An Open Letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Who Thinks My Daughter Is a Tragedy

Dear Mr. RFK Jr., (The “dear” is tradition. Don’t mistake it for affection.) You said autistic children are a burden. That they ruin families. That...

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@mwl

Right in the feels. Being diagnosed with autism on my sixth year - and mid twenties with ADHD - I reckon both myself and the beloved ones in this letter.

And I am incredibly honored to have a supportive environment while growing up - for the most part. But others don't have that privilege.

As controversial as this might be - the attitude of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. feels like discrimination and a crime against humanity.

Having been there - having experienced what a diagnosis is like - the good, but also the bad and worst sides - we should be supportive of everyone. Especially if they are "different" or fall outside the lines of the system.

@mwl

I am fortunate enough to be where I am now. Mid-thirties, happy and cherished. And while my youth might have been painful at times - I realize how fortunate I am, coming from a privileged background, having the space to figure out whom I am and to fall on my nose - knowing I'd be caught and given the opportunity to recover and heal.

However - many don't have this privilege. I will gladly offer my voice to them if needed - and take a strong stance against any form of injustice and/or discrimination.

@mwl

Last one for now: feel free to boost / toot as you see fit. I tooted this publicly on purpose - as I rather rot in jail saving a single person than any other scenario.