Statements on Current Events in the USA and UK

Statement on Autism Research Plans in the USA

We are extremely worried by harmful and incorrect messages being spread about Autism by US President, Donald Trump and Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

At Autistic Parents UK, we affirm:

• There is no autism epidemic

• Autistic people do not need a cure

• All Autistic lives are worth living

• Research should focus on making life better for Autistic people

We send solidarity and strength to Autistic people and their families in the USA.  The ripple effects of the words and actions of these two politicians will be felt globally.  But we know that Autistic people and their families around the world will be united in standing up for their rights.

If you would like to know more about current events in America, we recommend following the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

Statement on Comments Made by Nigel Farage

Nigel Farage recently made false claims that mental health conditions and special educational needs and disabilities are “massively overdiagnosed”, and that diagnoses are being made by GPs.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that:

• You cannot get an Autism diagnosis from a GP

• Over 200,000 people in the UK are currently on waiting lists for Autism assessments

• Many people wait years for an assessment

• Many Autistic people still face significant barriers to getting a formal diagnosis

• Some Autistic people self-identify due to the risks associated with a formal diagnosis, especially those from the Global Majority or seeking refuge or asylum in the UK

At Autistic Parents UK we do not feel that being Autistic makes us “victims”.  We are proud to be Autistic and we celebrate our identity and culture.  We work to empower Autistic parents so that they can thrive and their families can flourish.

Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Sex and Gender

At Autistic Parents UK, we affirm that trans rights are human rights. We are deeply concerned by the recent Supreme Court ruling and the message it sends to trans people across the UK.

We want to be clear: all Autistic parents are welcome here — whether accessing support, engaging as members, contributing as associates, or serving as Trustees. Research shows that Autistic people are more likely to be trans, and trans people are more likely to be Autistic.  Trans rights and Autistic rights are inextricably linked.  We stand firmly with our trans community members and will continue to work for a world where everyone is safe, seen, and supported.