When I say “autism,” you might think pity, toxins, dependence, repetitive behaviors, thank God it’s not my child. When I say “autism,” I think joy, genetics, interdependence, passions and thank God for my child.

I hold space in my heart for families with profoundly autistic children; I do not personally know how your challenges impact your daily life and the plans you had for your child. I am validating that your experiences are real.

For families like mine, RFK Jr.’s rhetoric further sets back the social perception and rights we’ve worked so hard to uplift. My autistic child is the light of our lives. Autism has shown me the unbridled joy of small details, of connection, of celebrating the inchstones (not just the milestones).

Any parent wants their child’s life to be easier. But, as the parent to a potty-trained autistic child, allow me to assuage your fears. Autism has not destroyed my family. Autism is not something my child “suffers” from. And his worth is defined by his inherent dignity, not his achievements.

If the first concern of a leader is whether someone can pay taxes, that tells you all you need to know about them.

Meggi Campbell

Harrison

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