• Updated

A Trump administration decision to repurpose an old chemotherapy drug for autism has surprised many experts — including the physician who recently proposed the idea. Dr. Richard Frye tells The Associated Press he was surprised by Monday’s abrupt announcement promoting a generic drug as an option for autism. The Arizona-based child neurologist had been discussing further research and development of a new version specifically for autistic patients. Instead, the Trump administration said it would relabel existing versions already on the market. It’s another example of the haphazard rollout of the administration’s autism announcement, which has alarmed many physicians, researchers and parents. The Republican administration hasn't responded to a Wednesday request for comment.