It’s understandable why recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would have drawn such ire. Advocates and families affected by autism are raising their voices to oppose his statements. Kennedy’s assertions that children with autism will never be able to live productive lives have caused heated discussion. Advocates from all over are raising awareness about both the complexity of autism and the duty that public figures have to represent this community wholeheartedly.
We know autism is a complex and diverse spectrum, affecting individuals in unpredictable and different ways. The latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows us just how alarming that trend is. In 2022, about one in every 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. had an autism diagnosis. This dramatic increase in diagnoses is not the result of an epidemic. Rather, it is due to increased recognition and greater availability of, and access to, screening. The Autism Society of America—led by President and CEO Christopher Banks—has long advocated for increased research for autism. They know the importance of deepening their understanding of this condition.
Understanding Autism
Autism is such a wide range of experiences. It features an expanding palette of skills and impairments that differ from one character to the next. The CDC’s report highlights that fewer than 40% of children diagnosed with autism were classified as having an intellectual disability. According to the Autism Society of America, autism is now being diagnosed in 3.2% of children. This increase is an encouraging indication of the growing recognition of the condition’s complexity.
Christopher Banks noted, “The report cites that the rise in autism prevalence, from 1 in 36 in 2020 to 1 in 31 in 2022, may reflect progress in awareness, increased access to screening and diagnosis, and reinforces the urgent need for robust, science-based research to better understand autism.” To be clear, he continued, “For the record – autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that impacts everyone. Statements suggesting that autism is ‘preventable’ or that the condition is definitively caused by ‘environmental toxins’ are not backed by existing studies.”
Unfortunately, even with these realities in mind, Kennedy’s statements continue to repeat harmful stereotypes associated with autism. Furthermore, his claim overlooks the incredible accomplishments made by those who live with autism. Most of them are not just employed – they’re helping to build the communities we call home. The vast majority of autistic people are happy, healthy and productive members of society who live successful lives and make significant contributions to their communities.
Advocacy Response
Kennedy’s comments drew a swift and strong condemnation. Autism advocates were appalled by his broad-brush portrayal of children with autism. Beth Hoffman, a mother of a 10-year-old non-speaking son with autism, expressed her outrage: “I’m sad for our country, my son’s future, and everyone with [a disability].”
Actress Holly Robinson Peete, a longtime advocate for autism awareness, took to social media to respond negatively. She added, “Autism should not be treated as a disease. It’s a developmental disorder. Getting that distinction right is fundamentally important.” Her comments illustrate the sentiments shared by many advocates who are pushing for a more honest portrayal of the autism community.
Alexis Brown, another advocate, pointedly countered Kennedy’s claims: “Autism is a very broad spectrum, and it is not an epidemic. Our kids are active in sports, they’re part of the National Junior Honor Society… Let’s not perpetuate the myth that every child with autism will always be in diapers. Some of them will even go on to become astronauts!
The Call for Accurate Representation
The Autism Society of America has urged public leaders to ground their messaging in current science and respect for the community they serve. Advocates emphasize the need for accurate portrayals and responsible communication about autism.
Samantha Taylor voiced her frustrations with Kennedy’s remarks: “Unless you are the parent of a child with autism, you can’t begin to imagine what the journey is like. To say that it’s an epidemic and destroying families is an insult to everyone in the autism community.”
As Tom Frazier explained, this points to the heterogeneity across the autism spectrum. While my autistic son will probably never know the joy of a first date, most autistic individuals are socially successful. Autism is on a wide spectrum, and his remarks did not do justice to the vastness of that autistic landscape. He emphasized that more inclusive systems are more likely to allow for earlier identification of youth needs as well as increased access to services they require.
