Our Response to Federal Administration’s Misinformation on Autism and Acetaminophen 

 
 

“What we need is more acceptance, more respect, and a world where everyone is included and treated as a valued human being.”  

Jonathan Gardner, advocate and MAC Board member  

As a neurodiverse disabled woman, I know the harm that is caused when anyone, especially an elected official, spreads lies about autism. It silences autistic voices. It causes families to blame themselves. It devalues neurodiversity and the gifts it brings to our communities, workplaces, and schools. It is an attempt to distract us — and to justify — the real harms of this presidential administration’s policy choices, such as slashing federal education safeguards, Medicaid, and research funding. I also know that autism is not a problem to be fixed. It is the systems around us that need fixing. 

These lies are all distractions from the real systemic challenges before us. Education systems are failing our disabled community, especially for Black, brown, and immigrant disabled children. Federal immigration policy makes families decide between sending their disabled child to school or risking family separation. Disabled students need and deserve access to education supports that allow them to reach their full potential in inclusive classrooms. When that doesn’t happen, we need a fully functioning U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights that will enforce their rights. That is why we fought so hard over the past months to pass the Protect Education Equity Law in Massachusetts, which establishes in state law vital protections for disabled and immigrant students that have been threatened or removed by this administration.  

So today, and every day, MAC will continue to work together with autistic leaders and families to build an education system that supports all autistic children so that they can thrive in the classroom and go on to live, work, and love alongside their peers.  

We choose to use this moment instead to lift up disabled voices and invite everyone to read more from MAC’s self-advocates about their experiences. 

  • NYT Article featuring self-advocates including MAC Board Member Jonathan Gardner 

  • Interview with MAC Young Adult Leaders Fellow Ewidji Vincent 

Anna Krieger