The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed a webpage dedicated to warning parents about potentially dangerous and unproven autism treatments, a move that has sparked concern given the global rise in autism diagnoses and the proliferation of unsubstantiated therapies. The deletion occurred at the end of last year, according to confirmation from the Department of Health and Human Services to Ars Technica.

The now-defunct webpage, titled "Be Aware of Potentially Dangerous Products and Therapies that Claim to Treat Autism," served as an informational resource for consumers, outlining the characteristics of autism and listing evidence-based treatments approved by the FDA to manage symptoms. Crucially, it also detailed false claims and potentially harmful, unproven treatments that the agency actively worked to combat. Some of these therapies, often promoted by anti-vaccine groups and wellness companies, pose significant health risks.

The removal of the page has drawn scrutiny due to the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary, given his well-documented stance against vaccines and his connections to the wellness industry, which often promotes alternative and sometimes questionable health practices. While the exact reasons for the removal remain unclear, critics fear it could signal a shift in the U.S. government's approach to regulating and informing the public about unproven autism treatments.

Globally, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated to be around 1 in 100 children, according to the World Health Organization. This increase in diagnoses has fueled a corresponding rise in the demand for treatments, making families vulnerable to exploitation by individuals and organizations promoting unsubstantiated cures. In many countries, particularly in regions with limited access to reliable healthcare information, families may turn to alternative therapies out of desperation or lack of awareness about evidence-based options.

The FDA's action comes at a time when international health organizations are working to combat misinformation and promote evidence-based practices in autism care. The World Health Organization, for example, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, as well as access to a range of therapies tailored to individual needs. The removal of the FDA webpage could potentially undermine these efforts by creating a vacuum of reliable information, particularly for families seeking guidance online.

The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet released a comprehensive statement explaining the rationale behind the removal of the webpage. The absence of this resource leaves a gap in public education, potentially exposing vulnerable families to ineffective and even harmful treatments for autism, a condition that requires evidence-based intervention and support.