A member of the London Autism Group Charity has condemned Donald Trump’s assertion that paracetamol consumption during pregnancy can cause autism.
Specialist teaching assistant and mother Elena Dillon, 26, who was diagnosed with autism in adulthood, criticised Trump’s language and sentiment.
This followed the US President’s September 22 announcement describing the ‘horrible, horrible crisis’ of rising rates of autism in the US as an ‘epidemic’, suggesting a link between the consumption of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy and autism.
Dillon said: “The language that was used during this talk, like epidemic, is a very disorder-based language that we used in the pandemic to describe Covid.
“This isn’t a disease that you catch, this isn’t a disease that you treat – it’s not a disease.”
Amidst global health agencies’ dismissals of Trump’s claim, Dillon explained the effect it has had on lived experience.
She said: “It was very difficult to listen to.
“It created a lot of emotions – being angry, being sad, also being very concerned and scared about the impact that this is going to have on the autistic community in America and the rest of the world.”
The north London mother apprehended the influence of such rhetoric in the workplace.
Dillon questioned: “What if I meet an employer who does agree with that and then I disclose this and am met with more stigma than maybe I would have already faced?”
On September 22, the US Food and Drug Administration initiated the approval of tablets that will mark the first FDA-recognised therapeutic for children with autistic symptoms.
Dillon said: “My biggest concern is for the children, who don’t make decisions for themselves.
“This claim might move attention from where we should be providing actual, tangible support for autistic people to access education and employment to ‘well actually let’s treat you’.”
She also said that the reason behind the rise in diagnoses is an increased understanding and awareness, meaning that autistic people are more confident to ask for support.
Dillon described the advantages of being autistic and urged people to listen to autistic voices.
She said: “Yes, we experience difficulties but we also experience such immense strength.
“For me, I get really anxious in certain social situations, I’m not always sure how to follow a conversation and understanding social cues can be difficult.
“However I’m also incredibly empathetic and passionate about things. I think if I wasn’t autistic I wouldn’t have those experiences – I don’t think I’d be as passionate or empathetic.”
Dillon also called for the redirection of resources.
“Why would Trump want to put so much money into finding a cause for someone’s neurotype when imagine what that money could do for support – how much accessibility, provision, training and resources could be given with the money that he wants to spend on finding a cure or treatment,” she said.
The London Autism Group Charity provides targeted mental health and community support for autistic people.
To access its services, connect on Instagram.
Featured image credit: Yingchih on Unsplash
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