During a recent event, President Donald Trump remarked, “There are certain groups of people that don’t take vaccines & don’t take any pills that have no autism… Is that a correct statement?” RFK Jr.
cited the Amish as an example. The claim quickly went viral, drawing attention from social media and conservative circles.
The Amish are a religious group that avoids modern technology and lives in tightly-knit communities. While their children have lower rates of allergies and asthma due to constant exposure to farm environments, autism is not absent. Experts say the perception of “zero cases” stems largely from cultural and reporting factors rather than any inherent immunity.
Research Shows Autism Is Present
Several studies confirm autism exists among Amish children. In Holmes County, Ohio, research published by the International Society for Autism Research found one in 271 Amish children had autism, compared with one in 91 nationally, noting that many families delay or avoid formal diagnosis. Lead researcher Dr. Kevin Strauss said, “Autism is present, but not always recorded as such.” In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 1 in 239 Amish children was diagnosed, similar to national averages when proper screening is applied.
The CDC also found that autism rates in Amish communities match broader US figures once proper evaluations are performed. Lower apparent rates often result from delayed screening or reluctance to seek medical diagnoses. Vaccination patterns among the Amish are variable; many children receive at least some vaccines, so vaccine avoidance does not explain autism prevalence.
Why the Myth Persists
The idea that Amish children are “autism-free” traces back to discredited research and anti-vaccine campaigns. Social media amplified anecdotal claims, while political figures have highlighted these stories to support their messaging. Experts caution that spreading this misinformation can divert attention from genetic, environmental, and early intervention factors critical for supporting children with autism.
Dr. Paul Offit of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia called the claim a “dangerous myth,” and CDC Director Mandy Cohen emphasised there is no evidence linking vaccines or Tylenol to autism. In short, autism exists across all communities, including the Amish, but may go underreported due to cultural factors.