Latest news with #AutismOutLoud
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parents hit back at RFK Jr.'s claim that ‘autism destroys families': ‘Don't ever say my children are a burden'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is leading the latest public discourse on autism—holding a press conference last week at which he vowed to get to the bottom of the 'toxins' he believes are causing the spike in prevalence and decrying how the neurodevelopmental disorder affects society. 'Autism destroys families,' he said, 'and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children.' But plenty parents of affected kids were not impressed. 'I just look at the source—this is a man who strapped a whale's head to the top of the family car,' Kim Covell, autism advocate and mom to a 26-year-old mostly nonverbal autistic son, tells Fortune, pointing out that his comments ignore 'proven science' and explaining that she is taking RFK Jr.'s comments with a grain of salt. 'I honestly think that science and reason will prevail in the end—and this is just a blip, an extremely unfortunate blip, on the autism timeline.' Some parents, though, were outraged. 'Autism didn't 'destroy my family,'' Stephanie Hanrahan, self-described autism mom, activist, and TEDx speaker shared on Instagram. 'It is incredibly dangerous to say autism destroys lives. We cannot make broad statements (and laws) based off individual experiences. It is careless and insensitive. It dehumanizes a group of people who are NOT an epidemic because they are NOT a disease. They are simply a different neurotype.' Her autistic son plays baseball, she added, and her autistic daughter is an advocate who plays the piano and writes poetry. 'Clean the water and food. Improve environmental toxins. Do research,' Hanrahan added, 'But don't ever say my children are a burden.' Official organizations also put out statements responding to Kennedy's statements. The Autism Society called them 'harmful, misleading, and unrealistic,' stressing that the way he spoke about autistic individuals was 'stigmatizing' and that the idea that vaccines cause autism (a specific allegation that RFK Jr. did not mention during the press conference, referring to 'medicines' instead) 'has been thoroughly debunked.' The Autism Science Foundation noted that his assertions lacked scientific evidence, and that he 'made a series of clear misstatements during his press event, including that adults with profound autism don't exist.' Autism Speaks, meanwhile—which has faced its own controversies in the past, including for allegedly promoting stigma—called the press conference 'extremely disappointing and damaging,' noting that it joined many others 'in their concern with how the autistic community is being misportrayed.' Much of the fireworks took place on social media, where angry and disappointed parents took on RFK Jr.'s assertions. Kate Swenson, coauthor of New York Times bestselling parenting memoir Autism Out Loud and mother of a 14-year-old with autism, also took to Instagram. She shared an anecdote about how her younger son, 12, reacted to RFK Jr.'s comments: ''Autism didn't wreck our family, did it, Mom?' … I honestly froze for a second. Before I could answer he started talking again. 'I don't think it did, Mom. Cooper didn't wreck anything. Our family is good.' And then he quickly said, 'But it is hard sometimes.' … The siblings are so wise. They are always learning, watching, and absorbing.' Swenson added, 'I think sometimes when topics are in the headlines we forget that we are talking about real people and families.' On a different Swenson post, another mom of a son with autism, Maddie Curry, left a comment, noting that RFK Jr.'s 'rhetoric' is 'extremely dangerous for the entire autism community,' and stressing that there has already been a lot of research on autism and its causes, including studies that her family has participated in. 'The implication that RFK Jr. is the first person to care is so painful for families and for the scientific community,' she wrote. 'We also have to hold our politicians to the minimum standard—speak about our autistic community with dignity and respect.' Nicole Gottesmann, a blogger and advocate for her nonverbal autistic son, posted that she had been trying to block out the news lately, but that while on vacation with her family, she caught RFK Jr.'s press conference—turning her happiness into 'sadness, despair, and fear.' 'Leading with how these individuals will never pay taxes or have a job made it clear that the intention is to eradicate autism. He stated that autistic individuals will never go on a date, write a poem, play sports, etc. He further stated that autism destroys families! I am here to say this is just untrue and disgusting on so many levels,' she wrote alongside photos of herself and her partner with their son. She added, 'He is nonspeaking, and his life has so much meaning. Just like every other autistic individual! How dare he judge my child, my family, and determine that Gabe is worthless. My family was not destroyed by autism … RFK's words have caused many of us pain.' Stephanie Loglisci, a mother of twins, posted to her 31,000 Instagram followers, 'When my twins were diagnosed with autism, it gave me the gift of better understanding and celebrating the unique way they experience the world … The only thing destroying our belief is the lack of knowledge, misinformation, and ignorance that the U.S. government is spreading about our kids.' While Brittany, head of the popular Instagram account Autism Mama's Crew, posted simply: 'RFK's comments were DANGEROUS,' and 'Autism doesn't destroy families. The lack of support does.' In a Sunday opinion piece for the Guardian, John Harris, father of an autistic son, agreed that Kennedy's words are dangerous—and that they, for him, prompt fear. 'Kennedy's pronouncements are not only about what causes autism; they also reflect an age-old perception of autism as an aberration, and many autistic people as 'ineducable' and beyond help,' he writes. 'This surely blurs into populists' loathing of modern ideas about human difference: Once you have declared war on diversity, an attack on the idea of neurodiversity will not be far away.' There were, however, some parents of kids with autism who were in agreement with RFK Jr. and pleased to see his attention on the issue. 'Autism does destroy families,' posted a mother in the comments section of the Autism Mama's Crew post. 'As an autism mom I feel devastated to see my children not meet their milestones. I wish they didn't have autism.' Another added: 'This is the truth no one wants to say/face! YES we love our babies … but I literally wish every day my two boys weren't autistic … Autism is beautiful, but it is NOT our friend.' Mary Holland, attorney, anti-vaccine activist, mother to a grown son with autism, and now CEO of the RFK Jr.–founded Children's Health Defense, said in a video posted to the organization's website: 'I have been waiting for that speech for over 20 years, so I am very grateful to the secretary for finally saying from an important public platform that this is an epidemic and we need to find the causes and we need to stop it.' On X, a man posted a photo of his daughter with her face obscured. 'This is my daughter. She has autism. She cannot dress, groom, or toilet herself,' he wrote. 'She hasn't spoken a word in her life. Her nonverbal communication is touches and gestures. She's the best thing in my life, but there is something wrong with her. Thank you, RFK.' On Sunday, Kennedy clarified some of his comments with an appearance on Fox News. 'There are many kids with autism who are doing well,' he said. 'I was referring specifically to that 25%, the group that is nonverbal.' Still, for many, the damage was done. 'It triggered me in ways I can't even describe,' actor, advocate, and autism mom Holly Robinson Peete posted about the press conference to her 1.5 million Instagram followers. She recalled the day her now adult son was diagnosed, at age 3, when she believed he would never be able to do many things in the future. 'Now, he's mostly checked off and shattered most of the 'nevers' off of that list,' she said. 'So when I hear someone like Robert F. Kennedy describe our kids as family destroyers, I feel the weight of every parent who's ever had to fight three times, four times as hard just to prove their child's worth. It plays into every stereotype and stigma every person with autism has ever had to fight.' What RFK Jr. is peddling here, she added, 'is not just ignorance, it is institutionalized hopelessness.' More on autism: RFK Jr. blames these 5 environmental toxins for a spike in autism cases Autism treatment is exploding across the U.S.—and now 1 in 31 kids are getting diagnosed Researchers uncover a link to autism—and it isn't vaccines This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Edenton woman featured on CBS Mornings shares new book on Autism and motherhood
GREENVILLE, N.C (WNCT) — April is Autism Awareness Month, and one Edenton woman is using her experience as a mother to shed light on raising children on the spectrum. In her new book, 'Autism Out Loud,' Adrian Wood and her fellow co-authors share their experiences in motherhood in hopes of helping others in the same situation. The book gained national recognition when it was featured on a segment of CBS Mornings. Adrian shared her story and the impact the book has made in her life as well as the impact she hopes to make on others. While raising awareness of Autism, each chapter of the book acts like a step-by-step guide for approaching certain situations. Adrian says it's something she wished she had for herself early on while raising her son, Amos, but is ready to share it with the world. 'All the chapters are great so they're standalone,' she said. 'We have a voice in each chapter. We each tell a story. What does success look like? What does forever look like? Those are really hard questions when you're a family like ours and you'll hear parents say, well, my child's always going to live with me. Well, I'm not going to be here forever. So, we have to ask ourselves these hard questions.' Click the video above for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man wanted for murder breaks leg trying to flee from U.S. Marshals
A man wanted for a 2019 Kentucky murder has been arrested after breaking his leg while trying to flee from U.S. Marshals in North Carolina, officials said Wednesday. Charles Ray Blevins, 38, allegedly shot and killed a man in South Williamson, Kentucky on July 6, 2019, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service. Blevins was out on parole at the time, having previously been convicted of second-degree murder in West Virginia. A warrant was issued for his arrest on July 11. He was listed as a major case fugitive by the U.S. Marshals Service, and was being considered for elevation to the agency's 15 Most Wanted fugitives listed, the USMS said in a news release. In addition to being wanted for first-degree murder in Kentucky, he was also wanted on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a parole violation charge. Blevins was a danger to the public, the USMS said. He was known to carry firearms and had access to firearms. He had also made statements indicating that he would "engage in violence with any law enforcement officers who attempted to arrest him" rather than going back to prison. Recently, West Virginia and Kentucky investigators learned that Blevins had traveled to South Carolina, the U.S. Marshals Service said. They tipped off the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. That agency was able to learn that Blevins was frequenting a house in Gaffney, South Carolina. Investigators began surveilling the home. On March 31, the task force and deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group moved to apprehend Blevins. He attempted to flee through the back of the house but fell and broke his leg. He was taken into custody without further incident, the USMS said. "Given the seriousness of Mr. Blevins' alleged crimes, the threat he posed to the public, and his ability to avoid capture, it was critical that we bring him into custody swiftly and safely," said Acting U.S. Marshals Service Director Mark Pittella in the news release. Blevins was brought to an area hospital for treatment. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, the agency said. He will be extradited to Kentucky to face charges. Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Judge to hear case of Tufts University student detained by ICE, school calls for her release
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aisha Bowe on her journey from community college to rocket scientist
Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and two-time tech company founder, is set to make history as the first person of Bahamian heritage to travel to space when she joins an all-female Blue Origin crew launching on April 14. Bowe appeared on "CBS Mornings" to discuss her preparation for the historic mission alongside co-host Gayle King, who will also be part of the crew. "I have been preparing for this moment my entire life," Bowe told King during the interview. "I mean, I started my career thinking I was allergic to math ... And here I'm sitting here, and I'm just like, we are going to space." In addition to Bowe and King, the groundbreaking mission features a group of women that includes musician Katy Perry, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, philanthropist Lauren Sánchez and film producer Kerianne Flynn. "This crew represents the best in the future of humanity," Bowe said. "It's really space for the benefit of Earth." Bowe also shared how she overcame early discouragement, including being told she should pursue cosmetology instead of aerospace engineering. "I was told I couldn't, I wouldn't, I shouldn't, and I can't, and I did," said Bowe. "I went from community college to studying aerospace at the University of Michigan to working at NASA for six years." The crew recently appeared on the cover of ELLE magazine's special April digital edition, where they met in person for the first time. When asked what excites her most about the upcoming journey, Bowe emphasized the impact on future generations. "I did it because I saw all of you reach for the sky, and I knew it could, too," Bowe said. Bowe's preparation has included experiencing G-forces to simulate the physical demands of spaceflight. She joked that her biggest concern for the actual flight is streaking makeup through the tears of excitement. Watch live coverage of "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King's trip to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket on Monday, April 14, starting at 9 a.m. ET on CBS, CBS News 24/7 or Paramount+. Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Deborah Norville on final season at "Inside Edition" after 30 years
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
FAA announces new staffing measures for Reagan National after midair collision
The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday announced a series of new staffing measures for Reagan National Airport, including increasing support for its air traffic controller team, in response to the January midair collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people. Following recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board last month to address safety risks at Reagan National, the FAA said it is evaluating current aircraft arrival rates at the Washington, D.C., area airport. The FAA said it found DCA's arrival rate, a measure of the number of aircraft that arrive per hour, to be "disproportionately concentrated within the last 30 minutes of each hour." The agency is also sending a critical incident stress management team this month to "support the well-being of controllers." The CISM team will be offering "confidential support for staff following stressful events," the FAA said. The FAA said it will also conduct regular wellness checks at the facility, increase supervisor staffing from six personnel to eight, and review the airport's certified professional controller staffing numbers. According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Washington Reagan's main runway is the busiest in the U.S., with more than 800 daily takeoffs and landings. The new safety measures come about a week after a fight broke out between employees inside the air traffic control tower. Police said they were called to the DCA tower on March 27 because of the fight. Officers arrested 39-year-old Damon Gaines of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, according to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police. He is facing charges of assault and battery. Government payroll records online identified Gaines as an air traffic controller. He is on administrative leave while the matter is investigated, the FAA said, and Gaines did not respond to CBS News' request for comment. On the same day as the fight, Chris Rocheleau, the acting head of the FAA testified before senators that "something was missed" as he explained what led to the Jan. 29 midair collision, the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001. And on the afternoon of March 28, there was a close call between a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Minneapolis which had just taken off from Reagan National, and an Air Force jet. Both aircraft continued to their destinations. The FAA is investigating the incident. Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Biggest takeaways from Trump's tariff announcement
