We are disgusted with the continued fake news and offensive statements coming from President Donald Trump and his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. We stand in solidarity with autistic people and autism organisations in the US who are having to fight this hate directly.  
 
These are two of the most powerful people on the planet, and their words have consequences and impact around the world. Autistic people in the UK won’t stand for their rights or their humanity being minimised. We stand unconditionally alongside them.  
 
We would like to remind everyone about the key facts: 

• Autism is not a disease or epidemic. Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability which influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is incorrect to talk about cures or elimination in relation to autism. 
• There is no link between autism and vaccines. Significant research has focused on this over many years, and the results show conclusively and unquestionably that vaccines do not cause autism. 
• Research should focus on improving lives. Research about autism should respectfully and ethically centre autistic people and their experiences, goals and needs, rather than focusing on the cause of autism. 

President Trump and RFK Jr have the power and resources to make a positive difference to autistic people’s lives, enabling the support and understanding they need. We demand that they end this damaging rhetoric and join the movement to create a society that works for autistic people.

For high-quality and safe information about autism, visit:

• What is autism
• How to talk and write about autism