Autism Beyond Politics What Families Actually Need

Families need help today. Not promises for tomorrow.

As both a parent of an autistic adult and the CEO of ABA Home Therapy, I’ve witnessed firsthand how political discussions about autism often miss what matters most to families. When my daughter was diagnosed at age 4, my focus wasn’t on debates or theories. It was on finding effective treatment that could help her right now.

That same urgency drives the thousands of families we work with every day. They come to us saying, “My child is having serious issues with dealing with life” or “My kid’s going to get kicked out of school unless we have a therapist with them.” These families aren’t concerned with trending political statements about eliminating autism or finding miracle cures. They need practical, proven support for their children today.

Beyond the Epidemic Narrative

The reality is that more individuals are diagnosed with autism today than ever before. This increase stems largely from greater acceptance, better diagnostic tools, and reduced stigma. Parents are more willing to seek diagnosis because they understand it opens doors to therapy services that can help their children.

While I personally believe environmental factors play a role alongside genetics, we simply need more scientific research to make definitive claims. Until then, our focus must remain on providing effective therapy for those already diagnosed.

Understanding Autism as a Different Way of Experiencing the World

How we talk about autism matters profoundly. When people speak of “eliminating” autism rather than understanding it, the impact varies depending on where someone falls on the spectrum.

My daughter isn’t able to communicate that she’s autistic, but during meltdowns, she’ll repeatedly ask, “What’s wrong? What’s wrong?” She knows something is happening that she can’t control, and it upsets her deeply.

For higher-functioning individuals who hear “eliminate autism,” they often interpret it personally, as if someone wants to eliminate them or change who they are fundamentally. We should respect both perspectives. Those who embrace autism as part of their identity deserve celebration as unique individuals. Those seeking to reduce challenging symptoms deserve support without judgment.

The ABA Therapy Difference

At ABA Home Therapy, we provide personalized treatment in stress-free, fear-free, and punishment-free environments. Our approach isn’t about forcing children to mimic behaviors that aren’t natural to them. Instead, we craft strategies uniquely suited to each individual.

Our BCBAs don’t use cookie-cutter approaches. They develop treatment plans based on thorough understanding of each client’s specific challenges and strengths. We look for replacement behaviors that will feel natural to the individual over time, recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another.

The Parent Journey

When parents first receive an autism diagnosis for their child, many think, “All the dreams and aspirations I had for my child are over.” They often hope for something that will “fix” their child quickly.

But autism isn’t a death sentence. It means the world will be different for that child and family, not lesser. Parents need to embrace this reality and focus on their child’s needs rather than their own expectations.

If my daughter hadn’t been diagnosed with autism, I wouldn’t be in this field helping thousands of families. That perspective shift from crisis to purpose is something we witness regularly in the families we serve.

Advice for Policymakers

To policymakers who genuinely want to help the autism community, my advice is simple: talk to the community. Speak with autistic adults who can communicate their experiences. Listen to parents raising children on the spectrum. Consult physicians working directly with these individuals.

What gives me hope in the current political climate is that autism is receiving attention, which could lead to more research and resources. But I worry when officials search for quick fixes or make statements for political gain rather than basing policies on scientific evidence.

Autism isn’t a trending topic for those of us in the community. It’s a lifelong reality we face every day. We need continued funding for effective therapies, competitive rates so providers can hire qualified professionals, and ongoing support for scientific research.

Most importantly, we need to focus on what helps people today while working toward a better understanding for tomorrow.