CDC Autism Shock: Reaction and Honest Questions

Hey, What's Up! It’s Tommy.

In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I talk through the recent CDC autism-page update and how it hit me as a dad walking through autism every day. I unpack why this news stirred up so much emotion for me, how it connects to my son’s regression, and why I believe parents have to do their own research instead of handing all of their trust to big systems. I share my heart for both of my kids, the huge gap between “high functioning” and “profoundly affected” on the spectrum, and how much fighting can happen even inside the autism community. I also walk through ideas like “The Perfect Storm” of stress, birth trauma, genetics, and medical decisions, and how that might impact some kids. Throughout the episode I remind you I am not a doctor, just a dad doing his best, and I encourage you to dig into credible information, talk to trusted professionals, and make decisions that line up with your own values and conscience. Most of all, I want you to know you are not crazy, you are not alone, and your questions about your child’s health matter.

Key Takeaways

• The new CDC autism-page wording stirred up a lot of emotion for many parents, including me, because it touches long-standing fears and lived experiences.
• Autism is a huge spectrum, from highly independent adults to kids who cannot speak, use the restroom independently, or safely navigate daily life.
• Social media can increase division inside the autism community and create a constant need for validation, instead of real understanding and support.
• I share my belief that vaccines played a role in my son’s regression, while also stressing that I am not a medical expert and that every family must do its own careful research.
• We talk about the idea of a “perfect storm” of stress, birth trauma, gene mutations like MTHFR, and stacked medical interventions that may overload some kids’ systems.
• I challenge the idea that autism has “always been this common,” and I talk honestly about how different school looked when we were kids compared to now.
• There is a real split between people who see autism as only a “superpower” and families who are living with very hard, lifelong realities every single day.
• I encourage you to use your phone time to actually study both sides of the conversation instead of only scrolling headlines and forming instant opinions.
• Faith comes into the discussion too, as I wrestle with biblical teaching about obeying authority while still making wise health choices for my family.
• I end with hope, sharing the work we are doing with places like Maximum Potential, focusing on gut and brain health, and the belief that miracles and meaningful progress are still possible.

If this episode connected with you, please share it with another parent, teacher, grandparent, or caregiver who might feel alone or confused right now. Your share might be the thing that helps someone realize they are not losing their mind, and that their hard questions are allowed. You can also subscribe, leave a review, and help this show reach more families who are in the trenches with us.

If you want to reach out directly, I would love to hear from you. Tell me your story, your questions, your pushback, or your encouragement. You can always email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com, and you can find past episodes, resources, and updates at spectrumincamouflage.com.

Follow Us!

• We’re on TikTok : tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage

• Join our Facebook Group : facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357

• See us on Instagram : instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families.\ If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.