Lynne White is the CEO of Team Awesomism. To find out more about the organization, check out their website, TeamAwesomism.com.

Autism isn’t a red or blue issue, it’s a human issue. The sad part, though, about much of this is that too many people are either making it about a political agenda or are making it about money.

When now-HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. came out a couple of years ago, prior to being put in as Secretary, and said we need to look into Autism, I was thrilled.

I’ve had my own opinions on why I think some of the rise in Autism has happened. We all have our opinions, and we’re all entitled to them. The actual reasons for the rise are above my pay grade, and unlike many others, I’m not willing to continuously push one theory or another. I will leave it at this—I believe it is a lot more complicated than people want to admit. 

 As the mother of a 25-year-old, soon-to-be 26-year-old autistic son, I am deeply interested in changing the perception and the agenda towards Autism. I don’t just use my words. I actually am a full-time Autism Activist. 

I myself was diagnosed with ADHD and GAD (general anxiety disorder). I have done all the normal SSRIs, talk therapy, etc., and nothing worked—in fact, I think it made it worse. I then found Neurofeedback, and once I used Neurofeedback, it was a game-changer for me. My son, who is on the spectrum, also did Neurofeedback and found it to be beneficial.

I have watched too many people struggle in the autism community, and it isn’t always the physical side of it. Sometimes it’s the loneliness of autistic adults or autistic teenagers. Sometimes it’s a family member who is struggling to do what is right, all while trying to keep food on the table. The incredibly high unemployment rate. I could go on for hours about different things I’ve seen happen. 

This doesn’t mean that it’s horrible for everyone by any stretch, because It is a wide range spectrum.

I saw people on both sides of the conversation debating and analyzing every word of the Secretary’s Press Conference. It was startling to me how people will get so upset about certain words, instead of focusing on the fact that he wants to help. This shows how important this issue is. 

Peyton and I have been called out for calling it Awesomism. Our company is called Team Awesomism. Because we believe in focusing on the positives. This doesn’t mean that we only think it’s positive; we just feel that consistently focusing on the negative pulls you down mentally.

Peyton has had many positive and negative experiences. While we choose to focus on the positive, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be looking at what is causing the sharp rise in numbers, as well as answers for those who need help.

My father always used to tell me that if all you do is complain and be angry, you will never find a solution. I understand people‘s anger, I understand people's grief. I understand people's frustration, but what I don’t understand is why people don’t want to help find solutions, answers, and support. 

I, for one, am thrilled that Autism is being such a major part of our conversations at the highest level of our government. I applaud you, Mr. Secretary, thank you for stepping out of the comfort zone of your life to take on the real issues that many people are facing every single day. 

I look forward to the journey with you! So from my son and I, thank you for including Autism in your everyday conversation. Thank you for caring about us and being willing to listen and take the negativity thrown at you, to make the world a better place for the autism community. Reversing the alarmingly rising rates of autism in America is an awesome legacy for the MAHA movement in the autism community.