Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent comments characterizing autism as "destructive" to children have drawn significant criticism from autistic individuals and their families. Kennedy's statements, made during a press conference discussing rising autism diagnoses, included claims that autistic children will "never pay taxes" and "never use a toilet unassisted."
Many autistic individuals and their families have voiced their outrage, pointing out that these claims are inaccurate and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. They shared personal stories that directly contradict Kennedy's statements, highlighting the achievements and fulfilling lives of autistic people. The community emphasized that the challenges faced by some autistic individuals should not be used to diminish their value or worth.
Parents of autistic children also expressed concerns that Kennedy's statements will hinder efforts to destigmatize autism and access support services. They worry that such rhetoric will further marginalize their children and impede their opportunities for fulfilling lives.
Kennedy's statements were made in the context of new CDC data on rising autism diagnoses. While acknowledging the increase, he falsely claimed autism is preventable and referred to the situation as an epidemic. This misrepresentation of the issue adds to the harmful nature of his comments.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s remarks this week that autism “destroys” children have prompted outrage among many autistic people, who said they had done things Mr. Kennedy claimed were impossible, like hold a job, write a poem, play baseball and go on dates. They added that the lives of people who did need help performing daily activities were still worthy of respect.
“Autism doesn’t destroy families. It’s the ableism that does,” said Tyla Grant, who was diagnosed with autism at 17. She called Mr. Kennedy’s comments “fear-mongering” and said his “rhetoric flattens our existence into this outdated stereotype.”
Many parents of autistic children said they feared Mr. Kennedy’s remarks would set back efforts to destigmatize autism and connect families with support services.
“How will our children survive if they are considered a tragedy?” said Kim Cristo, whose 17-year-old daughter is “essentially nonverbal” but has a fulfilling social life, loves music and does yoga and karate. “How can we make their lives meaningful if they are being dismissed as lost causes?”
Mr. Kennedy made his remarks at a news conference on Wednesday discussing new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that showed autism diagnoses among children in the United States have continued to rise. Though the increase is largely thought to be driven by broadened criteria and increased awareness, Mr. Kennedy falsely declared that autism was preventable and called the situation an epidemic.
“These are kids who will never pay taxes,” he said, adding, “Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted.”
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