Thank you for writing and sharing this article. I have a Republican congressman who loves to claim he is pro-life when I write or leave messages for topics such as this, I always weave in, “you call yourself pro-life, so you can’t be for the MAHA commission and see autism and ADHD as diseases to be eliminated, if you pro-life.” He is still a pos so maybe it isn’t working if I can get even one of his staff to ponder how not for life the Republicans are, it is worth it.
After finally being diagnosed with ADHD at 52, I know what it’s like before treatment and if anyone takes my medication away from me, I’ll be devastated that I have to go back to that life.
I would love to see breakdowns on who has been diagnosed in the past five years. I would venture a guess that many are women over 50.
A lot of us were just getting by and when the pandemic hit, we crashed and burned. Doctors finally took notice and we got the diagnoses we so desperately needed earlier in our lives.
Whoa. I’m so glad I found your words on this today. I roamed this earth with undiagnosed personality disorders and ADHD for 46 years and am FINALLY getting the therapy and medications I need to build a life with living… it’s terrifying to think that anyone would be cruel enough to take that away from me or anyone in my position.
Neurodivergence and mental illness ARE an epidemic, but only because we finally have the knowledge and tools to diagnosis them properly, not because they’re contagious. It’s SOCIETY that needs to be fixed, not US.
It's a scary time to be autistic right now. I decided not to seek an official diagnosis for this very reason. Thank you especially for the section about how to make a phone call even if that feels really overwhelming—I almost completely avoid talking on the phone to anyone outside a very select circle of loved ones, so this feels like giving me a superpower :) Still feels scary, but with the supports you listed, I think I can do it! I just never even knew those things were options!
When will Alcohol and Substance Abuse be the target? Seems rampant in the corridors of power. Old as time- fear difference and bully those perceived as weak.
Thank you for sounding the alarm on this. The way this commission frames autism and ADHD as public health threats is terrifying—not just because of the potential policy changes, but because of how it shapes public perception. As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how misinformation leads to stigma, denial of accommodations, and harmful ‘treatments’ that prioritize compliance over actual support. This is about our rights, our autonomy, and our humanity. I’m grateful for this breakdown and the action steps—let’s make sure this doesn’t go unchecked.
I find my diagnosis of ADHD liberating. At last I understood many of my lifelong problems! But I was in my 70s when I found out, which made me too old for medications to control it. So I have had to develop systems for managing my various manifestations. Without meds. I have a psychotherapist who helps me out.
The gift ADHD gives me is the ability to super concentrate when I’m making art. It makes me special. Or at least feel special. It’s not a disability at all.
Thank you for this! As the mother of two young adults with ADHD/autism.
You're welcome!
Thank you for writing and sharing this article. I have a Republican congressman who loves to claim he is pro-life when I write or leave messages for topics such as this, I always weave in, “you call yourself pro-life, so you can’t be for the MAHA commission and see autism and ADHD as diseases to be eliminated, if you pro-life.” He is still a pos so maybe it isn’t working if I can get even one of his staff to ponder how not for life the Republicans are, it is worth it.
Excellent article! Love the calls to action, so important. These are scary times.
I’m glad it was helpful
After finally being diagnosed with ADHD at 52, I know what it’s like before treatment and if anyone takes my medication away from me, I’ll be devastated that I have to go back to that life.
I would love to see breakdowns on who has been diagnosed in the past five years. I would venture a guess that many are women over 50.
A lot of us were just getting by and when the pandemic hit, we crashed and burned. Doctors finally took notice and we got the diagnoses we so desperately needed earlier in our lives.
I would too.
Whoa. I’m so glad I found your words on this today. I roamed this earth with undiagnosed personality disorders and ADHD for 46 years and am FINALLY getting the therapy and medications I need to build a life with living… it’s terrifying to think that anyone would be cruel enough to take that away from me or anyone in my position.
Neurodivergence and mental illness ARE an epidemic, but only because we finally have the knowledge and tools to diagnosis them properly, not because they’re contagious. It’s SOCIETY that needs to be fixed, not US.
That's what I think too, Kali.
It's a scary time to be autistic right now. I decided not to seek an official diagnosis for this very reason. Thank you especially for the section about how to make a phone call even if that feels really overwhelming—I almost completely avoid talking on the phone to anyone outside a very select circle of loved ones, so this feels like giving me a superpower :) Still feels scary, but with the supports you listed, I think I can do it! I just never even knew those things were options!
You are welcome! Voice mails can be hard too. But are more effective I hear than emails.
When will Alcohol and Substance Abuse be the target? Seems rampant in the corridors of power. Old as time- fear difference and bully those perceived as weak.
Good point.
Hard pass on health advice from the heroin addict https://www.buildtheresistance.org/50501
All of this, but they are also questioning mood stabilizers. Send love to your bipolar brothers and sisters, too.
Thank you for sounding the alarm on this. The way this commission frames autism and ADHD as public health threats is terrifying—not just because of the potential policy changes, but because of how it shapes public perception. As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how misinformation leads to stigma, denial of accommodations, and harmful ‘treatments’ that prioritize compliance over actual support. This is about our rights, our autonomy, and our humanity. I’m grateful for this breakdown and the action steps—let’s make sure this doesn’t go unchecked.
So concerning.
I find my diagnosis of ADHD liberating. At last I understood many of my lifelong problems! But I was in my 70s when I found out, which made me too old for medications to control it. So I have had to develop systems for managing my various manifestations. Without meds. I have a psychotherapist who helps me out.
The gift ADHD gives me is the ability to super concentrate when I’m making art. It makes me special. Or at least feel special. It’s not a disability at all.
I"m glad you found understanding.
Thank you for posting and sharing this critical information! 🙏
You're welcome!