Enough with the Fearmongering
A parent’s perspective on harmful autism myths and why truth matters
I’m done with RFK Jr.’s attacks on the autism community.
I call bullsh*t.
His hunt for an autism “cause” is fearmongering, not science. If he cared about facts, he would talk about genetics and heredity, which is one of the scientific explanations, not blame mothers for taking Tylenol. That idea is unfounded and cruel. It pins guilt where it does not belong.
I know because I was that mother. I was careful, even weaning off medication to lower any potential cardiac risk to my baby. Maybe I didn’t exercise enough, but I trusted my doctor and did what I could. Then someone throws out reckless claims, and I find myself asking, “Did I take Tylenol back then?” As mothers, we often question everything we do during and after our pregnancy. That shame spiral is exactly the harm this misinformation creates.
Why my daughter is autistic is irrelevant.
I have the child I am meant to have, autism included. And autism is not caused by acetaminophen. There are complex factors at play. Honestly, it’s not important to me. When my daughter was diagnosed, I refused to stay stuck in the past. I concentrated on her future: therapies, doctors, answers, and managing co-occurring conditions. I could not rewrite the past.
Like every parent, I want the best for my child. Parenting an autistic child adds the weight of wondering if society will truly accept her. That is the real challenge, not some flimsy accusation about over-the-counter medicine. Imagine if the energy wasted on false blame went into support, acceptance, and love for autistic kids and adults.
This is not just bad science.
It is part of a larger pattern of targeting marginalized communities. Parents and their autistic children deserve compassion, not condemnation dressed up as concern.
So, call out the rhetoric. Stand with the families it hurts. The science is clear, and we will use it every time this nonsense resurfaces.
If confusion or self-doubt has touched you, know this: you are not alone, and the facts are clear. There are safe and trustworthy resources and people ready to help you move from worry to confidence. If you want to talk it through or find the right next step for your family, I am here.
