Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently made deeply hurtful and misinformed remarks about autism that have sparked outrage among parents, advocates, and experts across the country.

At a press conference, he referred to autism as a “chronic disease” and a “preventable epidemic.” He painted an incredibly bleak and demeaning picture of autistic individuals—claiming they’ll “never pay taxes, never hold a job, never play baseball, never write a poem, never go on a date,” and that many will “never use a toilet unassisted.” He later claimed he was referring only to nonverbal individuals, as if that somehow made his statements less harmful.

These comments are not just offensive, they are dangerous. They perpetuate outdated stereotypes, ignore decades of scientific research, and dismiss the diverse experiences of autistic people. They shame families, disregard the strengths and potential of millions of individuals, and fuel stigma at a time when acceptance and understanding are more critical than ever.

Parents of children with autism, like Alexis Brown, have already spoken out: “Our children play sports, are members of the National Junior Honor Society, serve as junior instructors in their jujitsu black belt club and do CrossFit.”

Others have rightly pointed out that it’s not autism that “destroys families”, it’s misinformation and fear-mongering like this.

The autism spectrum includes a wide range of experiences, and every person on it deserves dignity, respect, and to be seen as more than a list of “nevers.” RFK Jr.'s remarks betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the very community he now claims to serve.

We are calling on RFK Jr. to publicly apologize to the autism community and to commit to centering autistic voices in any future research or policy decisions. If he truly cares about helping families, he must begin by listening to them.

Stand with the autism community. Demand accountability. Demand respect.

Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty