Thoughts on What We Must Do to Educate and Inform the Trump Administration about Autism Spectrum Disorder by Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adult Autism

Today, January 20, 2017 was an historic new beginning for all Americans, and the world, as Donald J. Trump became the 45th President of the United States of America.What does this mean for individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? It is too early to know with certainty what will happen in the next four years, but based upon what we know so far, I offer these predictions and thoughts that hopefully inspire discussion and action:

1. Donald Trump appears to be a devoted father and has very close relationships with all of his children. It would seem that he would also value the families of all Americans, and that he would recognize and address the challenges that many face, including those of individuals and families living with ASD;
2. Donald Trump does not appear to know a great deal about ASD but that does not mean he does not want to learn about it, and how it affects individuals and families. It is our job as members of the community directly involved with ASD, as advocates, family members, scientists and professionals to educate the President and his administration about the needs and concerns of those affected by ASD;
3. Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Education seems to not embrace or understand how vital federal laws like IDEA are to our students challenged by ASD and that this is a law that enables families assurances that no matter where they live in the United States that their child will receive the best education possible commensurate with their needs.  By leaving this to the states to decide, it puts families in the position of having to move and uproot their lives to states that are more accepting of the IDEA,  and this is onerous on families.  Again, we must educate the Trump administration about protecting these rights in all states;
4. Although Donald Trump has pledged to repeal and replace Obama Care this does not mean that treatments and medical needs of autistic individuals will be unavailable or that insurance rights will be repealed.  It has and is already up to each state to accept the federal right to receive  insurance coverage on behavioral therapies and other medical needs and that should not change in the Trump administration and families should still be able to save for medical expenses in Health Savings Accounts;
5. The impact or lack of impact of vaccines on autism has been brought up by candidate Trump and other advocacy groups lately and will most likely be a renewed topic of inquiry and discussion in  the new administration.  Although the CDC’s current position is that there is no connection between vaccinations and autism, I do not see any harm in revisiting the inquiries on this topic while at the same time recommending to parents to pursue a safe vaccination schedule  with their child’s doctors;
6. The lifelong needs of individuals diagnosed with ASD affect directly over a million Americans, and our entire society at large.  We need the United States government to continue to support the development of housing, employment, medical care, educational and recreational options for the diversely challenged population diagnosed with ASD and President Trump must be made aware of the hopes, challenges and needs of these individuals and families.

We should not look at today’s inauguration of a new President as a negative that will revoke the gains we have made or foreclose future ones.  Rather, we should further solidify our resolve that all people diagnosed with ASD are entitled to be valued and supported as needed throughout their lives.  We do this as an autism community and community at large through advocacy, educating our new leaders, and by highlighting and publicizing positive examples that put a spotlight on how we successfully address the challenges we face to achieve the best lives possible for all. Now is not the time for despondency, rather we must roll up our sleeves and get to work with steadfast hope that our effective enlightenment of the Trump administration will lead to better days ahead.