Today (September 23) AsIAm published its second statement in a matter of days relating to Autism misinformation by public representatives, both in Ireland and most recently in the United States of America by President Trump.
Statement
AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity, notes with deep concern the comments of the US government linking the use of paracetamol and vaccination to Autism. Such remarks are not grounded in credible scientific evidence and risk promoting a deeply medicalised, stigmatising, and ultimately harmful view of Autistic people.
Autism is not a disease to be cured. It is a natural variation in human neurology. Suggesting otherwise seeks to bring us back decades in terms of knowledge and understanding - fuels fear, misinformation, and prejudice. It undermines the dignity and rights of Autistic people and their families. These narratives are especially damaging because they divert attention away from the real issues Autistic people face—such as access to education, therapeutic supports, employment, healthcare, and inclusion in community life. Autistic people are often disabled by attitudinal and societal barriers - instead of perpetuating myths, leaders and public figures should focus on fostering understanding, acceptance, and support.
We would remind community members living in Ireland that neither Irish health advice nor international scientific evidence links Autism and paracetamol. It has been definitively established that there is no link between Autism and vaccination. We welcome that improved understanding of Autism has led to more people being identified as Autistic. There is no evidence of overdiagnosis in Ireland and we need to see the State provide timely supports to all who need them, across the life cycle. We would urge community members to only ever follow clinical advice from appropriately qualified and regulated sources and to be aware of the significant public health risks posed to you and others by declining vaccination or appropriate medication where it is required or recommended.
We send our support and good will to Autistic people in the United States at this troubling time for our community. That such misinformation is being spread, to the entire exclusion of Autistic voices will only strengthen the resolve of our community to defend our right to live in neuroaffirmative societies in which Autistic people are accepted "as they are" - equal, valued and respected.
