Unmasking the autism cure

ABOUT

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (United States Secretary of Health and Human Services), directed the CDC to change its language on vaccines and autism. From the clear statement “Vaccines do not cause autism” to a misleading claim suggesting that studies have not ruled out a link and that evidence has been ignored. This shift isn’t just semantics; it legitimises a dangerous myth that has fuelled decades of harm against Autistic people.

Equally alarming is the resurgence of Andrew Wakefield, the former doctor who fabricated research to falsely link vaccines to autism. A fraud so severe that he was struck off the medical register. Today, Wakefield is not a cautionary tale but part of RFK’s inner circle, influencing narratives that reach millions. These developments show how quickly discredited ideas can return, dressed in new authority, and why understanding their origins is critical.

Conversations about autism are not just academic: they’re political, cultural, and deeply personal. The persistence of “cure” narratives isn’t a relic of the past; it’s resurfacing in powerful ways that shape public policy and influence health decisions. This workshop matters because these narratives are gaining traction at the highest levels.

This workshop will unpack the history of autism causes and “cures”: from vaccine conspiracies to harmful treatments. By understanding their origins and impact, we can challenge misinformation, advocate for ethical practice, and protect Autistic voices in a world that is experiencing a resurgence with “fixing” what was never broken.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻
• 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗳𝘂𝗹: keeping the focus on fixing Autistics instead of supporting them

• 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 (vaccines, parenting, toxins, trauma) and the treatments they inspired.

• 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀, including ABA, restrictive diets, and holding therapy.


𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
This workshop discusses harmful narratives around autism, including so-called “cures,” coercive treatments, distressing practices, and misinformation about causes.

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ABOUT THE PRESENTER

I am an AuDHD therapist, supervisor, writer & educator, working in Canberra.  The focus of my counselling work is working with Autistic/ADHD/AuDHD adults as well as people recovering from trauma.  This often involves supporting adults through the late diagnosis process for autism & ADHD, as well as providing support through the post-diagnosis phase.   I also provide clinical & professional supervision to other Autistic counsellors or those who work with Autistic adults.   I also train and provide consultation to organisations on providing neurodiversity affirming services

Read more about me here

Contact Event Organiser

WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS

Please note that you'll need access to the following to participate in this workshop:  

• Desktop or laptop computer  

• Reliable internet connection  

CANCELLATION POLICY

Workshop 

• Cancellation with more than 7 days notice - refund of 80%
• Cancellation with less than 7 days notice - no refund available 

Resources

• If resources have not yet been dispatched a 100% refund is available  

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