What RFK Jr. Gets Wrong About Autism—And Disability in General
At a recent news conference, head of HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr. once again amplified harmful and outdated claims about autism, vaccines, and environmental toxins. While he presents these statements as bold truths “the establishment won’t tell you,” they’re not just misleading—they’re dangerous.
Let’s start with the facts: the overwhelming scientific consensus from experts across the globe is that vaccines do not cause autism. Numerous large-scale studies, including those from the CDC and World Health Organization, have consistently shown no link between vaccines and autism. RFK Jr.’s theory that environmental chemicals like glyphosate are to blame has also been widely debunked. This isn’t cutting-edge science—it’s recycled misinformation dressed up as concern.
Autism Isn’t a Crisis—It’s a Difference
One of the most damaging parts of Kennedy’s rhetoric is how he talks about autism like it’s a tragedy. In doing so, he reinforces ableist ideas that being neurodivergent is synonymous with being broken, less than, or a warning sign for society.
But autism isn’t a problem to be solved—it’s a natural variation in how people experience and interact with the world. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease. Autistic individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives to our communities. What they need isn’t a cure—it’s support, understanding, and inclusion.
Groups like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) have long pushed back against this kind of language, advocating for a shift in how we think about autism—not as something tragic, but as something valid and valuable. Kennedy’s narrative not only erases those voices, it furthers stigma and makes it harder for families and individuals to feel empowered.
He’s Not Just Wrong About Autism
Kennedy’s misinformation doesn’t stop with autism. He’s also pushed unsubstantiated claims linking vaccines to other developmental and physical disabilities—implying that disability is something to be feared, avoided, or fought against at all costs.
That kind of fear-based thinking is deeply harmful to the broader disability community. It sends the message that people with disabilities are somehow evidence of a broken system rather than individuals who deserve access, dignity, and the same opportunities as everyone else.
This is ableism in action—the belief that able-bodied, neurotypical ways of living are the standard, and anything else is a deviation to be corrected. At Head and Heart Family Therapy, we work every day to undo that mindset in our clients and our communities.
The Real Issue Isn't Disability—It’s Lack of Support
The problem isn’t that more people are identifying as autistic or disabled. The problem is that our systems haven’t caught up to support people in meaningful ways. Schools, workplaces, healthcare—these institutions often fail to meet disabled people where they are.
At Head and Heart Family Therapy, we don’t see disabilities as burdens. The burden comes from a lack of access, lack of inclusion, and a lack of imagination about what disabled people can do and be. Whether you're autistic, navigating life with a new disability, or raising a child with developmental needs, you deserve support rooted in dignity—not fear or shame.
So the next time you hear someone like RFK Jr. painting disability as a cautionary tale, remember: the real harm isn’t the disability itself—it’s the stories we tell about it. And at Head and Heart, we’re telling a different story—one of resilience, growth, and possibility for people of all abilities.
