Two stars from the Netflix reality dating show Love on the Spectrum expressed their frustration over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial remarks about autism, which they believe are harmful and far from their reality.
Kennedy recently sparked outrage by claiming that autism “destroys families” and is an “individual tragedy,” further stating that children with autism would “never hold a job” or “go on a date.”
Dani Bowman, the founder of DaniMation, which teaches animation skills to youth on the autism spectrum, and James B. Jones, who has worked in technical support for over a decade, both spoke out against Kennedy’s statements. They emphasized that Kennedy’s views do not reflect their experiences as people with autism or those of most individuals on the spectrum.
While Kennedy has pushed for fast-tracked research into the causes of autism, including controversial claims linking autism to vaccines and environmental toxins, Bowman and Jones argue that such misconceptions can be damaging. They called for Kennedy to resign, with Jones describing his comments as uninformed. Both individuals shared how they lead fulfilling, independent lives, challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with autism.
Bowman and Jones also pointed out the importance of understanding and opportunity rather than pity for those on the spectrum. They expressed frustration that Kennedy’s remarks could further isolate and stigmatize people with autism, urging him to listen to those with lived experience and to prioritize creating opportunities for autistic individuals.
