Varied Autism Advocacy organizations pen statement

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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.

Signed By:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Colin Killick, Executive Director
Autism Society of America, Christopher Banks, President and CEO
Autism Speaks, Keith Wargo, President and CEO
The Arc of the United States, Katy Neas, Chief Executive Officer
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Sharon daVanport, Executive Director
Autistic People of Color Fund, Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn Brown, Founding Executive Director

Full List of Endorsing Organizations (Rolling Sign On)
American Association of People with Disabilities
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
TASH
Allies for Independence
Institute for Exceptional Care
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
American Association on Health and Disability
Lakeshore Foundation
National Health Law Program

I joined this site in 2013 and this is by far the darkest time for the American Autistic community since I have been here.

Even before the rise of Kennedy at least in part because of the stigmas and they way we were treated the mental illness rates amoung us was an abomination. Kennedy being granted this authority is my worst nightmare come true.

This rhetoric about us is reminiscent of the Nazis. The Nazis hated the Jews, these Anti Autism “warriors” believe they doing the right thing for us. The more apt comparison is the eugenics movement that was popular in America because of the belief it was humane. I do not want to think about what this is doing to our mental health crises.

I am glad to see all of these organizations with differing and opposing views uniting. It is too bad it took this for it to happen. One of the most frustrating elements is that all of the hard won progress made since I joined this site is seemingly gone just like that. Maybe not. I am hoping the letter is indication the ND movement is too baked in for all progress to be driven out. Don’t assume there are concentration camps in our future. That said I would be bullshitting you if I advised you not to be scared.