9/25/25 - More autism reactions
Hi there ...
I'm not feeling well today. So, I'm going to send out the links and quotes I had set up for today without adding my own commentary. I think these articles speak well enough for themselves anyway. All three are about this week's "announcements" from the Trump administration on autism.
‘This May Be the Most Difficult Day in My Career’: Experts React to Trump’s Autism Remarks
Helen Tager-FlusbergAlison SingerBrian K. Lee and Eric Garcia, New York Times - September 23, 2025
"Ellerbeck: Eric, what is it like as a person with autism to listen to President Trump or Mr. Kennedy speak about autism as a crisis or a horrible disease? ... Garcia: It’s horrible. It’s devastating. And talking to other autistic people, they feel the same. Look, I’m going to be fine. I have a job and a good life and family that loves me, and friends who know we have to go to a sensory-friendly restaurant or bar when we go out. But what about autistic people who don’t have those resources? What about autistic kids whose parents will buy this garbage? They are going to be subjected to horrible treatment and stigma. It’s also terrible because we are just getting to the point where we listen to autistic voices and value them. I don’t want to say we’re going back. We’re going somewhere worse."
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Call for Decision-Making Based on Quality Science and Compassion for the Autism Community
Jess Davidson, American Association of People with Disabilities - September 24, 2025
"Autistic people deserve respect and support. There are many policy and program changes HHS could pursue that would materially improve the lives of autistic people and our families. Avenues to provide suggestions have been limited. The only federal body specifically designed to include engagement from the autism community, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), has not convened since the start of the Trump administration. The IACC is required to meet by the Autism CARES Act, which was reauthorized last year."
ASAN Condemns Administration’s Rampant Misinformation about Autism, Acetaminophen, and Vaccines; Calls for Respectful, Fact-Based Approach
Autistic Self Advocacy Network - September 23, 2025
"ASAN strongly recommends looking to reliable sources of scientific and medical information, like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in the aftermath of yesterday’s press conference. People who have regular access to a doctor they trust should continue to rely on that person’s medical advice for questions specific to their health needs. Under current leadership, HHS is not a reliable or consistent source of trustworthy information. We continue to urge states to use the powers at their disposal to protect us as HHS abdicates its responsibility to defend and champion our health. ASAN will continue to advocate for an autism research agenda based in science and a policy agenda that addresses the needs of autistic people and our families, like better access to services and supports. We deserve nothing less."
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