There have been some wildly inaccurate claims in the news lately about autism and autistic people. There is a specific political agenda making the case that rates of autism are rising. Further, recent comments from RFK jr. have motivated us to respond and critique his asinine behavior. Autism is part of the human condition. Vaccines don't cause autism. We make an empassioned case against the misinformation ecosystem.

Recommendations

• Abraham: Deafheaven - “Lonely People With Power” (https://deafheavens.bandcamp.com/album/lonely-people-with-power) 
• Shane: Thunderbolts* (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20969586/)
• Bonus Recommend: Profound Autism Summit (https://www.profoundautismsummit.org/)

Holidays (5/14/2025):

• International Dylan Thomas Day
• National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
• National Dance Like a Chicken Day
• World Stationary Day
• International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
• Online Romance Day
• National Children’s Day in the UK
• National Receptionists Day
• National Third Shift Workers Day
• National Decency Day
• Shades Day
• Economic Development Week
• Food Allergy Awareness Week
• Hospital Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.theautismservice.co.uk/news/the-history-of-autism/#:~:text=Born%20in%20the%20Russian%20Empire,t%20read%20or%20recognise%20faces.
2. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/the-history-of-autism#:~:text=Kanner%20syndrome,former%20London%20Borough%20of%20Camberwell.
3. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Autism-History.aspx
4. https://beyondthespectrummovie.com/a-history-of-autism/#:~:text=Experts%20now%20believe%20that%20humans,with%20autism%20appeared%20circa%201800. 
5. Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.55.1.3
6. https://www.factcheck.org/2023/08/scicheck-what-rfk-jr-gets-wrong-about-autism/ 

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