Lots of folks are asking me how I react and process react RFK’s press conference and plans to address the increasing incidence of autism, especially with huge cuts in Medicaid looming. This may sound off base, but I see something very positive going on. Check out the April 17th statement from the Autism Self Advocacy Network. This is the first time in my 4 decades of experience in the autism community in which all of the major organizations and many others have come together. Let’s all watch closely for what action steps emerge from this amazing coalition.
Wise people have said that in crisis there is opportunity.
Here is the full statement from the Autism Self Advocacy Network:
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.
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
Autism Empowerment, Karen Krejcha, Co-Founder, Executive Director
Dan Marino Foundation, Mary Partin, CEO
Pivot Neurodiversity
Association for Autism and Neurodiversity
Organization for Autism Research
Els for Autism
Autistic Doctors International
Hussman Institute for Autism
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
Family Voices National
National Down Syndrome Congress
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR)
Epilepsy Foundation
The Center for Learner Equity
Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered
Caring Across Generations
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)
National Disability Rights Network
American Music Therapy Association
Access Ready Inc
Mission Alpha Advocacy
Center for Public Representation
Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children
The Kelsey
The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
International Council on Development and Learning
Applied Self-Direction
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)