Spokane disability advocacy group pushes back against misinformation from officials

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Trump administration’s announcement claiming a link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and autism has sparked reaction from organizations advocating for people with disabilities.

The Arc of Spokane is calling out public officials for spreading what they call misinformation. The organization says this announcement from the Trump administration has a serious impact on both people who are autistic and their families.

The organization that released a statement, reading: “Reducing autism only to a problem that must be solved, or presenting unproven claims as fact, fails both autistic people and the families who love them.”

For those in the autism community, hearing these headlines has been emotional.

“To all the parents, even though out there, I just want to know that you didn’t cause your child autism. You are one. You are wonderful. You, you are a wonderful parent and advocate to your child, so never, never, feel like you are a burden or your child’s a burden,” said Taylor Crisp, who works at The Arc of Spokane.

Crisp has autism and has a child with a diagnosis. She is urging for more focus on support and real resources for people with autism rather than the claims public officials are making right now.

“I also think it’s really counterproductive that they’re looking for a cause or a way to eradicate this diagnosis, when instead we need more access to supports and services,” said Dana Fletcher, Parent Coalition Coordinator at The Arc of Spokane.

Fletcher is also a parent of a child with autism. She says the misinformation being spread has been harmful and comes at a time when organizations like hers are seeing high demand for services.

Fletcher says in Spokane County, there have been very long wait lists to receive support services for people with disabilities.

The Arc hopes the community uses this time to become more educated about autism and to see those diagnosed with it as individuals rather than through limited or inaccurate portrayals.