Thomas Ledbetter
@capledbetter.bsky.social
Autistic activist, advocate, researcher, critical optimist, and hopefully a friend. Views are my own. #ActuallyAutistic #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
https://thomasgledbetter.com/
https://thomasgledbetter.com/
This statement is one of the most vile things I have ever read. Everyone currently at the CDC should be ashamed. And the parents championing this thinking it'll be the salvation of your kids? You should look in the mirror and be disgusted.
This is eugenics, and it's horrifying.
This is eugenics, and it's horrifying.
November 20, 2025 at 3:34 PM
This statement is one of the most vile things I have ever read. Everyone currently at the CDC should be ashamed. And the parents championing this thinking it'll be the salvation of your kids? You should look in the mirror and be disgusted.
This is eugenics, and it's horrifying.
This is eugenics, and it's horrifying.
Reposted by Thomas Ledbetter
If I could get non-autistic people to understand one thing, it wouldn't be that I have support needs. It would be that YOU have support needs.
September 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
If I could get non-autistic people to understand one thing, it wouldn't be that I have support needs. It would be that YOU have support needs.
Hope? The "first potential treatment" is anything but. It is one that makes the world that much smaller and scarier for us, where we continue to be discriminated, seen as lesser, and to be eliminated rather than embraced. This is the antithesis of hope.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
The drug Trump plans to promote for autism shows real (and fragile) hope
Leucovorin brings hope as first potential autism treatment, but with RFK Jr. weighing whether to fast-track approval, scientists worry about trust.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 22, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Hope? The "first potential treatment" is anything but. It is one that makes the world that much smaller and scarier for us, where we continue to be discriminated, seen as lesser, and to be eliminated rather than embraced. This is the antithesis of hope.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Thomas Ledbetter
I will never forget when autism parents discovered autistic adults on the internet and their first thought was, "finally, someone who will understand how hard my life is" and we had to explain to them that we identified more with the children in their stories than with them as the parents.
April 24, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I will never forget when autism parents discovered autistic adults on the internet and their first thought was, "finally, someone who will understand how hard my life is" and we had to explain to them that we identified more with the children in their stories than with them as the parents.
Say it with me, folks.
Autism. IS. NOT. AN. EPIDEMIC.
The issue is not whether "vaccines cause autism". The issue is the idea of finding a "cause" at all - something that organizations such as A$, the ASF, and the NCSA have continually pushed for.
This is horrific.
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/04/...
Autism. IS. NOT. AN. EPIDEMIC.
The issue is not whether "vaccines cause autism". The issue is the idea of finding a "cause" at all - something that organizations such as A$, the ASF, and the NCSA have continually pushed for.
This is horrific.
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/04/...
RFK Jr. claims new research effort will find cause of ‘autism epidemic’ by September | CNN
The US Department of Health and Human Services has launched a “massive testing and research effort” involving hundreds of scientists worldwide that will determine “what has caused the autism epidemic”...
amp.cnn.com
April 11, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Say it with me, folks.
Autism. IS. NOT. AN. EPIDEMIC.
The issue is not whether "vaccines cause autism". The issue is the idea of finding a "cause" at all - something that organizations such as A$, the ASF, and the NCSA have continually pushed for.
This is horrific.
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/04/...
Autism. IS. NOT. AN. EPIDEMIC.
The issue is not whether "vaccines cause autism". The issue is the idea of finding a "cause" at all - something that organizations such as A$, the ASF, and the NCSA have continually pushed for.
This is horrific.
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/04/...
Reposted by Thomas Ledbetter
#AutismAcceptanceMonth starts tomorrow. Please don't give to Autism Speaks; their $$ rarely supports autistic people/families, and their 'awareness' work portrays autistic people as burdens, not humans. From @autisticadvocacy.org, a good org to support instead.
autisticadvocacy.org/considerthef...
autisticadvocacy.org/considerthef...
Before You Donate to Autism Speaks, Consider the Facts
Very little money donated to Autism Speaks goes toward helping autistic people and families.
autisticadvocacy.org
March 31, 2025 at 10:29 PM
#AutismAcceptanceMonth starts tomorrow. Please don't give to Autism Speaks; their $$ rarely supports autistic people/families, and their 'awareness' work portrays autistic people as burdens, not humans. From @autisticadvocacy.org, a good org to support instead.
autisticadvocacy.org/considerthef...
autisticadvocacy.org/considerthef...
When your tweet about a ship in a video game gets more attention than the ones about autism and disability rights even though that's literally your life 😂
(I really appreciate all the love on that btw, I'm not upset at all! But for those who are new here, hi! I'm an autistic advocate! :))
(I really appreciate all the love on that btw, I'm not upset at all! But for those who are new here, hi! I'm an autistic advocate! :))
March 12, 2025 at 4:06 PM
When your tweet about a ship in a video game gets more attention than the ones about autism and disability rights even though that's literally your life 😂
(I really appreciate all the love on that btw, I'm not upset at all! But for those who are new here, hi! I'm an autistic advocate! :))
(I really appreciate all the love on that btw, I'm not upset at all! But for those who are new here, hi! I'm an autistic advocate! :))
Reposted by Thomas Ledbetter
ASAN is deeply alarmed by massive layoffs to the Department of Education (ED). ED staff play a vital role in protecting the civil rights of students and ensuring students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. buff.ly/NzKZbcz
U.S. Department of Education Initiates Reduction in Force
As part of the Department of Education’s final mission, the Department today initiated a reduction in force (RIF) impacting nearly 50% of the Department’s workforce.
buff.ly
March 11, 2025 at 10:59 PM
ASAN is deeply alarmed by massive layoffs to the Department of Education (ED). ED staff play a vital role in protecting the civil rights of students and ensuring students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. buff.ly/NzKZbcz
I just want to say the most heartfelt thank you to you and the STO team for your work on the Shangri-La. This has been such an awful week, and finally seeing her in the game - especially as a Command ship - legit made me cry tears of joy. She's absolutely perfect and I cannot wait to fly her ❤️💙
March 11, 2025 at 9:24 PM
I just want to say the most heartfelt thank you to you and the STO team for your work on the Shangri-La. This has been such an awful week, and finally seeing her in the game - especially as a Command ship - legit made me cry tears of joy. She's absolutely perfect and I cannot wait to fly her ❤️💙
I see my friends and people doing so many incredible projects and making a difference, and I feel like I'm just...nothing. Try to get in touch with people to collaborate? Doesn't work. I can do stuff on my own, but it all feels so...lonely. Like people don't care and it doesn't matter
March 10, 2025 at 8:51 PM
I see my friends and people doing so many incredible projects and making a difference, and I feel like I'm just...nothing. Try to get in touch with people to collaborate? Doesn't work. I can do stuff on my own, but it all feels so...lonely. Like people don't care and it doesn't matter
@thomasthecat.bsky.social @daveblass.bsky.social Hi there, I have a super quick question - where are the escape pods on Picard-era ships like the Sagan and Connie III? I can see details like RCS thrusters, transporter grills, docking ports - are the escape pods instead internal?
February 28, 2025 at 6:51 PM
@thomasthecat.bsky.social @daveblass.bsky.social Hi there, I have a super quick question - where are the escape pods on Picard-era ships like the Sagan and Connie III? I can see details like RCS thrusters, transporter grills, docking ports - are the escape pods instead internal?
An advisor once told me "the autistic community is lucky to have you".
That's not true. In fact, quite the opposite. I'm the one who is lucky to have you.
Serving the autistic people I love, uplifting and embracing us, fighting for our fundamental rights - it's beyond a privilege and an honor.
That's not true. In fact, quite the opposite. I'm the one who is lucky to have you.
Serving the autistic people I love, uplifting and embracing us, fighting for our fundamental rights - it's beyond a privilege and an honor.
February 24, 2025 at 7:53 PM
An advisor once told me "the autistic community is lucky to have you".
That's not true. In fact, quite the opposite. I'm the one who is lucky to have you.
Serving the autistic people I love, uplifting and embracing us, fighting for our fundamental rights - it's beyond a privilege and an honor.
That's not true. In fact, quite the opposite. I'm the one who is lucky to have you.
Serving the autistic people I love, uplifting and embracing us, fighting for our fundamental rights - it's beyond a privilege and an honor.
Isn't it great when you learn that the lead contractor planning your house renovation casually talks about how he believes the government is putting chemicals in everyone's food and drinks that are making people autistic?
Isn't that just wonderful and incredible? 🙃🙃🙃
Isn't that just wonderful and incredible? 🙃🙃🙃
February 23, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Isn't it great when you learn that the lead contractor planning your house renovation casually talks about how he believes the government is putting chemicals in everyone's food and drinks that are making people autistic?
Isn't that just wonderful and incredible? 🙃🙃🙃
Isn't that just wonderful and incredible? 🙃🙃🙃
This is absolutely horrifying on Singer's part. And yet unsurprising given the narrative regarding the way autistic people are portrayed constantly within neurotypical spaces - a prime example being the statement from Senator Maggie Hassan during the RFK Jr. hearing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
February 18, 2025 at 11:04 PM
This is absolutely horrifying on Singer's part. And yet unsurprising given the narrative regarding the way autistic people are portrayed constantly within neurotypical spaces - a prime example being the statement from Senator Maggie Hassan during the RFK Jr. hearing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
Reposted by Thomas Ledbetter
Vaccines DO NOT cause autism.
But what the autistic people in your life hear when you spread that widely debunked misinformation is that you would prefer to have a child die a painful death from eradicated communicable disease than to be like them.
That's nasty work.
Hope this helps!
But what the autistic people in your life hear when you spread that widely debunked misinformation is that you would prefer to have a child die a painful death from eradicated communicable disease than to be like them.
That's nasty work.
Hope this helps!
February 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Vaccines DO NOT cause autism.
But what the autistic people in your life hear when you spread that widely debunked misinformation is that you would prefer to have a child die a painful death from eradicated communicable disease than to be like them.
That's nasty work.
Hope this helps!
But what the autistic people in your life hear when you spread that widely debunked misinformation is that you would prefer to have a child die a painful death from eradicated communicable disease than to be like them.
That's nasty work.
Hope this helps!
An absolute abomination and tragedy on all levels for public health, disabled/autistic people, everyone. When even the parents who push for autism cures are against this and THAT isn't enough to stop him, it demonstrates how little autistic voices matter to our country.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
RFK Jr. confirmed as Trump's health secretary, over Democrats' loud objections
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wins confirmation to be President Trump's secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The vote was 52 to 48.
www.npr.org
February 13, 2025 at 6:19 PM
An absolute abomination and tragedy on all levels for public health, disabled/autistic people, everyone. When even the parents who push for autism cures are against this and THAT isn't enough to stop him, it demonstrates how little autistic voices matter to our country.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Reposted by Thomas Ledbetter
Yeah, this is not positive. There are many ways to help autistic people, mainly through accommodations, and we could use more of those, and more research on how to make life easier for us.
Whereas the desire to find the "cause" of autism is a eugenicist one. It is not to help us.
Whereas the desire to find the "cause" of autism is a eugenicist one. It is not to help us.
Hassan, through tears: "I am the proud mother of a 36 year old with severe cerebral palsy. And a day does not go by when I don't think about what I did I do when I was pregnant with him... So please do not suggest that anybody in this body doesn't want to know what the cause of autism is"
Powerful
Powerful
January 30, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Yeah, this is not positive. There are many ways to help autistic people, mainly through accommodations, and we could use more of those, and more research on how to make life easier for us.
Whereas the desire to find the "cause" of autism is a eugenicist one. It is not to help us.
Whereas the desire to find the "cause" of autism is a eugenicist one. It is not to help us.
I have MANY feelings on this to process - most of them not good. This ideology of looking at what is responsible for autism/disability and treating it gives no acknowledgment of the discrimination and oppression that led to us being scapegoated for the anti-vax movement. We are not to be cured.
Hassan, through tears: "I am the proud mother of a 36 year old with severe cerebral palsy. And a day does not go by when I don't think about what I did I do when I was pregnant with him... So please do not suggest that anybody in this body doesn't want to know what the cause of autism is"
Powerful
Powerful
January 31, 2025 at 4:51 AM
I have MANY feelings on this to process - most of them not good. This ideology of looking at what is responsible for autism/disability and treating it gives no acknowledgment of the discrimination and oppression that led to us being scapegoated for the anti-vax movement. We are not to be cured.
I can't believing I'm having to say this:
Autism is not an excuse for Nazi rhetoric or salutes or anything resembling that. THAT IS NOT AUTISM
All the parallel does is dehumanize and harm autistic people by assocoation w/out the context of WHY his ties to Trump's fascism make his salute fascist.
Autism is not an excuse for Nazi rhetoric or salutes or anything resembling that. THAT IS NOT AUTISM
All the parallel does is dehumanize and harm autistic people by assocoation w/out the context of WHY his ties to Trump's fascism make his salute fascist.
January 22, 2025 at 11:07 PM
I can't believing I'm having to say this:
Autism is not an excuse for Nazi rhetoric or salutes or anything resembling that. THAT IS NOT AUTISM
All the parallel does is dehumanize and harm autistic people by assocoation w/out the context of WHY his ties to Trump's fascism make his salute fascist.
Autism is not an excuse for Nazi rhetoric or salutes or anything resembling that. THAT IS NOT AUTISM
All the parallel does is dehumanize and harm autistic people by assocoation w/out the context of WHY his ties to Trump's fascism make his salute fascist.
Reposted by Thomas Ledbetter
January 20, 2025 at 6:04 PM
My statement on the inaguration of President Donald Trump today:
Disabled people matter so, so much, but we don't seem to matter to our governmental systems and culture - and certainly won't under Trump.
Disabled people matter so, so much, but we don't seem to matter to our governmental systems and culture - and certainly won't under Trump.
January 20, 2025 at 6:46 PM
My statement on the inaguration of President Donald Trump today:
Disabled people matter so, so much, but we don't seem to matter to our governmental systems and culture - and certainly won't under Trump.
Disabled people matter so, so much, but we don't seem to matter to our governmental systems and culture - and certainly won't under Trump.
You want to know one of the most stressful parts about being autistic? Gifts.
I adore the spirit of the holidays and being thoughtful in sharing your love with others - it's beautiful and incredible. But that doesn't always mesh well with the consistency and predictability my mind often needs.
I adore the spirit of the holidays and being thoughtful in sharing your love with others - it's beautiful and incredible. But that doesn't always mesh well with the consistency and predictability my mind often needs.
December 28, 2024 at 12:32 AM
You want to know one of the most stressful parts about being autistic? Gifts.
I adore the spirit of the holidays and being thoughtful in sharing your love with others - it's beautiful and incredible. But that doesn't always mesh well with the consistency and predictability my mind often needs.
I adore the spirit of the holidays and being thoughtful in sharing your love with others - it's beautiful and incredible. But that doesn't always mesh well with the consistency and predictability my mind often needs.
An important distinction: Trump's response of "something is wrong" was in response to autism rates. What is terrifying is even autism organizations - primarily neurotypical-led ones - that deny the vaccine connection still consistently feed into the stigma that allows RFK Jr's narrative to exist. 🧵
Q: “Do you believe there's connection between vaccines and autism?”
Trump: “You have some very brilliant people looking at it...There is something wrong. And we are going to find out about it.”
Trump: “You have some very brilliant people looking at it...There is something wrong. And we are going to find out about it.”
December 17, 2024 at 12:45 AM
An important distinction: Trump's response of "something is wrong" was in response to autism rates. What is terrifying is even autism organizations - primarily neurotypical-led ones - that deny the vaccine connection still consistently feed into the stigma that allows RFK Jr's narrative to exist. 🧵
My uni: "Talk about strategies to help disabled folks transition from college to the workforce"
Me: It shouldn't be on the owness of disabled people to constantly adapt to ableist and capitalistic structures that don't want them around to begin with.
My uni: "You're not a good fit for us"
Me: It shouldn't be on the owness of disabled people to constantly adapt to ableist and capitalistic structures that don't want them around to begin with.
My uni: "You're not a good fit for us"
December 9, 2024 at 9:30 PM
My uni: "Talk about strategies to help disabled folks transition from college to the workforce"
Me: It shouldn't be on the owness of disabled people to constantly adapt to ableist and capitalistic structures that don't want them around to begin with.
My uni: "You're not a good fit for us"
Me: It shouldn't be on the owness of disabled people to constantly adapt to ableist and capitalistic structures that don't want them around to begin with.
My uni: "You're not a good fit for us"
Welp, what better way to start off my time on here then with a bang?
November 6, 2024 at 10:51 PM
Welp, what better way to start off my time on here then with a bang?