Trump and RFK Jr. Boosted This Unproven Autism Drug. Some Parents Listened
A recent study indicates that endorsements from Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. significantly increased the prescription rates of leucovorin, an unproven treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Despite the lack of convincing evidence supporting its effectiveness, many families turned to this medication following the announcements. Researchers noted a dramatic rise in prescriptions, particularly after a Fox News report highlighted positive experiences from some families.
- ▪The prescription rate of leucovorin among children with autism surged after endorsements from Trump and RFK Jr.
- ▪Researchers found that the rate increased from 34 prescriptions per 100,000 visits in 2023 and 2024 to 835 by November 2025.
- ▪The study highlights the influence of public figures on parental decisions regarding autism treatments, despite limited scientific backing.
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Last September, President Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and other health officials declared they had uncovered a new, potentially groundbreaking treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD): the existing medication leucovorin. A study out today shows that plenty of families believed them.cnx.cmd.push(function(){cnx({"playerId":"92b7b46b-43ed-4e0e-b21b-2c999302d9d7","settings":{"advertising":{"macros":{"AD_UNIT":"/23178111854/od.gizmodo.com/article","CHILD_UNIT":"article","POST_ID":"2000760002","POST_TYPE":"post","CHANNEL":"science","SECTION":"health","SUBSECTION":"","CATEGORIES":"health","TAGS":"autism,donald-trump,leucovorin,rfk-jr","NOP":"0"},"timeBeforeFirstAd":0}}}).render("cnx-player-main")}); Researchers at the University of California, San Diego examined nationwide…
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