April is Autism Awareness Month, or, more preferred in the autism community, Autism Acceptance Month. Recently, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F Kennedy Jr., made some harmful, degrading, and scientifically inaccurate statements about autistic people. AWS Foundation firmly stands in the belief that autistic people are valuable, productive members of our community that live just as engaged, meaningful lives as neurotypical people.
Multiple studies have shown that the “increased prevalence” of autism is due to a better understanding of autism and more objective diagnostic criteria. This would imply that the prevalence hasn’t increased at all, just that people who were missed before are actually receiving a diagnosis. Research results have documented the genetic link with autism. It isn’t caused from vaccines or poor parenting. While environmental factors can play a part in the likelihood of a child being born with autism, any statements made to this point are at best inconclusive and at worst misleading. Contrary to RFK Jr.’s statements, autistic people do date, get married, and even have children of their own. If any increase is actually happening, it’s likely due to autistic people having children and passing the genetic likelihood on to their child. Autism is a complicated, neurodevelopmental disorder that is hard to understand. This Cleveland Clinic article provides some easier to understand information.
Decades of research has debunked the vaccine theory and has made great strides in diagnosing and supporting autistic people. To expect a “solution” in five months, as suggested by Secretary Kennedy, is unsupported by scientific theory and could lead to harmful results. This messaging will erase decades of progress of acceptance and understanding that has been earned by the autism community. This is a complex issue that impacts people who show a wide range of abilities. We will continue to look to experts in the fields of Neuropsychology, Medicine and Education who, through scientific research processes guide our learning.
AWS Foundation currently employs an autistic person who has a college degree, works full-time (and pays taxes!), and even owns her own home. Some autistic people will never be able to do those things. Some neurotypical people will never be able to do those things. As it is a spectrum, each person’s experience with autism varies. But none of them are “suffering.” They are not “sick.” Autistic people may struggle because they live in a world not designed for them. But with people willing to learn about and understand them, support them in their unique needs, and work together with them, they can thrive.
We know that autistic people bring creative thinking and problem solving to the world. As natural pattern recognizers and their ability to hyperfocus, they can provide unique perspectives and efficiency to a workplace. But even if they can never work, even in the person with the highest support needs, autistic people are people with desires, personalities, interests, and whatever else you feel is inclusive of the human experience. We should not be wasting taxpayer dollars looking for a cure because that implies a disease that needs to be eradicated. At AWS Foundation, we, and those whom we fund are looking for ways to support people with autism and those who care for them. Won’t you join us?