Support Autistic People! Autism is Not a Medical Crisis!

I am extremely concerned with the demonization of autism and the cure-focused approach that is being taken to it by President Trump's Make America Healthy Again commission, which describes autism as a “dire threat to the American people and our way of life.” Not only is autism impossible to cure, research consistently shows that attempting to do so causes direct harm to autistic people. It is important to remember that autists are overrepresented in the arts, sciences, and business, and they represent a vital source for American innovation. Autism is a unique neurotype, not a disorder. All autistic people, regardless of the amount of support they may need, are unique individuals who are deserving of respect. Autistic people should be provided with the accommodations and support they need to thrive here in America, not be treated as victims of a medical crisis.