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The main text is centered and reads "Colorado Disability Organizations Respond to White House Statement on Autism." Below is the date of October 1, 2025. Bottom features logos of disability organizations signed on to letter in alphabetical order. Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living (ACCIL), Atlantis Community, Inc., Autism Society of Colorado, Center for People With Disabilities, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Developmental FX, Disability Law Colorado, El Grupo Vida, JFK Partners - University of Colorado, Parent to Parent of Colorado, PEAK Parent Center, and The Arc of Colorado

October 1, 2025

Key Points Summary

  • National leaders recently called autism an “epidemic,” which is not true and is hurtful.
  • Autism is a natural part of human diversity and does not need to be cured or fixed.
  • Autistic people must be included in decisions that affect them.
  • Everyone deserves a meaningful life that they design and choose.

To Our Community,

On September 22, 2025, the President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services held a press conference about what they called “the epidemic of Autism.” They made statements that are not supported by science, research, or the medical community. These events have made many people feel sad or angry, and we want you to know we’re here for you.

We believe that people with disabilities, including autistic people, deserve the opportunity to live meaningful lives filled with freedom, choice, love, purpose, and joy. We follow the social model of disability, which focuses on changing communities, systems, and policies so that everyone has access and inclusion.

Autism and disability have always been here and are a natural part of the human experience. Today, more people are being identified with autism than in the past. This doesn’t mean autism is spreading like a disease. It means doctors and schools are getting better at recognizing it, and families are more comfortable asking for help. This is important because it shows that we can change our communities to be better when we learn more about what people experience and need.

Autistic people must be included in decisions that affect them. They deserve support, belonging, and respect, not to be seen as a burden to their families or communities. This is true no matter what kinds of support a person needs.

We stand together in calling on policymakers to work with autistic people, their families, and disability organizations. Policies must reflect the real needs and experiences of our community.

We celebrate autistic people and the natural worth of every human being.

In Community, 

Your Colorado Disability Justice Organizations

The main text is centered and reads "Colorado Disability Organizations Respond to White House Statement on Autism." Below is the date of October 1, 2025. Bottom features logos of disability organizations signed on to letter in alphabetical order. Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living (ACCIL) Atlantis Community, Inc. Autism Society of Colorado Center for People With Disabilities Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council Developmental FX Disability Law Colorado El Grupo Vida JFK Partners - University of Colorado Parent to Parent of Colorado PEAK Parent Center and The Arc of Colorado

List of organizations for accessibility:

  • Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living (ACCIL)
  • Atlantis Community, Inc.
  • Autism Society of Colorado
  • Center for People With Disabilities
  • Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition 
  • Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Developmental FX
  • Disability Law Colorado
  • El Grupo Vida
  • Family Voices Colorado
  • JFK Partners – University of Colorado
  • Parent to Parent of Colorado
  • PEAK Parent Center
  • The Arc of Colorado