Part 3/5:
Ericson's comments come in the wake of RFK Jr.'s remarks made at a Health and Human Services press conference on April 16th. His statements drew significant backlash, as he expressed sentiments that many found both alarmist and derogatory, suggesting that autism not only "destroys families" but also denigrates the potential of children with autism. He asserted that these children may never become productive adults, adding that they would “never play baseball” or “never write a poem.” Such statements were met with outrage from the autistic community and their allies, who argue that these views perpetuate harmful stereotypes and ignore the realities of many individuals who live fulfilling and productive lives with autism.