A lot of autism parents supported Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy. This is especially true of those parents who believe in the (yes, once again I’ll say it: false) idea that vaccines cause autism. The decision constantly strikes me as “shooting oneself in the foot” as it’s clear that Mr. Trump and even Mr. Kennedy don’t really have respect for people with disabilities. Mr. Trump’s contempt for people with disabilities is well established. Let’s face it, if after 20 plus years being around (and syphoning money from) the autism parent community, one would think that Mr. Kennedy would have some idea of what Medicaid is.
One fact is very prominent in the mind of many parents of a disabled person: our adult children will likely spend about half their lives without us to help them. Unless you are wealthy, you are going to rely upon your fellow citizens–through our government (we the people and all)–to help our family.
One way we do that is by seeing that people can live in the community. To that end, there was an office in the Department of Health and Human Services called The Administration for Community Living.
The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.
I say “was” an office because Mr. Kennedy dismantled that office: “HHS Announces Transformation to Make America Healthy Again“. I think the references to 1984 and doublespeak are often overused, but, seriously? We are going to “make America healthy again” by dismantling an office that helps people with disabilities live where they want and fully participate in their communities?
Gee. Thanks anti-vaccine autism parents. Thanks for shooting yourselves in the foot and making it just a little harder for my kid to live their life as they want to live it. You got the validation you sought. Our kids pay the price. Well, them and those who will die from vaccine preventable diseases.
Good job.
By Matt Carey
Left Brain Right Brain 
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