Autism Is A Neurotype, Not An Illness — With The Right Support, Autistic People Flourish -04/17/25

Portland, OR - In response to recent remarks by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., local autism advocates are pushing back against misinformation.

 

“Autism is a neurotype, not a disease to be cured and rigorous research has confirmed repeatedly that it is not caused by vaccines. Identification of autistic people has improved since the 1960s, to finally include girls, BIPOC people, and adults. What has been confirmed by families is that they need more support to help their loved ones have a rich life - not a cure,” said Mara McLoughlin, Founder of IRL Social Skills, which provides proven coaching that builds confidence, independence, and real-world social success for autistic and neurodivergent teens, adults, and their families.

 

In his remarks, Secretary Kennedy said "Autism destroys families, and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be suffering like this," he said. “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 out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted." 

 

These remarks are demonstratively false, and the families that McLoughlin works with at IRL Social Skills prove it. Many of the autistic individuals and their families are able to lead full lives. 

 

The spread of this type of misinformation and focus on a “cure” reinforces negative stereotypes instead of placing the focus and resources on support for autistic individuals and their families.

 

About IRL Social Skills: IRL Social Skills is a supportive community where autistic and other neurodivergent teens, young adults, and adults can learn, practice, and refine social skills. Each program has no more than 12 participants and their parents/caregivers. While teens/young adults are receiving instruction and practicing their new skills with peers and IRL coaches, parents join a breakout room to receive research-backed guidance to support their loved ones across social settings.

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