Article by Derek Roy | Owl Staff
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was one of many speakers at the “Defeat the Mandates” rally in Washington, D.C., which Owl Media was in attendance to cover on January 23, 2022.
Note: This article shares the opinion of the writer and is not a reflection of views held by Owl Media.
As someone with several friends and family members diagnosed with autism, I have witnessed the challenges the condition can lead to, but I believe it can also be a unique strength. However, those diagnosed with the disability may soon face a troublesome reality.
According to a recent press release from the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS), a new partnership is underway between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The partnership, backed by HSS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., would require gathering and tracking medical information from millions of people with varying types of autism.
“We’re using this partnership to uncover the root causes of autism and other chronic diseases,” says Kennedy.
This, along with Kennedy’s claims during an HSS press conference that autism is a preventable disease that destroys families, shows a severe lack of respect for the privacy and autonomy of people with autism.
My cousin is diagnosed with autism and would likely fall under Kennedy’s classification of those with severe autism. That said, our family is not destroyed, and he lives happily in a home with other men in a similar circumstance.
He is one of the kindest people I know, but the most incredible thing about him is his art. He loves old school cars, and draws them all the time. Every drawing is a perfect one-to-one rendering of the reference image. Watching him work is possibly even more interesting, as he doesn’t draw how a neurotypical person might.
“Every drawing is a perfect one-to-one rendering of the reference image… the process is like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
He starts with the general shape and then adds details. He will start by focusing on one aspect, perfect that one particular section, and then add on to it. The process is like nothing I’ve ever seen, and it raises an argument against Kennedy’s claims.
“These are kids who will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go on a date, many of them will never use a toilet unassisted,” Kennedy said during another press conference.
Based on my experience with autistic people, I can’t understand the reasoning behind such a statement. Autistic people, even those with more extreme forms, are not leeches on society as Kennedy describes them. They also deserve a voice in the decisions being made that will directly affect them, but that is clearly not a concern of Kennedy’s.
Lately, much discussion of U.S. politics seems focused on restricting the bodily autonomy of marginalized groups, especially through women’s reproductive rights, transgender people’s right to transition, or disabled people’s autonomy. These discussions tend to be led by those not belonging to the group whose rights are being limited in the first place.
As Kennedy continues to spread false medical information and the rights of under represented groups are threatened, I hope we are able to cut through the misinformation and do what is really best for those most affected.
For those seeking more information on the subject of autism, consider referring to NeuroClastic here.
For people diagnosed with autism who are seeking resources in their community, visit Autism Speaks here.