Apr. 17, 2025 |
Insights
At St. David’s, we serve thousands of children and adults with autism every year. We partner with families—guiding, supporting, and celebrating each person’s unique gifts, needs, and path. And today, we stand alongside researchers, scientists, physicians, clinicians, and members of the autistic community. We stand with those who have demonstrated in science, practice and lived experience that autism is not a disease to be cured. People with autism can and do live productive, connected, fulfilling lives. They are our beloved children, siblings, friends, neighbors and co-workers—people whose unique strengths and perspectives enrich our communities.
Recent public statements by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have resurfaced a long-debunked and harmful notion: that vaccines are to blame for autism. This claim is not supported by any credible science. And it contributes to a toxic climate of fear, guilt, and confusion that makes it even harder for children, adults and families to get the care they need.
Autism is not a defect to be eradicated. It is a form of neurodiversity—a unique expression of humanity full of unique challenges and gifts, just like any other human experience. The families and professionals at St. David’s know intimately from lived, daily experience that yes, some children and adults with autism require significant support. We also know that yes, families often navigate real challenges both within the home, and in the systems and society they must navigate. But those realities deserve compassionate, evidence-based care—not divisive, unproven theories that sow distrust and stigma.
At St. David’s, we are committed to:
- De-stigmatizing autism
- Providing therapeutic support that honors each individual’s strengths
- Supporting parents and caregivers, decreasing isolation and building community.
We stand for a world where children and adults with autism are understood, supported, and embraced—not feared, pathologized, or politicized.
To families navigating a new diagnosis, to parents wrestling with guilt, and to children growing up with questions about who they are: you are not broken. You are beautiful. We see you, with love and understanding. You are not alone.
Below are a few clear, non-partisan resources where you can read more about autism:
Resources:
- National Institutes of Health / PubMed (Systematic Review):
Vaccines Are Not Associated with Autism: An Evidence-Based Meta-Analysis
Vaccines are not associated with autism: an evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies – PubMed - Kennedy Krieger Institute Myths and Facts about Autism
Myths & Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder - Autism Science Foundation: Summary of Research
Autism and Vaccines – Autism Science Foundation
Our longtime partners at AuSM are also an excellent resource.
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