Autism Advocates Come Out Hard Against RFK Jr.’s Latest Rhetoric | EUROtoday

A coalition of autism advocacy teams issued a vigorous rebuke of the conspiracy theory-laden rhetoric Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been pushing concerning the dysfunction, saying his newest commentary “undermines respect for Autistic people.”

Thursday’s assertion from six organizations, together with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks, doesn’t point out the Health and Human Services’ secretary by title, however immediately references his latest feedback calling autism a “preventable disease” and an “epidemic.”

“We are deeply concerned by growing public rhetoric and policy decisions that challenge these shared principles,” the group’s assertion mentioned, noting that it’s important that policymakers acknowledge that vaccines don’t trigger autism ― two issues Kennedy has repeatedly linked with none supporting proof ― and that individuals with autism deserve “respect and support.”

“Claims that Autism is ‘preventable’ is not supported by scientific consensus and perpetuate stigma,” the group mentioned. “Language framing Autism as a ‘chronic disease,’ a ‘childhood disease’ or ‘epidemic’ distorts public understanding and undermines respect for Autistic people.”

About a dozen extra advocacy teams have endorsed the joint assertion, which says they “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.”

Kennedy has ramped up his discuss of autism in latest days, saying every week in the past that “by September we will know what has caused the autism epidemic,” disregarding that the dysfunction, which isn’t thought-about a illness, has been closely researched worldwide for many years.

“We’ve launched a massive testing and research effort that’s going to involve hundreds of scientists from around the world. By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we’ll be able to eliminate those exposures,” he declared at a Trump Cabinet assembly.

And on Wednesday, Kennedy advised reporters that “environmental toxins” have been in charge for the rise in autism charges ― one thing consultants within the area say is definitely a results of improved diagnostics, a broadened definition of the dysfunction and elevated consciousness.

“This is a preventable disease. We know that it’s an environmental exposure. It has to be. Genes do not cause epidemics,” he claimed.

Autism advocates additionally referred to as out Kennedy’s evaluation of autistic people’ capabilities.

“These are kids who will never pay taxes. They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never play baseball. They’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted,” the well being and human providers secretary mentioned on Wednesday.

“The idea that we only deserve support if we can prove our potential is one of the most dangerous and insidious forms of ableism,” Kalla Allen Omeiza, founding father of a nonprofit centered on ending psychological sickness stigma, advised a HuffPost reporter.