09/24/2025
Open discussion is important. A forum of thoughtful, factual, and inclusion based information is highly valuable.
With that said, all shared insight should reflect the betterment of all individuals. It should not focus on harmful and oftentimes derogatory labels. Assumptions about quality of life, value of life, or abilities should be eradicated.
With the press conference inferring new findings on ASD, it is important to understand what is being said, what the evidence shows, and to closely evaluate the information as a very narrowed, non-casual source. While these studies do exist, there are zero conclusions aimed at anything beyond correlation. These studies are also limited in factors of methods creating an inconsistent source of research. Does this have any efficacy? I wouldn't conclusively say, the studies need to be controlled, ran with better parameters, and done with many factors in mind. (If you are interested in what questions to ask, reach out)
All that said, what do I wish would not have happened? I just wish the statements weren't given with such conviction, that they would have used language that was affirming to individuals and their families, and that if we are going to discuss such topics we do so with candor, respect, and a belief that more education and advocacy is the best path forward. Say we want more research, don't say that this is a fact, don't imply mother's may be to blame, and stop with the idea that ASD has somehow become an epidemic, it has been around for a very long period of time, far before Tylenol, vaccines, and potentially harmful opinions.
I implore anyone who is really open to discussing, learning, and healthy debate to reach out to us anytime. I have and will always be a strong believer that conversation, understanding, and growth is the only way we can make change, let's do it the right way.
