05.02.25
By: Kiante Parris
There is a lot of talk about Autism going around social media and the news, and I’d like to add my two cents on it. Disorders like Autism are a sensitive topic for me because, in my eyes, those who have Autism hold a special place in my heart. In the many professions that I have held, I have worked with adults and children who are living every day and thriving with Autism. The only difference between you and me is how our brains work, and what we decide is important. They have opinions like any other human being and are more capable than most. We should celebrate Autism by valuing individuals not despite their differences, but because of them.
Now, what is Autism? “Autism” (or “autism spectrum disorder,” also known as “ASD”) refers to a disorder currently diagnosed through symptoms involving difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.” ASD individuals have distinct learning styles, and recognizing these differences can lead to more effective and supportive education. There are programs to help parents with children who need support, but with how the world is going now, that could change for the worse. I would not want resources that help aid communities all over the United States to be discontinued because someone didn’t do their homework on a topic.
ASD is not straightforward. It is a spectrum with many different ranges and unique things that come with it. No one person is the same, and that goes for anyone who has ASD. Some have mild sensory issues and need minimal help with the things they struggle with. Some are nonverbal and are dependent on those around them. No matter how minimal or severe, they are all smart and unique.
The government wants a lot of people to think that it is a sickness or something that happens after getting vaccines as a child. “There’s got to be something artificial out there doing this,” Trump told Kennedy. “If you can come up with that answer, where you stop taking something, eating something, or maybe it’s a shot. But something’s causing it.” For those who want to learn, it is genetic. Sending out false information causes fear and uncertainty to those who aren’t educated on the matter. “This multinational study analyzed data from over 2 million children across five countries and estimated that approximately 80% of the variation in ASD occurrence is attributable to inherited genetic factors.” This misconception is causing a lot of issues in the rights of those who have Autism. That is why I want to educate people on things they might not know about.
Did you know this about ASD? Comment down below.
Reference:
Furfaro, Hannah. “Majority of Autism Risk Resides in Genes, Multinational Study Suggests.” The Transmitter, 17 July 2019, https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/majority-of-autism-risk-resides-in-genes-multinational-study-suggests.
Project Hope Foundation. “What Is Autism?” Project Hope Foundation, https://www.projecthopesc.org/what-is-autism.
Seitz, Amanda. “Kennedy Says Health and Human Services Will Determine the Cause of Autism by September.” WTVM, 11 Apr. 2025, https://www.wtvm.com/2025/04/11/rfk-jr-says-hhs-will-determine-cause-autism-by-september/.
Thoughtswithme 
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