LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Kennedy comments on autism wrong

Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made statements that were startingly insensitive, erroneous, outlandish and just plain wrong. In an incredible lack of veracity, Kennedy claimed that most cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder are now severe and that the condition “destroys families.” This was an absurd claim without an ounce of truthfulness.

He went on to state, “These are kids who will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go on a date.” It is really quite remarkable that the individual given the utmost responsibility of protecting the health of our nation would make such self-serving, hurtful and vicious remarks. Though, Kennedy’s words seem to fit right into his narrative about disease, and autism particularly.

Having spent a long career working with individuals with disabilities, I can attest to the fact that autism does not relegate a child to a life of insignificance. Yes, children on the Autism Spectrum have unique and different behaviors and abilities, but I celebrate those difference and I practice inclusion, as should Kennedy. It is our responsibility as members of this vast national community to include everyone. And, most importantly, to provide evidence-based health information, not self-serving, destructive rhetoric.

As to his claims of a meaningless life for children with autism, the following diagnosed or self-admitted, might beg to differ: poet Emily Dickinson, Major League Baseball player Tarik El-Abour, actor Anthony Hopkins, beloved comedian Jerry Seinfeld, musicians Beethoven, Mozart and Dylan, and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk.

Jeffrey Paul

Albuquerque