Latest news with #UnitedStatesDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
Int'l Business Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Int'l Business Times
A Lost Generation: Anne Delery McWhorter on Long COVID and Its Connection to High-Level Intelligence
Emerging research suggests that Long COVID may exacerbate neurological symptoms in individuals with pre-existing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This connection that intertwines immune dysfunction, neurological symptoms, and genetic predispositions has profound implications for how treatment, access, and advocacy are addressed. Anne Delery McWhorter is one of the few sounding the alarm. As the founder of Quiet Calm, LLC, a company dedicated to developing sensory solutions for individuals with invisible disabilities, McWhorter has always been an advocate for neurodivergent individuals with understanding the constantly evolving genetic links between high intelligence, rare genetic mutations, and how these formerly known as "rare genetic conditions" are disproportionately linked to those battling the life-altering consequences of Long COVID. A former software engineer, geophysicist and sedimentologist, physics lecturer, technical writer, and lobbyist, she brings a multidimensional perspective. McWhorter was nominated for the congressionally mandated presidentially appointed steering committee by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to direct policy and resources on Long COVID. Her resume includes high-level contributions to disaster relief efforts and public health initiatives, notably through her work with the American Red Cross and FEMA. Through her work, she has supported 1.7 million families living with Autism globally and 90,000 families living or surviving domestic violence in the United States. McWhorter's efforts to deliver and educate communities on the use of sensory therapy interventions during natural disasters set a precedent for how neurodivergent needs can and must be integrated into crisis response models. It's worth noting that McWhorter's professional and personal journeys are interwoven with the issues she champions. Self-identifying as neurodivergent and formally diagnosed with autism through genetic testing, she's open about having an IQ score in the top 0.1% of the population. Her early academic trajectory and later professional achievements reflect this. By age 20, while pursuing her undergraduate degree, McWhorter led the Louisiana State University physics tutorial lab, participated in what would later become a Nobel prize-winning particle collider project, and transitioned seamlessly from academia into high-stakes roles in energy, advocacy, and healthcare systems. During this time, she was also the student head of an international geology project under the world-renowned geologist, Dr. Arnold H. Bouma. All of this unfolded while navigating a rare genetic immune deficiency. Because the deficiency was not diagnosed, she was unaware that she had children, and her son was born with the same condition. This incurable condition requires them to undergo monthly antibody infusions derived from tens of thousands of plasma donors, simply to maintain a functioning immune system. Her path, then, isn't just one of advocacy. It's survival. It's hardly surprising that COVID-19 changed McWhorter's health forever. "After contracting the virus, I experienced brain lesions, temporary loss of speech, novel blood clots, loss of swallowing, and debilitating neurological symptoms," McWhorter shares. "They're so severe that creating a grocery list was impossible for me." Eventually, her own pursuit of experimental treatments helped restore higher-level cognitive functions. However, her infection continued to come at a cost. McWhorter's body's thermoregulation failed, a side effect linked to the hypothalamus, meaning that even mild overheating can now trigger a full-blown crisis. "I still have to constantly self-regulate my environment to stay alive and functional," McWhorter states. She had to do whatever was needed to push forward with research, speaking engagements, and policy work. This lived experience makes her one of the most important figures speaking on the overlap between Long COVID and neurodivergence. Previously, very rare genetic conditions are no longer considered rare, and are forever linked to neurodivergence and Long COVID. "Very rare diseases," such as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, are now so well known that they commonly appear on social media. Knowing these implications are staggering for the long-term response and dedication of resources, nationally and internationally, she aims to share her insights regarding the matter. Emerging studies now confirm what McWhorter began observing years ago. People with autism and those with other neurodivergent conditions like ADHD are disproportionately affected by Long COVID. The symptoms in neurodivergent individuals tend to be more severe, more persistent, and more difficult to treat. Researchers suggest this may be due to shared factors such as immune dysregulation, baseline inflammation, and complex neurological and developmental profiles, which are traits already prevalent among individuals with autism. McWhorter also points to the correlation between higher IQ and increased likelihood of autistic traits. "These same genetic and neurological profiles that drive exceptional intelligence increase vulnerability to Long COVID," she states. "If we lose this segment of the population, we're decimating our future inventors, scientists, engineers, artists, the people who solve problems others can't. And I'm not exaggerating. It's economics." McWhorter is a systems thinker who has learned from years of legislative work that ethical arguments, while valid, rarely move policy on their own. What moves policy is return on investment. "Failing to treat and accommodate neurodivergent individuals with Long COVID is both immoral and economically disastrous for all of humanity," she adds. The conversation becomes even more urgent. Recent proposals to cut insurance reimbursements for certain medical treatments that represent some of the most promising interventions for both Long COVID and autism could have catastrophic ripple effects. "I've done the math. Of the 17 services listed in the proposed national cuts, at least five are currently among the best available treatments for a variety of different conditions that disproportionately affect neurodivergent individuals and Long COVID," McWhorter states. McWhorter stresses how devastating this is. "We're not talking about discomfort," she says. "We're talking about whether someone can swallow food, regulate pain, or even remain conscious throughout the day." She goes further to argue that cuts to these treatments could set back public health by decades and lead to long-term economic stagnation. "A society that fails to support its most vulnerable is a society that fails everyone," she remarks. Currently, the average waiting list to see a specialist is about 2-3 years, and an average Long COVID patient needs to see 8-9 separate specialists, and then even then, the interventions between patients are still within the same 5-7 protocols. In this case, what's the solution? McWhorter proposes fast-tracking training programs designed specifically to treat Long COVID. "I'm not suggesting a full medical school overhaul," she clarifies. "I'm talking about targeted certification programs that can rapidly produce specialists who understand how to treat these complex cases." These programs would be autism-informed, neurodiversity-competent, and medically rigorous. McWhorter argues that funding for such programs would pay for itself within 6 months to a year by reducing disability rates, restoring people to the workforce, and enabling the very innovation the world depends on. McWhorter shares a message of warning and hope: "We have the opportunity right now to lead the world in treating Long COVID. If we act fast, we can save lives and build a healthier, more resilient population. If we don't, we risk losing an entire generation and the brilliance that comes with it." Within this lost generation, the potential to affect another generation is there as Anne will continue to fight not just for herself, but for her genius-level, academically brilliant, immunodeficient, neurodivergent son. "All that I do, all that I have done, is for my son."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Simone Biles apologizes to Riley Gaines, argues for 'competitive equity and inclusivity' in women's sports
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles apologized to former college swimmer Riley Gaines after the two engaged in a verbal back-and-forth on X on Friday. In a post Tuesday, Biles apologized for not showing "empathy and respect" in a tweet where she ripped Gaines for the former swimmer's stance on transgender athletes. In her post, Biles said she believed "competitive equity and inclusivity" are essential in sport. She said she did not want to advocate for policies that "compromise fairness in women's sports." Biles added that she took issue with Gaines singling out a child in her post. Advertisement Biles ended her post by saying: "Individual athletes—especially kids—should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition. We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful." Biles and Gaines engaged in a verbal back-and-forth on X on Friday after Gaines attacked a high school girls softball team, claiming one player on the team was transgender. Biles responded to that tweet, calling Gaines a "sore loser" and a "bully." Gaines — a former swimmer at the University of Kentucky — became a public figure in 2022, when she argued against the inclusion of transgender women participating in women's sports after she tied for fifth with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at a meet. Gaines has continued to lobby for that cause, and appeared in a video on the United States Department of Health and Human Services website in February which argued against allowing transgender women to participate in women's sports. Gaines responded to Biles' post Friday, calling it "disappointing." Over the weekend, Gaines tweeted or shared at least 15 tweets mentioning Biles. Gaines has not addressed Biles' apology post at this time.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa & More Sign Open Letter for LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention
To kick off Pride Month this year, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and several more stars have added their names to an open letter advocating to keep federal funding in place for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention measures. As unveiled by The Trevor Project on Monday (June 2), the letter comes in direct response to a leaked United States Department of Health and Human Services budget that showed the Donald Trump administration's plans to eliminate funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+-related services, which actively supports young people in the LGBTQ+ community considering suicide. Despite it providing help to more than 1.2 million estimated callers since its launch in 2022, the proposal would have the crisis line's funding slashed entirely after going into effect on Oct. 1. More from Billboard 8 Trans & Nonbinary Artists Get Real on the Fight for Trans Rights in 2025: 'Try to Give a F–k' 'Happy Gilmore 2' Trailer Features Cameos From Eminem, Post Malone & Bad Bunny Lady Gaga's 'Wednesday' Character Confirmed, First Six Minutes of Season Two Released 'We are heartbroken by the proposal to eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services — a move that will have devastating, life-threatening consequences for young people across the country,' reads the message, which was also signed by Pedro Pascal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Cara Delevingne, Sarah Paulson, Daniel Radcliffe and Darren Criss. 'As artists, creators, and public figures, our platforms come with responsibility. And today, that responsibility is clear: We must speak out to protect the mental health and lives of LGBTQ+ youth. We will not stay silent.' Acknowledging that youth suicide in the LGBTQ+ community is a 'public health crisis' — with The Trevor Project estimating that more than 1.8 million in the U.S. alone seriously consider suicide every year — the signatories directly called on Congress to 'do the right thing' by restoring and protecting funding for 988 in the 2026 budget. The letter ends with a message of support addressed to people most affected by the proposed cuts, as well as an encouragement to sign the nonprofit's petition to save its program. 'To every LGBTQ+ young person reading this: You are not alone,' it concludes. 'We see you. We value you. You have the right to feel safe, supported, and loved exactly as you are. You deserve access to life-saving services that honor your humanity. You may be hurting. You may be scared. You may feel like no one hears you — but we do. We will keep showing up and speaking out. We will not stop fighting for you.' Among the other musicians who signed are Aly & AJ, Bea Miller, Blondshell, Christina Aguilera, Diplo, Ethel Cain, FLETCHER, GAYLE, Julia Michaels, Kelsea Ballerini, King Princess, MARINA, Orville Peck, Tove Lo and Troye Sivan. More big names are likely to sign in the coming days, as the letter will stay open for new signatories on a rolling basis. The message comes at a particularly harrowing time for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who have watched as Trump has spent his first few months back in office working to undo protections for gay, trans and nonbinary people. GLAAD documented at least 225 attacks on LGBTQ+ rights within the first 100 days of the twice-impeached POTUS' second term, including attempts to defund HIV research and cut programs supporting the community. But as The Trevor Project and its allies put it in their letter, now is the time to 'rise together — loudly and determined — for hope, for dignity, and for every LGBTQ+ young person to know that their lives are worthy and that there will always be someone on the other end of the line.' If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's website for free, confidential emotional support and resources 24/7. Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RFK Jr. Says 'I Don't Think People Should Be Taking Medical Advice from Me'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. runs the United States Department of Health and Human Services, but according to congressional testimony he gave on Wednesday, May 14, he shouldn't be viewed as a medical expert. During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Kennedy was pressed on his past statements about vaccines by Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan, among others. Just a few weeks after sharing false claims about the MMR vaccine — which protects against measles, mumps and rubella — RFK Jr. was asked if he would choose to have his children vaccinated today. Kennedy, who has previously stated that he regrets vaccinating his six children, sidestepped the question, saying, 'I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me.' When urged to provide an answer, he said he would 'probably' choose to vaccinate his kids, but again noted, 'My opinions about vaccines are irrelevant … I don't want to give advice.' A vocal anti-vaccine advocate prior to his HHS appointment, Kennedy has continued to promote unproven remedies amid an ongoing measles outbreak, which has reached over 1,000 cases, spread to 31 states and resulted in three deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He was chastised by members of Congress for refusing to take a stand on the matter. In her closing remarks, ranking committee member Rep. Rosa DeLauro noted that Kennedy — as the head of HHS and top adviser to President Donald Trump on health-related matters — 'makes medical decisions every day.' 'You're the secretary of HHS. You have tremendous power over health policy,' she said. '[It's] really horrifying that you will not encourage families to vaccinate their children, measles, chickenpox, polio. Vaccines are one of the foundations of public health. Vaccines, yes, save lives, and the fact that the secretary of health and human services refuses to encourage children to be vaccinated is a tragedy.' Kennedy's latest controversial comments come weeks after he was accused of fear-mongering by falsely claiming that the MMR vaccine contains 'aborted fetus debris.' 'There are populations in our country like the Mennonites in Texas who are most afflicted, and they have religious objections to the vaccination because the MMR vaccine contains a lot of aborted fetus debris and DNA particles. So they don't want to take it," Kennedy told Chris Cuomo during a NewsNation town hall. "So we ought to be able to take care of those populations when they get sick and that's one of the things that the CDC has not done." Numerous health experts quickly refuted Kennedy's remarks and condemned the spreading of misinformation. 'The claim that the MMR vaccine contains 'fetal debris' is not only scientifically inaccurate, it's dangerously misleading,' Dr. Tyler Evans, former chief medical officer for New York City, told The Independent. 'The rubella component of the MMR vaccine was developed decades ago using a well-established human cell line, replicated countless times. There is no actual fetal tissue in the vaccine." Evans continued: "It's time we stop politicizing science and return to evidence-based public health, because mistrust fueled by misinformation puts our most vulnerable communities at risk.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer. 'It is not true that the vaccines have fetal elements, debris, cells in them,' Dr. Shira Doron, chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine and hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center, told Health. 'But what is true is that the viruses that need to be grown to create vaccines are grown in cells. In some cases, human cells.' Doron added that among all vaccines, 'MMR vaccine is by far among the safest' because it has been used and studied 'extensively.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fact check: No autism registry, real-time data platform to be created, HHS says
NEW YORK (PIX11) — An autism registry will not be created, a spokesperson for the United States Department of Health and Human Services told PIX11 News in an email Thursday afternoon. Instead of a traditional registry, a real-world data platform will be established. This platform will link existing datasets to support research into the causes of Autism and provide insights into improved treatment strategies, HHS said. More Local News This announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control published a new study that found Autism among children aged eight increased from 2020 to 2022. Their report estimates that one in 31 U.S. children has Autism. United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says, 'The autism epidemic is running rampant.' Kennedy also noted that autism is a preventable disease. Autism is not considered a disease but a complex disorder that affects the brain. Symptoms include delays in language, learning, and social or emotional skills. Some autistic traits can go unnoticed well into adulthood. Since the announcement, countless reports have surfaced stating that the National Institutes of Health would create a medical records database. 'The National Institutes of Health (NIH) remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing our understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex and heterogeneous condition affecting approximately 1 in 31 children, according to 2025 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. In response to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s call to identify the causes of Autism, NIH is investing $50 million to launch a comprehensive research effort aimed at understanding the causes of ASD and improving treatments by leveraging large-scale data resources and fostering cross-sector collaboration.' United States Department of Health and Human Services In the CDC study, published Thursday, the agency found that non-white children, i.e., Black, Asian, and Hispanic children, are significantly more affected by Autism. Kennedy has set a September deadline to determine what causes Autism. Autism experts applaud efforts to understand the condition further, but say the number of reported cases began to balloon as the definition of the condition expanded to include mild cases. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
