Members of the autism community express concerns over Health Secretary Kennedy's lack of comprehension regarding their requirements
Fresh Spin:
In just two swift months at the helm, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has managed to reignite the spotlight on autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, like no other recent public figure. While autism advocacy groups may welcome more attention for their cause, the autistic community itself welcomes a tad more caution and consideration from Kennedy.
Kennedy's unflinching stance against vaccines paired with the Trump administration's threat to phase out services catering to people with autism has sent ripples of unsettling apprehension through the community.
At a press conference in April about autism rates among school-aged children, Kennedy branded autism an "epidemic" and a "shattering" blow that "tears families apart."
"These are students who will never work, never write a poem, never socialize, never attain a level of independence," Kennedy shared.
In response, 15 advocacy groups issued a joint statement calling for autistic individuals to be respected and supported. They expressed concern over growing rhetoric and policies that don't reflect the inherent value, rights, and diverse needs of autistic people.
Zoe Gross, an advocate and director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, didn't hesitate to speak her mind. Gross, who lives with autism as does her brother, declared, "It wasn't a tragedy for our family."
Autism scholar and advocate Ari Ne'eman echoed Gross' sentiments, terming Kennedy's disparaging remarks as "part of the long, disheartening history of fear-mongering in the autism world."
Even among people with intellectual disabilities, who comprise roughly 40% of people with autism, 1 out of 5 holds a paid job in the community [Enrichment Data].
Kennedy later clarified that he was referring to those with "profound autism," including individuals who lack speech. Research suggests that 10-27% of autistic people fall under this category, with this rate remaining relatively consistent since 2000 [Enrichment Data].
Philip Weintraub, 53, falling under the umbrella of profound autism, is a testament to the potential for individuals who were long considered indistinguishable from their institutionalized counterparts. Despite not speaking until age 5, he received targeted therapy and now holds down a stable job at the Universal Services Administrative Company, where he connects people to broadband services.
Many advocates voice concerns that Kennedy's remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes about autism, stigmatizing the community.
Despite significant changes in attitudes toward autism over the past few decades, Kennedy doesn't seem to have kept pace. Some experts pointed out that Kennedy's words echo the language of some autism organizations from 20 years ago, when the focus was primarily on "curing" the condition [Enrichment Data].
In a written statement to NBC News, an HHS spokesperson emphasized that Kennedy remains committed to fostering a society where people with autism have access to supportive resources and deserve full recognition and equity. The spokesperson also stated that Kennedy's remarks regarding autism emphasized the need for increased research into environmental factors contributing to the rise in autism diagnoses, rather than serving to stigmatize individuals with autism or their families [Enrichment Data].
- To address the growing concern about the potential impact of government policies on the autistic community, some advocacy groups are campaigning for insurance coverage that includes mental health services and education-and-self-development programs, ensuring better resources for autistic individuals.
- In light of the debate surrounding Kennedy's views on autism, many are advocating for an increased focus on scientific research, particularly in understanding the environmental factors contributing to the rise in autism diagnoses, possibly leading to the development of new taxes to fund such studies.
- While Kennedy's statements about autism and its impact on families have generated considerable controversy, there are discussions within the community about securing financial assistance for those with profound autism, enabling them to access job opportunities in areas such as health-and-wellness, and allowing them to lead independent lives, just like other individuals.
