“Autism Is Not a Tragedy — Stigma Is: A Response to RFK Jr.”

18/04/2025 9 min Temporada 3 Episodio 122
“Autism Is Not a Tragedy — Stigma Is: A Response to RFK Jr.”

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Episode Synopsis

🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left BehindEpisode 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independent lives.We confront these statements with facts, lived experience, and community response.From debunking outdated vaccine myths to amplifying the voices of autistic adults and their families, we’re here to set the record straight.RFK Jr.’s rhetoric isn’t just wrong—it’s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 ClaimsWhat RFK Jr. said and why it’s dangerousThe truth about thimerosal and autismScientific consensus from CDC, WHO, AAP, IOM, and JAMA PsychiatrySegment 2: The Community Claps BackResponses from Holly Robinson Peete, Dr. Peter Hotez, and our own communityReal-life stories of autistic individuals thriving in work, love, and creativitySegment 3: What Families Really NeedSupport, not stigmaWhy RFK’s message misses the mark entirelySegment 4: Moving ForwardHow to respond to misinformationWays 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 & AutismInstitute of Medicine 2004 ReportJAMA Psychiatry 2019 Heritability StudyWHO Vaccine SafetyHolly Robinson Peete’s ResponseDr. Peter Hotez’s Commentary🧷 Share the Message:Autism is not a tragedy. Stigma is.We don't need cures. We need compassion.

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