Disagreeing with RFK Jr. Is Fine—But Shaming Parents Isn’t
Here’s Why Fear-Based Messaging Hurts Families Searching for Support
As a neurodivergent mother and advocate, I see firsthand how fear-based messaging can push parents into panic instead of empowerment.
Lately, the rhetoric around RFK Jr. has gone from critique to cruelty—and the ones who suffer most are the families trying to make the best decisions for their children. When we meet valid concerns with mockery instead of compassion, we don’t stop misinformation—we isolate the people who need support the most.
In this piece, I want to offer a different lens: one that chooses education over humiliation, and support over shame. Because when we talk about public health and parenting, our tone matters as much as our facts.
There’s no shortage of valid criticism when it comes to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His views on public health, particularly vaccines, have sparked widespread concern among scientists, educators, and advocates alike. It’s not only fair to question those views—it’s necessary for public discourse and the safety of our communities.
But something deeply troubling is happening in parallel: the growing trend of hate-fueled, dismissive, and often condescending commentary. Rather than engaging with RFK Jr.’s ideas critically and constructively, many voices have turned to public shaming, mockery, and personal attacks.
This approach doesn’t just hurt RFK Jr.—it hurts families. Especially neurodivergent families. Especially those of us navigating the overwhelming maze of diagnoses, therapies, medical systems, and conflicting advice while trying to protect and advocate for our children.
Many of us are already living in a state of heightened awareness, doing everything we can to find what works for our unique kids. When public discourse becomes a battlefield of insults instead of solutions, it only adds to the fear, confusion, and desperation parents already feel. These kinds of remarks don't guide—they isolate. They don’t clarify—they cloud the conversation. And worst of all, they push desperate parents to act out of fear instead of informed understanding, potentially making decisions that may not benefit their child at all.
The danger here isn’t just misinformation—it’s the culture of humiliation that shuts down honest questions. When the message becomes “You’re ridiculous for even wondering” instead of “Here’s what the science shows, and here’s how we can help,” we’re not protecting children. We’re pushing parents further into the dark, alone with their fears.
We can—and must—disagree with RFK Jr. where his views are flawed or dangerous. But we must also do it without contempt. Neurodivergent families don’t need more ridicule. We need resources. We need respect. We need guidance that’s compassionate, evidence-based, and free of shame.
So here’s what does help:
Empathy over ego. Speak to parents with the same compassion you’d want if your child were struggling and you were doing your best to figure it out.
Information over insult. Replace shaming with education. Don’t just say someone’s wrong—show the evidence and explain why.
Community over chaos. Parents need connection, not criticism. Build spaces where questions are safe and support is real.
Let’s raise the bar. For our children. For each other. For a society where disagreement is healthy, but dehumanization is never acceptable.
Because when we focus more on helping families than hating figureheads, everybody wins. 💙
#Neurodiversity #Parenting #PublicHealth #SupportNotShame #UnmaskingNeurodiversity #CompassionOverCriticism #RFKJr #Advocacy #AutismAwareness #FamilySupport
