Autism Isn’t An Epidemic

 Recently, RFK Jr. referred to autism as an “epidemic.” Statements like this can have a real impact—not just on public conversation, but on the millions of autistic people and families who hear them.

Let’s be clear: autism is not a disease to fear. It is not a moral failing. It is not something that makes a person’s life worth less.

As an autistic adult, I know firsthand that autism comes with challenges. Many autistic people need significant support, while others live more independently. Every autistic person has a unique experience. But describing autism as an epidemic shifts the conversation away from what truly matters: understanding, acceptance, inclusion, and access to support.

For far too long, autistic people have been viewed through the lens of what they can’t do instead of recognizing what they can do. Society often focuses on stereotypes rather than listening to autistic voices.

Instead of using language that creates fear, let’s ask better questions:

• How can schools better support autistic students?
• How can workplaces become more inclusive?
• How can communities provide meaningful services for autistic people of all ages?
• How can we listen to autistic individuals instead of speaking over them?

These are the conversations that move us forward.

Autism isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. While support services, therapies, and accommodations are important, so are dignity, respect, and belonging.

The words we choose matter. When influential people use rhetoric that fuels stigma or misinformation, it becomes even more important for autistic people, families, advocates, and allies to speak up with facts, compassion, and lived experience.

Let’s replace fear with understanding.

Let’s replace stereotypes with acceptance.

Let’s replace misinformation with education.

Because autistic people don’t need society to fear them—they need society to see them, hear them, and support them.

— Daniel Gillespie

The Brown Side of Autism