Radio Atlantic: What RFK Jr. Doesn’t Understand About Autism

Release Date: May 22, 2025 | Host: Hanna Rosen | Guest: Eric Garcia, Author of "We're Not Changing the Autism Conversation"

Introduction

In this episode of Radio Atlantic, hosted by Hanna Rosen, the conversation centers on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial stance on autism. As the head of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr. recently declared an autism epidemic, attributing its rise to environmental toxins and vaccines—a claim met with significant backlash from the scientific community and the autism advocacy community alike. Hanna Rosen engages with Eric Garcia, an autistic writer and journalist for The Independent, to dissect RFK Jr.'s assertions and their implications for the autism community.

RFK Jr.'s Position on Autism

The episode opens with Hanna Rosen highlighting RFK Jr.'s longstanding belief that vaccines, specifically mercury in vaccines, are linked to autism—a theory lacking credible scientific support. RFK Jr.'s recent press conference on April 16th emphasized what he terms an "autism epidemic," dismissing counterarguments from researchers as "epidemic denial" (01:07).

Eric Garcia criticizes RFK Jr.'s framing, stating:

“Saying that autism destroys children or destroys families is so corrosive. And it goes into the larger stereotype that people with disabilities are a burden.” (03:18)

Garcia underscores the detrimental effect of portraying autism as a catastrophe, which fuels stigma and misinformation.

The Rise in Autism Diagnoses: Causes and Misconceptions

Hanna Rosen and Eric Garcia delve into the spike in autism diagnoses over the decades. They explain that the apparent increase is largely due to changes in diagnostic criteria and increased awareness rather than an actual rise in incidence.

Garcia describes the historical context:

“Autism didn't get a separate diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders until 1980... In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association grouped all these diagnoses under Autism Spectrum Disorder with varying levels of support needs.” (06:16)

This broadening of the diagnostic spectrum accounts for the "hockey stick" graph of increasing autism rates, which often misleads the public into perceiving an epidemic.

Hanna Rosen adds:

“So it makes some kind of sense. And I think it really is important to pause here because that's what a layperson who knows nothing would pick up.” (07:04)

Eric Garcia's Critique and Analysis

Garcia criticizes RFK Jr.'s approach, emphasizing that framing autism as an epidemic shifts the narrative from support and accommodation to one of crisis and blame. He argues that this perspective:

• Dehumanizes Autistic Individuals: Portraying autistic people as burdens undermines their humanity and contributions.

• Redirects Focus from Support to Fixation: Emphasizing prevention and fixing autism detracts from providing necessary services and accommodations.

Garcia states:

“Treating it as a crisis and treating it as something to be fixed or prevented is corrosive to a lot of families.” (15:55)

He further explains that RFK Jr.'s rhetoric places undue blame on parents and the autistic individuals themselves, rather than addressing systemic issues and support needs.

The Impact on the Autism Community

The episode explores how RFK Jr.'s statements have deepened existing rifts within the autism community. Hanna Rosen references an op-ed by Emily May, a mother of a profoundly autistic child, which critiques RFK Jr.'s bleak portrayal of autism.

Eric Garcia responds by highlighting internal debates, especially around the concept of "profound autism." He discusses the contention over whether creating separate labels for high-support needs individuals adds to stigma or provides necessary recognition.

Garcia emphasizes the need for inclusion and representation:

“I know, I don't know exactly what it's like, but I've learned so much from your kids, and I've learned how similar we are...” (22:11)

He advocates for a perspective that sees autistic individuals as full human beings deserving support and acceptance, rather than problems to be fixed.

Internal Debates within the Autism Community

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the tension between different factions within the autism advocacy community. The push for recognizing "profound autism" aims to address the unique needs of non-speaking autistic individuals, but some self-advocates fear this could exacerbate stigma.

Eric Garcia notes:

“Autistic people have to stop making phone calls. They are on the front lines this time to prevent the cuts to Medicaid...” (21:12)

He stresses the importance of ensuring that advocacy efforts are inclusive and that all autistic voices are heard, especially those who cannot speak for themselves.

Conclusions

Hanna Rosen and Eric Garcia conclude by contrasting RFK Jr.'s approach with a more inclusive and supportive perspective on autism. While RFK Jr. seeks to identify and mitigate perceived environmental causes, Garcia advocates for:

• Acceptance and Accommodation: Emphasizing the need to support autistic individuals through services and societal acceptance.

• Inclusive Advocacy: Ensuring that all autistic voices, including non-speaking individuals, are represented and heard.

Garcia articulates a vision focused on enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals rather than framing their existence as a societal burden.

“What do we do about it? How do we serve these people? How do we see them as full human beings who have needs and wants and concerns?” (23:20)

Notable Quotes

• Eric Garcia:

  • “Saying that autism destroys children or destroys families is so corrosive...” (03:18)
  • “Treating it as a crisis and treating it as something to be fixed or prevented is corrosive to a lot of families.” (15:55)
  • “I want their stories told and I want them to be heard.” (22:44)
  • “What do we do about it? How do we serve these people? How do we see them as full human beings who have needs and wants and concerns?” (23:20)

• Hanna Rosen:

  • “There is a lot of confusion out there about autism, why it's increasing, if it's even increasing, and what even counts as autism.” (02:59)
  • “The scientific consensus and your life seem to show that a major reason autism is, quote, on the rise is because of improved awareness and access to health care.” (14:06)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Radio Atlantic provides a nuanced exploration of the contentious discourse surrounding autism, particularly in light of RFK Jr.'s assertions. Through insightful dialogue with Eric Garcia, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities within autism advocacy and the importance of framing autism in a way that promotes support, acceptance, and genuine understanding.