Let’s talk brass tacks.
While this administration is playing Trojan horse with the issue of an Autism Registry (which is unconscionable), even more disturbing news is being released to less fanfare.
First, let’s review. Robert Kennedy Jr. is ableist, anti-science, anti-American, and anti-autism. Now that we have reviewed the facts, lets wade into the waters. Disability services that directly impact autistic individuals are on the chopping block. How much? Robert Kennedy Jr. wants to defund protection and advocacy services for people with developmental disabilities. The new HHS draft budget proposal will do away with protections to people with developmental disabilities that was established in 1978 by the Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
What does this mean? The Department of Health and Human Services is shutting down the Administration for Community Living which supports disabled people. This is happening while we focus on the Autism Registry. More people with developmental disabilities will be placed into institutions and out of their communities.
What can you do? Write a letter to your local paper. Send a letter to your representative. Do not be quiet. Do not be afraid.