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I am not a happy camper.

This is not a Psalm 119 post.


 

 

          This headline came across my computer and I went, well, ballistic. As an autistic with a daughter who is autistic, this false information makes my blood boil. These lies that are being spread are taking away from the true needs of our autism community.

 

          Real research into what causes autism is indeed needed. But more than that there are other things just as important, if not more important that we need. We need supports to help us live our best lives. Not just work, but social experiences and independence - including independent living. We need rewarding day programs where there are chances to go out into the community on outings. We need a support system for people like me who are diagnosed late in life and have our lives and what we believed about ourselves turned upside down.

 

          Our youngest need help getting early intervention. It is when our children are young that so much of the work can be done. Yet, so many are missed. These children need to be found and helped. They may have the diagnosis, but no resources to help. That is what we need to focus on.

 

          This does not come from a place of outside observation. No, this comes from a place of living it and see the blessings we have had from the services my daughter has experienced. I wish all children and adults could receive what she has received. She had early intervention in speech and occupational therapy and physical therapy. Autism comes with physical delays and OT and PT helped my younger daughter overcome these so that we eventually called her our “little mountain goat” because she was the most surefooted one on our hikes. She has benefitted from the services of a private autism school through funding from the state. As an adult, she has thrived in a program that offers volunteering (which is my daughter’s favorite, I think) and social outings as well as encouraging independence. My daughter is able to take the bus by herself through a special bus program.

 

          I wish everyone who has autism could benefit from the blessings my daughter has experienced. And that is what we should be focused on. Not spending money on court cases built on falsehoods. At the end of this, I will be including a list of links that I found regarding the falsehood of Tylenol causing autism.

 

          As for me, I mentioned in the beginning that I am autistic. I don’t just have autism. It defines who I am. It is a part of me. If you take away my autism, you take away who I am. I was diagnosed four years ago at the age of 50. That diagnosis set me free. I had been fighting to fit into this world and grew up thinking I was broken. Then I found out that I was exactly what I was supposed to be. The world was broken. I say that because there are so many misconceptions about autism.

 

          Misconceptions are something else I think we need is education. It is one of the reasons I am so quick to let people I meet know that I am autistic. They are usually shocked. Oh, the time I could spend on this, but it is misinformation that has pigeonholed so many of us. So, we need real education. Not this false information that drags attention away from the truth that is begging to be shared.

 

          Have I been blunt? I hope so. This world has done a great disservice to a wonderful, talented, and special group of people. People with their own talents, wishes, desires, and dreams. People who want to live their life to the fullest. My family has been blessed. Everyone should be so blessed. The focus needs to be on education and services for everyone touched by autism. Do not forget the caregivers and the hours and hours of extra time they spend. I know because I was a caregiver, still am, and will be for the foreseeable future. Caregivers need help. They need support. They need someone to give them a break, a chance to rest and recharge.

 

          NO MORE FALSEHOODS! No more lies drawing attention away from the truth of autism and its needs. How did my daughter get autism? All you have to do is look at us and see the similarities. Even so, how she got it doesn’t matter to me. She is a beautiful soul with energy and intelligence and a happy demeanor that causes everyone who spends anytime with her to love her. She deserves her place in society as we all do. No more lies. Tell the truth and then give the support.

 

          And to those spreading these lies, stop attacking us. We have done nothing to hurt anyone, but people are afraid of us. Why? Because we are different. Because we do things that make you uncomfortable. Because you think you know who and what we are. You have no clue. People tell me I don’t look like I have autism. What does autism look like?

 

          This may be the bluntest I have been. And why do people accept these lies? Why can’t they accept that there are genetics at play here? Are they afraid they will be blamed? That is what society presents. But it isn’t true. We can’t control whether our kid has blue eyes or brown, just as we cannot control whether they have autism or not. Are you afraid that it means something is wrong with you? There is absolutely nothing wrong with being autistic or having an autistic child.

 

Let me be very clear. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING AUSTISTIC.

I am not a mistake.

I am not a freak.

I am not broken.

I am human.

My brain is wired differently.

That difference is good.

It is what makes this world so colorful.

We make the world colorful.

Get to know us.

We will surprise you.

We are God’s children.

 

          God designed humans to be different. He gave each of us gifts. Let us share our gifts. Stop lying about us. We deserve more. We deserve love and respect.

 

          May God touch your heart to help you see the truth. God’s Blessings.

 

Here are the links I promised

 

TYLENOL DOES NOT CAUSE AUTISM

 





 

Oct 7, 2025 — The research so far—including one of the largest studies yet on the topic—suggests that Tylenol use during pregnancy does not cause autism.

 

 

 

 

 

“Though there is public debate about whether taking acetaminophen while pregnant can cause autism in children, there is no scientific evidence for this claim, according to experts.

 

 

American Academy of Pediatrics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acetaminophen is one of the few pain relievers deemed safe to take during pregnancy, in consultation with doctors, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “Today’s announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children. It is highly unsettling that our federal health agencies are willing to make an announcement that will affect the health and well-being of millions of people without the backing of reliable data,” wrote the professional body in a statement sent on Monday to Scientific American.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And one final link

 

 

This is a plug for my own website that is in the beginnings of change. It has autism information there and it will soon have more as I begin a new ministry of supporting and sharing. I pray God will bless my work.

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