Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Summary
A mother in Florida says her autistic son was repeatedly removed from class and treated unfairly by his school despite needing extra help. She filed complaints with the federal government, which is investigating, but federal offices that protect disabled and minority students have lost funding and power during President Donald Trump’s current administration.Key Facts
- Ethan, a 9-year-old boy with autism and ADHD, needs a trained aide to support him in school.
- His mother, Josette Smith, says the school refused to provide this support and punished Ethan instead.
- Smith filed complaints with the school district, state, and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
- The federal agency announced an investigation into the school’s alleged discrimination based on Ethan’s race and disability.
- About 1 in 31 U.S. children were diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2022.
- Studies show children of color, girls, and low-income students are less likely to be diagnosed with autism in school than their peers.
- President Donald Trump’s administration has reduced funding and weakened offices that enforce disability rights in education.
- Trump’s administration has also promoted false claims linking vaccines to autism.
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