Statement of the Faculty of the Disability Studies program at Georgetown University on HHS Secretary’s Comments on Autism

The faculty members in the Disability Studies program at Georgetown University object in the strongest possible terms to United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s April 16th comments on autism. Secretary Kennedy’s comments were ableist, ignorant, and dangerous. Secretary Kennedy’s junk science agenda stigmatizes Autistic people based on misinformation and prejudice. Autistic people contribute their creativity and skills to every dimension of human endeavor. Autistic people–among whom are many members of the Georgetown faculty, staff, and student body–date, play sports, hold jobs, and pay taxes. Those who do not are still equally valuable and beloved members of our community. Autism is not a tragedy, nor is it like a “tsunami” or other natural disaster. Current research shows many causes of autism. Attempts to tie autism to “environmental” causes like vaccines have been thoroughly debunked and retracted by reputable scientists decades ago. Public dialogue and policy must reflect the inherent value, rights, and diverse needs of all Autistic people.