Weekly Edition - 4.22.25

Community voices challenge RFK Jr.'s autism rhetoric. Fresh CDC statistics illuminate prevalence trends. Boise's lanyard program transforms invisible disability recognition. A state trooper's understanding approach to autism becomes a teaching moment viewed by millions. These stories impact how society perceives and supports the I/DD community today.

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The Big Idea

This week’s featured story: a closer look at developments making waves in the I/DD community

😠 Words hurt. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced immediate backlash from the autism community last week after characterizing autism as an "epidemic" and describing autistic individuals in severely limiting terms.

At his first news conference as HHS Secretary, Kennedy described autism as a "chronic disease epidemic" that "destroys" children and families, claiming autistic children "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 out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted." These statements sparked strong reactions from autistic individuals, parents, researchers, and advocacy organizations.

Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, was among those who challenged Kennedy's characterization. Her daughter lives and works on a farm caring for animals and growing crops, while her brother lives in a group home and delivers meals to homebound seniors. Both are active, loving members of their community and family. "He made it sound like these were people whose lives were worthless, when that couldn't be further from the case," Singer stated.

Kennedy's comments came after a new CDC report showed autism rates rising from 1 in 36 in 2020 to 1 in 31 in 2022. While Kennedy attributes this increase to environmental toxins and has launched an initiative to identify these alleged causes, many experts believe the rising numbers reflect improved awareness, better screening practices, and expanded diagnostic criteria rather than an actual increase in cases.

Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine researcher at Baylor College of Medicine who has an adult daughter with autism, directly contradicted Kennedy's characterization: "My adult daughter Rachel works everyday, pays taxes, has friends, loves going to the movies, and listens to lousy (IMO) music." His statement represents the reality for many families – that autistic individuals lead meaningful, productive lives that defy the narrow, deficit-focused portrayal Kennedy presented.

For parents and caregivers in the I/DD community, this controversy highlights the ongoing challenge of combating stigma and misunderstanding. Advocates emphasize that while some autistic individuals may need significant support, the autism spectrum encompasses a wide range of experiences, abilities, and contributions that deserve recognition and respect.

If you would like to read more, check out the original article.

Moments That Matter

Celebrating the everyday victories, breakthrough achievements, and inspiring individuals

“Video of Connecticut state trooper helping man with autism goes viral”

Across The Nation

From Capitol Hill to community centers: the national updates shaping our collective future

🧑‍🔬 CDC data reveals autism prevalence has risen to 1 in 31 children overall, with boys facing even steeper odds at 1 in 20 in some regions. The historically underserved communities now show higher identification rates, with Asian children at 3.82%, Black children at 3.66%, and Hispanic children at 3.30%, compared to 2.77% among White children. This represents a significant shift in diagnostic patterns that experts attribute to improved access to identification services in previously overlooked populations. However, concerning disparities persist in diagnosis severity, with 78.9% of Black children showing severe or borderline intellectual disability compared to 55.6% of White children – raising urgent questions about healthcare access, environmental factors, and potential diagnostic biases affecting families of color. Check out more data here.

Community Catalyst

Local Innovation Worth Spreading: See how local changes are creating ripples of progress nationwide

🌻 Sunflowers New Signal. Boise Airport just launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, making travel easier for those with invisible conditions. The distinctive green lanyards decorated with sunflowers allow travelers to discreetly indicate they may need additional time, patience, or assistance—without having to explain their disability to strangers. With no eligibility requirements, these free lanyards address numerous hidden conditions including autism, dementia, epilepsy, and low vision, while trained staff wear sunflower pins indicating they're ready to help.
For travelers like Nia Mostacero, this means no more uncomfortable stares and questions about her non-visible disabilities, as she shares, "I am very excited about not having to disclose my disabilities." Already implemented at over 300 airports worldwide, Boise's program connects travelers through a recognizable symbol for improved accessibility—significant for our community as air travel becomes increasingly inclusive.