Alright so, we all know that the likes of JB Handley, Generation Rescue, Age of Autism, etc. have taken advantage of Somali autism parents in Minnesota. These groups who could care less about equality nor equity have exploited our community by pushing and even sometimes paying thousands of dollars to push their dangerous public health agenda. We have already seen what this can do in Minnesota and to our community. These groups are extremely rich and powerful in Minnesota and in the country. Shame on them for picking on a vulnerable autism community.
State Senator Abeler who is usually fair-minded and reasonable for some reason has become unreasonable and hurtful. He has refused to appoint an African American autism parent, minority autism therapy agency, etc. to his state autism council. This council has dozens of non-minorities and less than a handful people of color. It has no minority autism advocate agency and no minority provider/agency. Abeler said to those that applied “we don’t need anymore because we have enough minorities”. I am not sure if I should scream or curse because the notion that dozens of Caucasians are oK while few minorities are too many is both discriminatory and heart-breaking especially from someone like Sen. Abeler.
As if that was not bad enough, he appointed members from the Age of Autism and Generation Rescue who as we know have taken advantage of our community and our autism families. Their motto is divide and concur. They seek either Somali autism parents whose children are young and are still in a shock mode or those new to Minnesota to push their extreme agenda. They have never helped our community get the services and support our children and families need. They are selfish, racist, arrogant and dangerous to public health.
I ask the Minnesota Department of Health to intervene. I also ask Sen. Abeler to stop this nonsense and stay focused on what is important which is ensuring our children/adults with autism have the services and supports they need in a manner that is fair with equity and diverse to reflect the autism community in Minnesota.
JB Handley who is also rich and powerful from the west cost tried to bribe some Somali autism parents with thousands of dollars to say their children’s autism was caused by vaccines. Then when parents realized his scheme, he and another rich Minnesotan went after those parents by sending cockroaches. to carry their message and try to divide our families. Luckily, autism parents like Matt C from LBRB have been fighting these dangerous groups. It is too bad that Sen. Abeler now wants to give them a public platform to spread their horrible ideas.
Mpls Tribune Story on this council
Above words do not reflect any candidate, agency or committee.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom