Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
President Donald Trump’s recent comments, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to a “very increased risk of autism” and characterized autism as a “horrible, horrible crisis,” have sparked significant concern among autism advocates and individuals with the condition. These remarks, made despite decades of evidence supporting Tylenol’s safety, contradict a growing sentiment within the community that emphasizes the need for support and acceptance over a “cure,” while also raising fears of renewed stigma and blame on mothers.
Community Backlash to Trump’s Remarks
Advocates argue that President Trump’s claims cast blame on mothers, re-stigmatize individuals with autism, and ignore the critical need for comprehensive support for families. Maxwell Huffman, an executive at Aspiritech, a Chicago nonprofit focused on neurodiverse employment, stated he would not choose to no longer be autistic, expressing satisfaction with his identity.
Lissette Pedreiras, a mother of a son with autism, voiced her concern that the administration’s rhetoric is dangerous for already overwhelmed caregivers. She specifically rejected the idea that her actions during pregnancy could be blamed for her son’s condition.
Zoe Gross, director of advocacy at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, criticized the administration’s approach for potentially setting back years of progress in combating damaging stigma. Gross, who is autistic, emphasized that such language, which questions the value of autistic lives, is no longer acceptable within the community.
Autism as Neurodiversity, Not a Deficit
Many in the autism community, including Huffman, view autism not as a deficit but as a form of neurodiversity. Huffman suggested that autism should be seen as an “untapped superpower” rather than a problem to be solved, challenging rhetoric that frames it as an “individual tragedy.”
Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech and a mother of two autistic children, highlighted that autism is a crucial subset of a wide range of neurodiversity. She underscored the importance of mental health and called for any health recommendations to be rooted in science and delivered with kindness.
FDA Approval and Treatment Debates
Amidst the debate, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved leucovorin, a drug typically used in cancer treatment, for autism in children. Lisa Ackerman, executive director of the Autism Community in Action, expressed optimism, noting her 28-year-old son has taken the medication since age five, experiencing benefits in cognition, speech, and anxiety.
However, many in the community stress that leucovorin is not a “cure,” nor is a cure desired by all. Huffman articulated that for many, autism is a beneficial difference that shapes their identity, making a cure unnecessary for every form of the condition.
Anne Murray, a mother whose son has benefited from leucovorin, emphasized the need for governmental support rather than just new treatments. She called for better insurance coverage, accessible therapies, and adequate resources for families navigating autism.
Scientific Understanding and Rising Rates
President Trump has called for faster research into the causes of autism, with “Kennedy” indicating that all agencies under his leadership would focus on the issue. However, experts generally believe autism has multiple causes, primarily genetic and environmental, with the science on a link between Tylenol and autism remaining unsettled.
Recent CDC reports show an increase in autism rates among 8-year-olds, rising from 1 in 36 in 2020 to 1 in 31 in 2022. Experts attribute this rise to broadened diagnostic definitions and increased screening efforts, particularly among younger children, rather than a sudden increase in prevalence.
A Call for Support and Acceptance
Maxwell Huffman, diagnosed with autism as a teenager, shared his personal journey of embracing his differences, crediting his mother’s willingness to learn and discuss his diagnosis. He expressed concern that recent discussions could lead to rushed conclusions and cause more harm than good for the autistic community.
The ongoing dialogue highlights a fundamental divide between an administration’s focus on identifying causes and potential treatments, and a community’s plea for greater understanding, acceptance, and robust support systems that acknowledge autism as a part of human diversity.
