I wrote to my senator, Senator Lankford l, after hearing harmful comments made about autism. Yet again. Our children deserve respect, inclusion, and empathy, not stereotypes. Sharing my letter here because this conversation matters. Autism isn’t more biologically prevalent in the U.S., we’re just better at finding and naming it than many countries. Global studies suggest rates are likely similar everywhere, once differences in screening and reporting are accounted for.

Dear Senator Lankford,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing not only as your constituent from Tulsa but as a mother deeply committed to truth, compassion, and the well-being of the autism community. I saw your appearance this morning on Meet the Press discussing autism, specifically referencing remarks by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about “following the science.” I’d like to respectfully offer a different perspective. A perspective grounded in current, peer-reviewed science and lived experience.

As referenced in his April 16 press conference, Secretary Kennedy stated:

“Autism destroys families, and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. … These are kids who will never pay taxes. They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never play baseball. They’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted.”   

These sweeping, stigmatizing statements were met with widespread condemnation. As People Magazine reported, many pointed out the scientific inaccuracy and the hurtful portrayal of autistic individuals. Experts and advocates, from the Autism Society of America to groups like AuSM, have spoken out, emphasizing that autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability shaped by complex genetic and environmental factors, not a tragedy or epidemic to be cured.  

The rise in autism diagnosis’s largely reflects better awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and earlier screening, not a sudden spike in prevalence.  In the past, many children went undiagnosed or were mislabeled with other conditions. Today, pediatricians, schools, and families have more tools and training to recognize autism earlier and more accurately. This means children who might once have been overlooked are now being identified, which allows them to receive services and supports that help them thrive. What we are seeing is not an “epidemic,” but progress in recognizing and supporting neurodiverse individuals.

What I’d like you to consider

1. Language matters: Statements that frame autistic children as burdens or dismiss their potential have real-world consequences, harming self-esteem and access to education, services, and dignity.

2. Science-based leadership: Please encourage leadership that promotes autism research rooted in evidence, transparency, and respect, not sensationalism or debunked theories.

3. Listening to every day people: I’d be honored if you could find time for a brief phone conversation, perhaps 15 minutes so I can share my child’s story, the joys, challenges, and potential unmet by current rhetoric.

My child is a vibrant, curious, and immensely thoughtful little human. He loves to make people laugh, care for animals, create art and care for others. Yes, it takes time and patience, just like any child deserves. Imagining a world where he could “never pay taxes, date, or write poetry” simply erases his existence and value.

Senator, as a father yourself, I’d ask you to imagine how it would feel to hear a person in power declare that your child will never play baseball, never work, never pay taxes, never live a full life. How would you feel knowing your children might overhear those words, and wonder if their futures had already been dismissed? That is what families like mine are carrying today. The words aren’t just rhetoric, they ripple into the self-worth of our children and the way society views them.

Autism isn’t about deficits; it’s about diversity. Autistic individuals, and their families, thrive when embraced, supported, and understood.

Senator, I genuinely believe that when elected leaders show empathy, listen, and elevate scientific understanding, they make stronger, better-informed decisions. There’s a lot of good you can help make happen for autistic families, caregivers, and communities.

Senator Lankford, I feel strongly that we should all be outraged by the recent comments made about autism. Words that dismiss autistic people as burdens are not only inaccurate, but profoundly hurtful. They reflect a lack of empathy and a strain of ableism that has no place in our public discourse. Autistic children and adults deserve to be valued for who they are, not written off as incapable. Leaders set the tone for how our society treats its most vulnerable, and I urge you to use your voice to reject this harmful narrative.

Thank you deeply for your time, your attention and hopefully, for a conversation soon.

With respect, hope, and gratitude,

Sarah

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 2023.

• Maenner MJ, et al. “Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years,” MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 2023.

• Hansen SN, et al. “Explaining the increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders: the proportion attributable to changes in reporting practices,” JAMA Pediatrics, 2015