CNY disability expert worries federal announcements on autism are damaging and confusing
(WAER | Sept. 25, 2025) Autism is in the spotlight after health and government officials in Washington claimed it can be caused by acetaminophen. A Central New York expert on disability and inclusion said she believes the statements can dangerously change perceptions of the condition.
“Besides being incredibly damaging to autistic people … once again, autism being framed as something that we’re trying to eradicate, trying to get rid of, it also continues a historical tendency to blame mothers,” said Christy Ashby, Syracuse University School of Education Professor.
Ashby is Director of the Center on Disability and Inclusion. She worries the controversial information that came from the White House and federal health officials erodes trust in public health.
“People have really strong feelings about it,” she added, and suggests “read and listen to as much information as you can that comes from autistic people and from families, right? Like really looking to autistic people as the experts.”
“Once again, autism being framed as something that we’re trying to eradicate.”
President Trump and Health and Human Services Directory Robert F. Kennedy announced earlier this week that they found a link between Tylenol and other acetaminophen products taken by a pregnant mother and an increase in autism in children. Ashby and other health experts have explained a link is not causation …