mothers of children with chronic illnesses who feel underserved by conventional medicine and are open to alternative treatments; and right-leaning advocates for “medical freedom” who oppose government mandates and support individual health choices. Despite differing motivations, these groups unite under Kennedy’s emphasis on health autonomy and skepticism of mainstream medical practices. The movement’s appeal lies in its challenge to established health norms and its promotion of personal choice in medical decisions.​

Study strengthens link between maternal diabetes and autism A comprehensive meta-analysis involving over 56 million mother-child pairs has reinforced the association between maternal diabetes during pregnancy and increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. The study found that children born to mothers with diabetes had a 28% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with such disorders. Specifically, the risks were 25% higher for autism, 30% for ADHD, and 32% for intellectual disabilities. The association was more pronounced in cases of pre-existing diabetes compared to gestational diabetes. While the study highlights a strong correlation, it does not establish causation, and researchers suggest that shared genetic or familial factors may contribute. These findings underscore the importance of medical oversight for expectant mothers with diabetes and prolonged monitoring for developmental issues in their children.

‘Parents Have Waited for 30 Years’: NIH to Study Causes of Autism The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a new initiative to study the causes of autism, responding to longstanding concerns from parents and advocacy groups. This research aims to explore potential environmental and biological factors contributing to the development of autism spectrum disorders. Advocates have criticized previous research efforts for focusing primarily on genetic factors and neglecting environmental influences. The new study seeks to address these gaps by investigating a broader range of potential causes, including prenatal exposures and early childhood factors. The initiative represents a significant shift in federal research priorities and reflects growing public demand for a more comprehensive understanding of autism’s origins. While some experts caution against drawing premature conclusions, the study’s proponents emphasize the importance of exploring all plausible factors to inform prevention and intervention strategies.​

Government Misled Public on Thimerosal Link to Autism ‘for Decades,’ Falsely Claims It’s Been Removed From Vaccines This article alleges that the U.S. government has misled the public regarding the presence of thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, in vaccines and its potential link to autism. It claims that despite official statements asserting the removal of thimerosal from childhood vaccines, the preservative remains in some formulations, particularly flu vaccines. The article argues that regulatory agencies have failed to provide transparent information about vaccine ingredients and have downplayed concerns about thimerosal’s safety. It calls for renewed scrutiny of vaccine components and greater accountability from public health authorities. While the mainstream scientific consensus maintains that there is no credible evidence linking thimerosal to autism, the article reflects ongoing skepticism and demands for more rigorous oversight of vaccine safety.​

Vaccine-autism case revived amid measles surge Amid a resurgence of measles cases in the United States, a legal effort has been initiated to reopen a vaccine-autism case that could impact the federal compensation program for vaccine-related injuries. The case involves allegations of fraud by government attorneys in previous proceedings that dismissed a link between vaccines and autism. Advocates argue that new evidence warrants a reevaluation of the case, which could have significant implications for vaccine policy and public trust. The legal challenge comes at a time when public health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles. The outcome of the case could influence future litigation and public perceptions of vaccine safety.​

Mexico Amends Constitution to Prohibit GM Corn Seeds Mexico has enacted a constitutional amendment banning the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) corn seeds, aiming to protect biodiversity, food sovereignty, and public health. The amendment strengthens previous legal actions against GM crops by embedding the prohibition in the nation’s constitution. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of preserving native corn varieties and reducing reliance on foreign agricultural technologies. The move has sparked discussions about trade implications, particularly concerning agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Supporters argue that the ban safeguards traditional farming practices and cultural heritage, while critics express concerns about potential economic impacts and trade disputes. The amendment reflects Mexico’s commitment to maintaining agricultural biodiversity and addressing public concerns about genetically modified organisms.

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