RFK Jr. asserts that autism brings devastation to families. Here's what affected families wish you to understand.
ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.'S CRUSade FOR AUTISM RESEARCH:
- The Toxic Tone: Kennedy, the new Health and Human Services Secretary, has sparked a divide within the autism community with his blunt remarks and ambitious plans to uncover the hidden causes of autism.
The Eversoll family, hailing from Kansas, share a chuckle over Kennedy's declaration that some autistic kids would never pen poetry. Emery, their 16-year-old daughter, has already penned numerous verses and uses poetry to calm her down during angry outbursts.
Despite Kennedy's controversial vision, the family remains optimistic about his plans for a broader study on autism – a developmental disorder that affects the brain, causes communication and learning delays, and social withdrawal. Kennedy has vowed to get to the bottom of the mystery by September.
Kennedy's public opinion on autism ranges from grim to devastating: "It destroys families," he proclaimed, adding that the condition prevents autistic children from holding jobs, playing sports, forming romantic relationships, or using the toilet without assistance. His words have sent shockwaves through the community, stirring a mix of optimism, concern, and anger.
Struggles of Daily Life with Autism
Kennedy's comments reflect the harsh realities faced by families like the Massachusetts-based Van Den Berghe and her 18-year-old son, Daniel. Daniel, who cannot speak, often resorts to punching himself, putting himself at risk of injury. A decade ago, doctors advised Daniel's mother to house him in a full-time residential facility to ensure his safety. It took years for her to accept this recommendation, and she still finds herself fighting back tears as she recalls that decision.
For the Eversoll family, Kennedy's remarks resonate with their own struggles. Emery, who battles fits of anger and is sensitive to loud noises, wears clothing inside out to cope with the sensation of fabric rubbing against her skin. Jessica Eversoll empathizes, acknowledging the challenges that families face when their children have 'extra' needs, just as she would if her child had lost a hand.
The Uncertain Quest: A Preventable Disease?
Despite Kennedy's assertions, scientists and families alike view autism as primarily genetic. Ashley Seliquini, a 40-year-old mom and speech pathologist living in North Carolina, has recognized the patterns in her family, as both she and her 5-year-old daughter have been diagnosed with the disorder.
Kennedy's plan to investigate environmental toxins as potential causes has met criticism from the scientific community, who claim his approach spreads misinformation and is unrealistic. His controversial stance on vaccines, suggesting links where none exist, has also been harshly criticized.
In the face of Kennedy's ambitious plans, some families hold out hope that he will uncover answers to questions that have plagued them for years. Van Den Berghe, for instance, remains hopeful that Kennedy's research may provide insights into why her son Daniel developed autism despite no other family members showing signs of the disorder.
Note: Kennedy's statements about autism are often misconstrued, causing unnecessary distress and misinformation within the autism community. It's crucial to approach his plans with a critical eye and seek accurate, scientifically-based information about the disorder when learning more.
- In Seattle, a group of environmentalists are concerned about the potential impact Kennedy's plans to investigate environmental toxins might have on the wider climate and ecosystem, fearing it could spread misinformation or even exacerbate existing issues.
- The health and mental well-being of autistic individuals, including their ability to find employment and form relationships, remain major concerns in the community, sparked by Kennedy's controversial comments about the disorder.
- Contrary to Kennedy's views, experts in the field of science and health-and-wellness, such as Ashley Seliquini, a speech pathologist in North Carolina, view autism as primarily genetic, with minimal contributions from environmental factors.
