YOUNGSTOWN, NY (WKBW) — We spoke with a WNY family who reacted to what Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday about autism, saying in part, "it feels like a slap in the face."
Kennedy announced that he will “lead the charge” to figure out why autism cases are increasing. He said he believed the increase is due to "environmental toxin(s)" and his speech is highly criticized by some parents of children with autism.
READ MORE: RFK Jr. disputes CDC conclusion on why autism rates have jumped in US
“As a parent, it feels like a slap in the face,” said Laura Chouinard who is a parent of a child with autism.
Laura and Andrew Chouinard have been on an autism journey with their 7-year-old son, Theoden, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of about two.
They told me they're "disgusted" and "disappointed" in the health secretary's remarks about autism.
“Autism destroys families," Kennedy said. "More importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children."
"It doesn't destroy us as families, it doesn't destroy our children," Laura said. "If anything, I think this journey has completely made me a better human. A better United States citizen, better local community advocate.”
"How do you respond when he says it's a disease?” I asked.
“It's very upsetting, it is not a disease, it’s a genetic disorder,” Laura said.
“What would you say to RFK if you were standing across from him right now?” I asked.
“I'd say come, meet my son, come spend a day in my house,” Andrew responded.
I spent time at their home and observed Theoden engage with his parents, playing the piano, and thriving.
“These are kids who will never pay taxes," Kennedy said. "They'll never hold a job. They'll never play baseball."
“To hear them say he will never be able to do something was horrendous,” Laura said.
"But they do actively contribute to society," Andrew said. "They do hold jobs. They just have their own part to play.”
A few years ago, Theoden couldn't even hold a cup in his hands, but now he's making amazing strides.
“Kind of makes me a little emotional to think about – but he went upstairs on his own, and sat on the toilet on his own,” Andrew said.
"Our son, who was diagnosed with severe autism, nonverbal. He is now doing his ones, twos, threes, his ABCs. He's singing and scripting songs,” Laura said
The family believes the sky is the limit for Theoden.
“Don't let someone tell you never—do not let someone tell you never,” Laura said.
