Farmers Weekly Review

State Rep. Natalie Manley who co-launched the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus in conjunction with April’s World Autism Awareness Month, released the following statement following the recent remarks of Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding adolescent autism:

“It is deeply troubling that federal leaders entrusted with protecting the health and well-being of our children, siblings, and neighbors are promoting personal beliefs over the scientific advancements that have shaped our understanding of autism over the past several decades,” said Manley, D-Joliet, in a press release.

“When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likens autism to a contagious infection that can be ‘cured,’ he not only undermines but erases generations of scientific progress. This language is a direct attempt of Trump’s Administration to dismantle the foundational research, evidence-based practices, and the community support systems that persons with autism and their families depend on.

“Autism is widely recognized as a highly heritable condition. Yet, Kennedy is choosing to push fringe theories and frame autism as a ‘tragedy’ that ‘destroys families’ — ultimately rejecting the lived experiences of people with autism and gutting the consensus of the entire medical community,” said Manley.

Co-sponsored with state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus is a coalition of legislators and community leaders who will work in collaboration to prioritize health care and education, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

Neurodiversity encompasses the natural variation in brain function, which includes not only autism, but also such conditions as dyslexia, dyspraxia, Down syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, among many others. In many cases, persons who are neurodiverse endure lifelong symptoms that cannot be “fixed” or “healed.” In Illinois, an estimated 15-20 percent of our population is neurodiverse.

“This ‘Administration for a Healthy America’ would upend autism programs, defund research, and strip resources from universities and agencies solely because they center on inclusion and accessibility. Even the Department of Defense’s Autism Research Project — eliminated with Kennedy’s ‘start from scratch’ approach.

“Now more than ever, we must double down on our commitment to inclusion and investing in research, supporting evidence-based care, and protecting the dignity and futures of people with autism. On behalf of the Neurodiversity Caucus, we will not stand by as science is thrown away and our loved ones with autism are left behind,” said Manley.