Manley Launches Neurodiversity Caucus, Responds to RFK Jr.Plans to Dismantle Autism Research

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, who co-launched the Illinois

Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus, in conjunction with April’s World Autism Awareness Month,

released the following statement following the recent remarks of Health and Human Services

(HHS) Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding adolescent autism:

“It is deeply troubling that federal leaders entrusted with protecting the health and well-being of

our children, siblings, and neighbors are promoting personal beliefs over the scientific

advancements that have shaped our understanding of autism over the past several decades.

“When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likens autism to a contagious infection that can be ‘cured,’ he not

only undermines but erases generations of scientific progress. This language is a direct attempt

of Trump's Administration to dismantle the foundational research, evidence-based practices, and

the community support systems that persons with autism and their families depend on.

“Autism is widely recognized as a highly heritable condition. Yet, Kennedy is choosing to push

fringe theories and frame autism as a ‘tragedy’ that ‘destroys families’ — ultimately rejecting the

lived experiences of people with autism and gutting the consensus of the entire medical

community,” said Manley.

Co-sponsored with state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, the Illinois Legislative

Neurodiversity Caucus is a coalition of legislators and community leaders who will work in

collaboration to prioritize health care and education, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

Neurodiversity encompasses the natural variation in brain function, which includes not only

autism, but also such conditions as dyslexia, dyspraxia, Down syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome,

among many others. In many cases, persons who are neurodiverse endure lifelong symptoms that

cannot be “fixed” or “healed.” In Illinois, an estimated 15-20 percent of our population is

neurodiverse.

“This ‘Administration for a Healthy America’ would upend autism programs, defund research,

and strip resources from universities and agencies solely because they center on inclusion and

accessibility. Even the Department of Defense’s Autism Research Project — eliminated with

Kennedy’s ‘start from scratch’ approach.

“Now more than ever, we must double down on our commitment to inclusion and investing in

research, supporting evidence-based care, and protecting the dignity and futures of people with

autism. On behalf of the Neurodiversity Caucus, we will not stand by as science is thrown away

and our loved ones with autism are left behind,” said Manley.