The Dream The Canard of Epidemic Denial
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May 16, 2025 Eric Garcia, Senior White House Correspondent for The Independent and author of 'We're Not Broken', dives deep into the misinformation surrounding autism and public health. He discusses RFK Jr.'s controversial autism claims, advocating for the rights of autistic individuals while tackling epidemic denial. Garcia sheds light on the historical neglect in autism research, particularly for girls and children of color, and the tragic legacy of the Kennedy family’s mental health struggles. Misinformation in the anti-vaccine movement is also critically examined.
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Eric's Autism Disclosure Story
- Eric Garcia avoided disclosing his autism early in journalism because he felt it was nobody's business.
- He later embraced writing about the autistic experience when encouraged by a colleague to share insider stories.
Fear Fuels Autism Myths
- The autism vaccine myth persists because autism is still feared and misunderstood.
- RFK Jr.'s apocalyptic portrayal worsens stigma against autistic individuals and families.
Autism Diagnosis Disparities
- Autism prevalence differences are influenced by diagnostic access, eligibility, and bias against girls and minorities.
- Increased numbers reflect better detection and expanded recognition, not an environmental epidemic alone.
