And Then Hell Froze Over

My current state of irate is due to the blathering of RFK Jr. regarding autism.  I don't want to link to his statements, because they are on a level of wrongity wrong wrong that boggles the mind. Briefly: his remarks include statements that are outdated and dehumanizing, perpetuate stigma and stereotypes, and undermine progress that has been made in diagnosis as well as in the development of support structures and progress in disability rights for those on the autism spectrum. The Autism Society's statement regarding RFK Jr's comments summarizes things nicely.

And now, a group of leading autism organizations has released a joint statement -- for the first time ever -- calling for science-based decision-making, investment in research, and services for the autism community, and the organizations that have signed include Autism Speaks, which historically I (and others) have considered to be problematic. Agree with Autism Speaks? Hell has frozen over. And we are OK with that.  

The list of endorsing organizations is growing. Good. More voices together will increase the chances that they will be heard, and that they will drown out the nonsense spouted by RFK Jr. and his ilk. 

Although it is hard to choose which current events to focus on right now, support of the autism community is a cause that is very close to my heart, and that I feel needs an additional spotlight at the moment. For your convenience, the joint statement is reproduced below. Take a moment, if you can, to take a look. I might be preaching to the choir, but still, I want to add my voice as well. 

April 17, 2025, Washington, D.C. – As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of Autistic individuals, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, The Arc of the United States, Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network, Autistic People of Color Fund, and partners across the disability and public health sectors stand united in our call for science-based decision-making and increased investment in the research, programs and services the Autism community needs to live fully.

While our organizations reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we are aligned in the following principles:

• Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism. Decades of scientific research confirm there is no causal link. Public health messaging must be grounded in science and protect all communities.
• Autistic Individuals Deserve Respect and Support. Public dialogue and policy must reflect the inherent value, rights, and diverse needs of Autistic people.
• Evidence-Based Policy Is Essential. We call on policymakers to work in collaboration with Autistic individuals, families, researchers, clinicians, and disability organizations to ensure policy is grounded in science and responsive to community needs.

We are deeply concerned by growing public rhetoric and policy decisions that challenge these shared principles. Claims that Autism is “preventable” is not supported by scientific consensus and perpetuate stigma. Language framing Autism as a “chronic disease,” a “childhood disease” or “epidemic” distorts public understanding and undermines respect for Autistic people.

At the same time, federal proposals to reduce funding for programs like Medicaid, the Department of Education, and the Administration for Community Living threaten the very services that Autistic individuals and their families rely on. Research must be guided by credentialed experts and inclusive of the complexity and diversity of the lived experiences of the Autism community—not redirected by misinformation or ideology. As leaders in the fields of Autism and public health, we are committed to contributing meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue and initiatives led by HHS.

We urge public leaders, institutions, and media to uphold scientific integrity and work together to strengthen—not weaken—the infrastructure of support for the entire Autism community.