Like many of you

I’ve been following the latest comments from President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with anger and sadness. The National Autistic Society have already issued a powerful statement calling out their “fake news and offensive statements,” and I want to stand alongside them and alongside Autistic people everywhere.

Words Have Consequences

These are ‘sadly’ two very powerful men. When they call Autism an epidemic, their words don’t stay in the air, they ripple out. They shape the way people talk, the way they think, the way they treat Autistic people. They give permission for ignorance, pity, fear and stigma to thrive.

Autism is Not a Disease

Let me be clear: Autism is not a disease. It is not an epidemic. It cannot and should not be “cured.” Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence that shapes how people experience and interact with the world.

My son River is Autistic. He isn’t broken. He isn’t damaged. He doesn’t need eliminating.

When people call Autism an epidemic, what they’re really saying is that people like my son are less human, less worthy, less wanted. That’s the dangerous part. That’s the lie I will never let stand.

The Blame on Mothers

And then there’s the other part of this toxic rhetoric, the constant search for someone to blame. This week it was paracetamol in pregnancy. Next week it’ll be something else. But at its heart it always points the finger at mothers.

Mothers already live with enough guilt. Every decision we make, big or small, is second-guessed by ourselves and judged by others. To suggest that Autism is caused by one moment, one choice, one “mistake” is not just scientifically unfounded, it’s cruel.

I have two children. Only one is Autistic. I didn’t take paracetamol with either of them. That alone should tell you that the world is far more complex than this simplistic, damaging blame game.

The Truth About Autism

Here’s what I know:

• Autism is not caused by vaccines. The science is clear.
• Autism is not something to eradicate.
• Autism is not a tragedy.

What Autism needs is understanding, support and respect. Research should focus not on “causes” but on making Autistic people’s lives better, on listening to them, on building a society that works for them.

And while we’re here, to anyone who thinks they’re being helpful by offering me advice about “cures” or “treatments”: stop. However well-meaning you believe you are, those comments will not be accepted. If you cannot accept my son exactly as he is, then you have no place in my life or his.

My Son is Enough

River is Autistic and he is loved. He is teaching me daily about patience, joy, perspective and strength. He is not waiting to be “fixed.” He does not need to change for the world. The world needs to change to include him.

For those of you who have read my blog, you’ll know I am constantly learning, growing and finding joy in places and people I might never have come across if it weren’t for River. I want our story to be powerful. I want it to be helpful to mums who already blame themselves for not getting the right bowl at breakfast. I want it to be hopeful, by celebrating all the wins, big and small.

Autism is not an epidemic. It is part of human diversity. And it’s time people in power learned that.