Parents Speak Out on the Challenges of Severe Autism

To the Editor:

Regarding the essay “Kennedy Described My Daughter’s Reality” by Emily May:

Emily May articulated a truth that many parents of children with autism have long felt compelled to suppress. Severe autism is not merely a concept or a label—it is a challenging reality that strips away communication, safety, and prospects for the future. Ignoring this reality does a disservice to those affected.

Like the author, I have spent years rejecting the narrative that demands silence or uncritical celebration. Acknowledging the hardships our children face is not disloyalty; it is an act of love, protection, and resilience.

Emily May’s perspective is part of a growing movement of parents who refuse to be silenced. We are forging new partnerships, advocating for substantive research, and insisting that the suffering of our children not be overlooked for the sake of political convenience.

Traditional organizations have let us down, often out of fear of confronting the difficult truths rather than a genuine concern for our children. We are creating a new path—not because we sought conflict, but because our children are worthy of this fight.

We commend Emily May for her bravery in sharing her story.

Sarah Kernion Westfield, N.J. The writer is a mother of two nonspeaking children with autism and founder of Saturday’s Story, an advocacy organization promoting neurodiversity.

To the Editor:

Thank you for publishing Emily May’s heartfelt account of life with her daughter who has profound autism. It would be valuable to also feature a concise discussion on the urgent need for a distinct diagnostic category for these children, which would facilitate more targeted research, policies, and support services.