Local autism advocates react to RFK Jr.’s controversial comments on autism

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Those for and against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comments on autism are still reacting and speaking out two weeks later.

RFK Jr. spoke at a press conference on April 16 where he was quoted saying, “Autism destroys families.”

Local community members have expressed their thoughts and concerns since the comments were made, including RAMP, a local nonprofit that helps those with disabilities live independently.

Dane Johnson is the organization’s Systems Change Advocate and said he was frustrated with what he heard.

“For him to claim that it is a preventable epidemic, that it is caused by environmental toxins, is all just perpetuating falsehoods that can really negatively impact people,” Johnson said.

Byron mother Amber Marquez has two children with autism. Her 14-year-old son Liam lives with severe level three autism.

Marquez said she wished Kennedy wasn’t so blunt with his wording, but she understood and agreed with his intentions.

“He does recognize that there are genetic components, because I absolutely believe that there are, but there are also environmental components that me and lots of other parents in this like severe side of autism have experienced and witnessed and felt and seen,” Marquez said. “He put the 25% of us in this group at the table.”

Johnson and Marquez also shared their thoughts on the potential autism registry that Kennedy mentioned, which would be a full list of those with the disorder.

“Anybody who wants a small government should be a little concerned about them keeping a list of everybody with autism and should ask themselves what they’re going to do with that,” Johnson said.

“From my understanding, private information is not going to be shared,” Marquez said. “People are just taking things and it’s just spiraling on social media.”

Both Marquez and Johnson said they want the best for everyone involved.

“These are people with hopes and dreams and love and passions and fears,” Johnson said. “You can’t just reduce them to a tax expense.”

“I just want what’s best for [Liam],” Marquez said. “I want him to have a full, healthy, pain-free life. We all need more research.”