Plus: ‘Normalizing the struggle’ this Mother’s Day
(Eric Lee | The New York Times) Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. leaves Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, March 25, 2025. A steadfast figure in the anti-vaccine movement who has helped shape Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s thinking on a possible link to autism has joined his department to work on a study examining the long-debunked theory, according to people familiar with the matter.
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In mid-April, which was Autism Awareness Month, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a press conference about increased rates of autism in children.
“Autism destroys families, and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children,” he said.
Since RFK’s comments, several Utahns have reached out with their own unique perspectives and experiences. It’s important to me — and to our overall mission at The Tribune — to share these first-person perspectives on the news that impacts Utahns, and I’m grateful for their willingness to share.
Tehnyat J. Sohail, an epidemiologist, researcher, social work graduate student and autistic advocate, shared a call for Utah’s workplaces: “Stop asking neurodivergent people to change who we are. It’s time to change the systems that shut us out.”
“Neurodivergent people aren’t broken — we’re brilliant. When we’re supported, we bring hyperfocus, creative problem-solving and loyalty to our work. But we can’t contribute if we’re pushed out before we’ve even been given a fair shot.”
Rachel Barnes, a journalist for Utah Business Magazine, shared her four wishes amid the news.
“I wish that neurotypical people put in as much effort into understanding me as I do for them. Communication is a two-way street. If autistic people can put in the effort to perform the appropriate body language and facial expressions for neurotypical people, then neurotypical people can learn to speak more explicitly — and to not be angry at us for misunderstanding when they don’t.”
And Spencer Merrick, a pediatrician and child and adolescent psychiatrist in Utah whose child has autism, wrote in an op-ed that he “does not view his son as ‘diseased’ or in need of a cure.”
“He is a bright, funny and loving child who brings our family immeasurable joy. Yes, he faces challenges — but he is not a tragedy. The language and framing used by Mr. Kennedy are not only scientifically misguided, they are deeply offensive to families like mine and to the many autistic individuals who are living rich, meaningful lives.”
Want to share your own perspective? Let me know.
Utah Voices
(Teresa Crawford | The Associated Press) In this Aug. 7, 2018 file photo, a doctor performs an ultrasound scan on a pregnant woman at a hospital in Chicago.
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
Why Utah should help get parents ‘the support they need’
“Whenever we fly on an airplane, we’re accustomed to hearing the safety briefing: Secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others,” writes medical student Rachel Pernick. “Nowhere is this sentiment more relevant than in the postpartum setting — if somebody doesn’t have the oxygen they need to breathe, how can we expect them to take care of somebody else? It is no surprise, then, that untreated postpartum depression can have negative outcomes for both mothers and babies … This May, let’s honor Mother’s Day by normalizing the struggles that many new parents face and getting them the support they need to be the best parents they can be.” Read more.
A small Utah class is having an ‘enormous impact,’ but faces cuts
“Mining engineering isn’t just a major. It’s a mission,” write four University of Utah students. “It’s about making sure society has the minerals and materials it needs for everything from renewable energy to national defense. Our program prepares us to take on this mission with seriousness, skill and pride. We study geology, engineering design, environmental stewardship, safety systems and more — all while gaining hands-on experience in the field. We hope that the University of Utah, USHE and state legislators recognize the incredible value our program brings, not only to our students but to the state, the nation and beyond.” Read more.
‘Turning back the clock’ on oil and gas leasing reforms in Utah
“There is a clear opportunity to do oil and gas the right way on our public lands,” writes Moab business owner Kirstin Peterson. “By focusing on smart leasing targeted towards economically viable parcels, our public land communities can optimize their public lands both now and in the future — without tying up thousands of acres in leases that have low development potential.” Read more.
Utah should continue to support farmers’ mental health
“Utah lawmakers are, understandably, miffed that Congress, again, began a program it wasn’t willing to continue,” writes the editorial board. “And they note, correctly, that it is not only people in agriculture who need mental health assistance. But the program for farmers was created. It works. Congress should keep it going. It hasn’t. And, given the habit of that body to leave most of its work undone, it probably won’t. (The last comprehensive Farm Bill ran out in 2023.) The program to safeguard the mental health of Utah farmers deserves to be continued. If Congress won’t, the Utah Legislature should.” Read more.
Share Your Perspective
A group of Utah retirees who call themselves the “Old Coots” have been meeting every Saturday morning at the Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market to dispense free advice to the public.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Share it with me — and other Tribune readers.
From Bagley’s Desk
Grabby Grifter | Pat Bagley
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.