NAVIGATION

Commentary: We Believe in the Potential of Every Autistic Individual

04/18/25


We were deeply disappointed by recent remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which painted a narrow and harmful picture of autism. His comments — suggesting that autistic individuals will never work, form relationships, or live independent lives — are not only inaccurate, but also profoundly disrespectful.

Our organization has spent 70 years walking alongside autistic individuals and their families. Every day, we witness their talents, intelligence, creativity, resilience, and love. Autistic people in our programs and schools write poetry, play sports (and win!), hold jobs, fall in love, build friendships, and live full lives filled with meaning and possibility. Many use assistive technology and other supports to communicate and thrive.

Autism is a spectrum — not a sentence. And no one’s worth is measured by their ability to meet a narrow, neurotypical standard of success.

At May Institute, we are committed to promoting independence, choice, dignity, and respect for the individuals we serve. We will continue to amplify their voices, celebrate their accomplishments, and stand against stigma wherever it appears.

We hope public figures will speak about autism with compassion, humility, and the understanding that every autistic person deserves to be seen, respected, and included.

 

 

  • 41 Pacella Park Drive
  • Randolph, MA 02368
  • USA
  • Phone 800.778.7601
  • TTY 781.440.0461

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May Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, marital status, socioeconomic status, homelessness, or any other category protected under applicable law in treatment or employment at the Institute, admission or access to the Institute, or any other aspect of the educational programs and activities that the Institute operates. The Institute is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), and their respective implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 100, 104, 106 and 110, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI); disability (Section 504); sex (Title IX); or age (Age Act). Inquiries concerning the application of each of these statutes and their implementing regulations to the Institute may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (617) 289-0111 or 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921, or to Pamela Raymond, Title IX Coordinator at 1.800.437.1200  ext.1252 or compliance@mayinstitute.org or May Institute 14 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368.

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