Living Autistic: Why the Vaccine Myth Hurts Us All
Living Autistic: Why the Vaccine Myth Hurts Us All
I was having a normal workday, just helping a customer like I always do, when they noticed my stim toy. In seconds, the conversation flipped from car parts to a rant about how vaccines “caused my autism.” I had to stop and correct them — again. It’s exhausting, but it’s something I have to do over and over.
The myth that vaccines cause autism won’t die. Despite decades of scientific research proving otherwise, this false idea keeps spreading, hurting autistic people and their families.
If vaccines really caused autism, then everyone who got vaccinated would have autism. That’s not how it works. Autism is a neurological difference you’re born with — part of how your brain is wired from the start.
Autism Is Not a Tragedy
Autism isn’t some disease to be cured or erased. It’s not caused by something you “catch” or something a parent “did wrong.” It’s part of who I am — and it comes with both challenges and strengths. I’m autistic, I work, I pay taxes, I help customers find the parts they need every day. I have coworkers and friends who have my back. That’s my reality.
Why the Vaccine Myth Hurts Us
This myth isn’t just wrong — it’s harmful. It makes people see autistic individuals as “broken” or “less than.” It places blame on parents, especially mothers, and feeds into ableist stereotypes that we can’t work, live independently, or contribute to society.
It also takes away from what really matters: supporting autistic people so we can thrive, instead of trying to “prevent” us from existing. Every time I have to explain this to someone, it’s not just about facts — it’s about defending my right to exist as I am.
My Support System
I’m lucky to have people like my coworker Miranda, my “mom number two,” and John, who step in when these conversations get too heated. They understand, they support me, and they make my workplace a safer place to be myself. That kind of allyship matters more than people realize.
The Truth We Need to Spread
Vaccines save lives. Autism isn’t caused by them. And autistic people deserve to live without the shadow of misinformation hanging over us. If you care about the truth, listen to autistic voices. We know our own lives, and we’ve been living them long before these myths started.
Autism isn’t something to fear or erase. It’s part of who I am — and I’m proud of it.
Comments
Post a Comment