“Autism Is Not a Tragedy — Stigma Is: A Response to RFK Jr.”
🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we address the dangerous and deeply offensive comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his April 16, 2025 press conference, where he claimed autism is “preventable” and described individuals on the spectrum as incapable of working, dating, writing poetry, or living independent lives.
We confront these statements with facts, lived experience, and community response.
From debunking outdated vaccine myths to amplifying the voices of autistic adults and their families, we’re here to set the record straight.
RFK Jr.’s rhetoric isn’t just wrong—it’s harmful. And our community deserves better.
🔍 Key Segments:
Segment 1: Breaking Down the Claims
- What RFK Jr. said and why it’s dangerous
- The truth about thimerosal and autism
- Scientific consensus from CDC, WHO, AAP, IOM, and JAMA Psychiatry
Segment 2: The Community Claps Back
- Responses from Holly Robinson Peete, Dr. Peter Hotez, and our own community
- Real-life stories of autistic individuals thriving in work, love, and creativity
Segment 3: What Families Really Need
- Support, not stigma
- Why RFK’s message misses the mark entirely
Segment 4: Moving Forward
- How to respond to misinformation
- Ways we can build inclusive, empowering spaces for all neurodivergent people
📌 Takeaways:
- Autism is not caused by vaccines or thimerosal.
- Genetics play a major role in autism.
- Autistic people can and do live meaningful, connected, and creative lives.
- The real barrier is not autism—it’s misinformation and underfunded systems.
- Words matter, and so does leadership rooted in truth and compassion.
📚 Sources Mentioned:
- CDC on Thimerosal & Autism
- Institute of Medicine 2004 Report
- JAMA Psychiatry 2019 Heritability Study
- WHO Vaccine Safety
- Holly Robinson Peete’s Response
- Dr. Peter Hotez’s Commentary
🧷 Share the Message:
Autism is not a tragedy. Stigma is.
We don't need cures. We need compassion.
