Autism In the News
By Kami-Leigh Agard
While perusing through my daily digital news feed, I came across quite an unusually high volume with autism in the headlines. In this column, I share three trending stories. Share your comments by emailing: kami@rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org
—“Trump: ‘We’re Going to Find Out’ Why Autism Levels Have Increased” Wall Street Journal (March 4, 2025)
In his address to Congress this past Tuesday, March 4, President Donald J. Trump sounded the alarm about skyrocketing autism rates among children (1 in 36) in the U.S., pledging that “we’re going to find out” why there’s been such an increase in the diagnosis among children in the country. He called out his new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. saying that there is “nobody better” to get to the bottom of it. Kennedy has pushed the unproven theory that vaccines are linked to autism, which has raised concerns from many public health scientists.
While reading the above story, I thought about the uptick in measles happening around the country, including two cases confirmed in NYC alone. The recommended two-dose series of measles vaccine (typically administered as part of the MMR vaccine, which also includes mumps and rubella vaccines) is over 97% effective at preventing measles. While I too wonder if there is indeed any relation between vaccines and autism, I actually found myself thinking, thank God my daughter received the MMR vaccine. I guess, damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
—“New Jersey will offer autism, communications disorder designation for driver’s licenses, ID cards” CBS News (February 21, 2025)
New Jersey residents on the autism spectrum can soon apply for a designation on their driver’s license or ID to help them with interactions with police. They’ll also be issued a Motor Vehicle Commission “pink card” describing their diagnosis, which must be carried with the license or ID card.
“So law enforcement, when they interact with them, they know how to treat them with respect and make sure that everyone can be treated safely,” said NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
I was curious to know if New York State also offered a similar designation for autistic drivers. In 2019, Assemblymember Nader Sayegh of Yonkers introduced a bill that would allow people with autism spectrum disorder to obtain a special driver’s license. Interestingly, autism advocates were adamantly against it stating: “This bill does not adequately support the autism community. As research professionals, we believe that a de facto disclosure mark serves no justice nor law enforcement purpose. Marked individuals may face unjust discrimination wherever a photo ID is required including job applications, qualifying for a mortgage, or purchasing alcohol.” That bill never went through. Then, in January of this year, another bill was introduced by NYS Senator Mario Mattera to “allow individuals to request a notation on their driver’s license indicating that they have autism spectrum disorder, or any other medical, mental, or behavioral condition that may alter or impair their behavior.” It is pending.
—“No Evidence That Maternal Sickness During Pregnancy Causes Autism” NYU Langone Health News Hub (January 31, 2025)
Although many studies have reported a link between a mother’s health condition during pregnancy and her child’s risk of autism, a new study shows that nearly all of these “associations” can otherwise be explained by factors such as genetics, exposure to pollution, and access to healthcare. Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, the study revealed that of the few conditions truly associated with autism, all were actually complications with the fetus—leading the authors to believe that those symptoms were early signs of autism in the child, not the cause of it. “Our study shows that there is no convincing evidence that any of these other diagnoses in the mother can cause autism… Many mothers of children with autism feel guilty about it, thinking that they did something wrong during pregnancy, and it is heartbreaking. I think showing that these things are not going to cause autism is important and may lead to more effective ways to support autistic children and their families,” said the study’s author.
And on the hyperlocal front, stay tuned for Rockaway Beach Autism Families’ rollout of special events for April’s Autism Awareness Month, including Radio Bingo Fundraiser for the autism community affected by the wildfires in South LA, Calif. (Saturday, April 26) and 3rd Annual Walk for Autism on the boardwalk (Sunday, April 27). For more info, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/ Instagram.
