Following President Donald Trump's controversial remarks regarding autism and Tylenol use during pregnancy, parents and advocates are responding with a mix of outrage, concern, and hope.
An Indiana mother with an autistic son criticized Trump for seemingly blaming mothers for autism with his unfounded claims, expressing concern about the former president's message potentially echoing past narratives that have unfairly vilified parents.
A Kentucky woman recently diagnosed with autism echoed similar sentiments, noting Trump's description of autism as a “horrible crisis” felt hurtful, while a father in Massachusetts felt encouraged that autism was being acknowledged at high government levels for the first time.
Trump's warnings to pregnant women about Tylenol have ignited a debate as recent studies show unclear links to autism, with many others finding no such connection. Scientists have long rejected any vaccine-autism link, labeling such claims as debunked and baseless.
There's this kind of narrative that you have to be careful of absolutely everything you do in pregnancy... if you eat the wrong thing, you’re going to irreparably harm your baby, said Dr. Noa Sterling, touching a nerve for many parents of autistic children.
Parents like Dani Derner expressed disappointment, stating that some mothers might not have a choice regarding pain relief during pregnancy. Others shared concern that Trump's comments seemed reminiscent of outdated theories blaming mothers for autism.
Yet, voices in the autism community also welcomed increased attention to the developmental disorder, with some parents advocating for policy changes and support for individuals with profound autism. People with profound autism will need lifetime support, said Matt Murphy, whose twin sons are on the spectrum.
As discussions continue, the responses serve as a reflection of the divisions within the autism advocacy community, illustrating the complexities of how autism is perceived and discussed America today.
