The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has sharply criticized the latest report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, calling it a harmful and misleading document. The Commission, established with the aim of reducing the rates of “autism and other chronic health conditions” in the U.S., has been accused by ASAN of promoting false claims. ASAN asserts that autism, being a hereditary developmental condition, cannot be “reduced” as the report suggests.
The report incorrectly assumes that the increased diagnosis of autism and other conditions is indicative of rising prevalence or worsening health. In reality, advances in healthcare access and improved diagnostic criteria have enabled more people, including people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals, to receive proper diagnoses and care. This, according to ASAN, is a positive development, not evidence of an “epidemic.” The network continues its efforts to counteract disinformation spread by the MAHA Commission.
False Claims and Stigmatization
ASAN also condemned the report for grouping a wide range of unrelated conditions—such as childhood cancer, asthma, allergies, and autism—into a single category of “increasing chronic conditions,” thereby promoting fear and confusion. The report frames the existence of disabled individuals, including those with autism, as a societal problem that needs to be eliminated, rather than addressing their actual healthcare needs. It further criticizes the current administration for neglecting disabled communities, particularly through threats to the Department of Education and the Administration for Community Living.
Vaccine Misinformation
The MAHA Commission’s report continues to spread baseless vaccine misinformation, repeating claims that have been debunked for years. The authors of the report cast doubt on credible medical research and suggest that vaccines cause autism—an unfounded theory. They also argue that vaccines must undergo additional placebo-controlled trials, a suggestion that could delay vaccine development and potentially harm public health.
ASAN emphasized that vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for public health, and that there is no evidence linking them to autism. Furthermore, the report fails to acknowledge the rise of vaccine-preventable diseases in countries with looser vaccine schedules, such as recent measles outbreaks in Europe.
Flawed Critique of Clinical Research
The report also criticizes the influence of pharmaceutical companies on clinical research, but ASAN points out that the administration’s actions are contradictory. The Trump administration’s budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and efforts to limit grants for studies focused on health equity will drastically reduce independent clinical research in the U.S. These actions undermine the goal of improving public health, especially for marginalized communities.
Chemical Exposure and Health Risks
The report makes sweeping claims about the dangers of synthetic chemicals without adequately addressing the complexity of the issue. While some chemicals like lead and PFAs are indeed harmful, many of the chemicals discussed in the report, including fluoride, have no proven link to negative health outcomes. ASAN notes that fluoride levels in U.S. drinking water are well below harmful thresholds, and the report’s claims about autism and chemical exposure are based on debunked theories that have led to harmful “cures” in the past.
Food and Nutrition Concerns
The report’s assertion that 70% of children’s diets consist of “ultra-processed foods” is oversimplified. While processed foods are a concern, they do not represent the sole factor in rising health conditions like type 2 diabetes. ASAN also highlights the role of food insecurity and food deserts, which force many low-income families to rely on processed foods due to lack of access to fresh alternatives. The report fails to address these systemic issues, and instead shifts blame onto individuals.
Moreover, the MAHA Commission does not recommend expanding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides vital food assistance to millions of children. ASAN argues that this oversight is a clear indication that the report aims to scapegoat individuals rather than address the structural causes of health disparities.
Concerns About Over-Medicalization
Another contentious issue raised by the report is its claim that children are being “overmedicalized” due to diagnoses of ADHD and mental health conditions. ASAN rejects this claim, especially considering the report’s leader, RFK Jr., has previously stated that individuals on mental health medication should be institutionalized. The network stresses that mental health medication, when properly prescribed, is an essential part of treatment, and children deserve access to the care they need without stigma.
Conclusion: A Flawed Vision for Health
In conclusion, ASAN argues that the MAHA Commission’s report promotes a dangerous, ableist agenda that seeks to stigmatize disabled and chronically ill individuals. The report focuses on spreading fear rather than offering practical solutions for addressing the real health challenges faced by marginalized communities. ASAN criticizes the administration for its role in exacerbating health disparities, such as proposed cuts to healthcare and food assistance, which would negatively impact millions of Americans.
ASAN pledges to continue debunking the harmful misinformation spread by the MAHA Commission, urging the public to reject the stigmatizing narrative and focus on the real health needs of disabled communities.
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