Image
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary.Credit…Pete Kiehart for The New York Times
To the Editor:
Re “Autistic People Point to Full Lives as Rebuttal to Kennedy’s Dire Claim” (news article, April 19):
I am part of the autistic population that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, claims “destroys” children and families.
When I was growing up, my parents were terrified that I would seriously hurt them or myself. I slammed my head into walls, spit and ran away. My dysregulation, medical needs and inability to effectively communicate led to many interactions with law enforcement and hospital workers. My family was told they needed to send me away.
Someone from the outside might say I was “destroying” our family. This talk isn’t new; autistic people like me are frequently made to think we are burdens.
But Mr. Kennedy has a platform and power. His words matter. Those of us who have been diagnosed as “severe” or “profound” can in fact live and thrive. We must focus on maintaining and building the resources, services and tools that enable us to live full lives. When leaders disparage us and invest in dubious research, it diverts attention away from our humanity and the things we need.
Mr. Kennedy has an opportunity and the responsibility to make a positive impact rather than stirring a bleak narrative about our lives.
Jordyn Zimmerman
Hudson, Ohio
The writer is nonspeaking autistic and is the chair of the board of directors of CommunicationFIRST, a civil rights organization that serves people who need support to communicate.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
