Date: 23/09/2025
Statement from Stephen Douthart Middletown CEO- Middletown Centre for Autism notes recent international commentary linking parental choices or medication use in pregnancy with autism. While such headlines attract attention, they risk placing undue burden, blame, or stigma on parents and autistic people themselves. Autism is part of human diversity. The most important step society can take is not to assign fault, but to create environments that are respectful, inclusive, and supportive of autistic individuals across all stages of life. Stephen Douthart, Chief Executive of Middletown Centre for Autism: “The voices we must listen to first are those of autistic people and their families. Their lived experiences tell us clearly that the real barriers lie in inaccessible services, poor understanding, and lack of meaningful support, not in parental behaviour or medication choices. As our understanding of autism continues to grow, our focus should move beyond blame or stigma and towards improving how services support and include autistic people and their families. At Middletown, our commitment is to build shared understanding and equip professionals with the practical, respectful skills they need. Autism is not a problem to be solved, it is a difference to be understood and affirmed.”
Wellbeing: Coping with worrying articles, news or statements about autism
Newspapers, politicians and online outlets don’t always get facts about autism right!
Some messages can be harmful causing increased trauma and unnecessary guilt and negative feelings about autism.
It’s normal to feel upset, angry or confused after reading a negative message.
Some things that might help increase wellbeing:
-Step away from social media posts and news outlets.
-Balance your knowledge by reading or listening to autistic voices that celebrate identity and strengths try the Middletown Podcast
-Share your thoughts and feelings with supportive friends, family or groups who understand autism.
-Remember that a lot of newspaper articles are based on opinions and not lived experience.
-Practice some self-care, such as taking a walk in nature, talking to a friend, or taking part in an activity that brings you joy.
Helpful sources of information about autism:
Some Useful and Trusted sources of information on autism:
The National Autistic Society, click here
The Autism Europe Congress, click here