1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am the mother of an adult on the autism spectrum, and I am horrified by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s proposal to create a national autism registry. Such a registry would violate the privacy and dignity of autistic individuals and their families. It risks stigmatization, discrimination in employment and housing, and potential abuse of sensitive medical information. Our country has a long history of mishandling registries of vulnerable groups, and this proposal is no different. It is dangerous, unnecessary, and offensive. Autism is a neurological difference, not a threat that warrants government tracking. The resources and energy that would go into building such a registry should instead be invested in supports that actually improve quality of life such as access to healthcare, education, housing, and job opportunities for autistic people. I strongly urge you to speak out against and oppose any legislation or executive action that would create an autism registry. I will be closely watching your stance and sharing your position with my community.