1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

The proposed National Autism Registry raises concerning issues regarding privacy, consent, and the risk of stigmatization and discrimination against individuals on the autism spectrum. Gathering sensitive personal data without explicit consent from those affected violates principles of individual autonomy and self-determination. There are valid concerns that such a registry could enable employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and other forms of marginalization against autistic individuals. Furthermore, the criteria for inclusion in the registry and the intended use of the collected data remain unclear, leaving room for potential misuse or overreach. Rather than a centralized registry, resources should be directed towards providing supportive services, educational opportunities, and fostering greater societal understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. I urge you to reconsider this initiative and instead prioritize policies that empower and protect the rights of individuals on the autism spectrum.