White House Recognition of Autism Awareness Day Draws Mixed Results

On Sunday night, the White House lit up blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, April 2.

Melania and I are honored to light up the @WhiteHouse this evening, for #WorldAutismAwarenessDay. Join us & #LIUB. https://t.co/o07NPQTCyK pic.twitter.com/7zzwSwBdZK

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2017

“On World Autism Awareness Day, we highlight the importance of addressing the causes and improving the treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs),” President Trump said in a statement. “We also recognize the importance of identifying ASDs early in a child’s life and of understanding the obstacles faced by people living on the autism spectrum.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, Sean Spicer, the White House’s press secretary, said Trump lit the White House blue as a promise to Suzanne Wright, the late wife of his friend Bob Wright, both of whom cofounded Autism Speaks.

Following Trump’s tweet about the White House’s color change, some tweeted the President applauding him for acknowledging autism.

@realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse This autism mommy says, Thank you very much for lighting it up blue for ‘Autism awareness Mr. Trump and first lady you’re amazing ????

— Amalia15 (@AmyPolitakis) April 3, 2017

@realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse My son said thank you President Donald Trump . My son has autism and I thank you too ????????

— Christopher (@moses_lll) April 3, 2017

@realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse Thank you Mr.Donald Trump for caring for us Americans with Autism

— Gwen Hebert (@momoftwo1961) April 3, 2017

Don’t go itno shock now…I applaud Pres Trump for showing support of people and families living with Autism. Good to bring more awareness.???? https://t.co/0ECLBJ4mo9

— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) March 31, 2017

Others were not impressed by the White House’s tribute.

@realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse You know what’s better than shining a damn light on the WH? Policies that don’t ruin the lives of people with autismhttps://t.co/0fJMKXwJDv

— Caroline O. (@RVAwonk) April 3, 2017

@realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse I have 3 kids w/ #Autism, @realDonaldTrump ‘s view on Autism are extremely dangerous and like climate change, go against accepted science.

— Rob Gorski (@The_Autism_Dad) April 3, 2017

@ananavarro Turning on some lights is nice. What about all the folks who have autism who will lose care, resources and much more if Trump got his way??

— Nick Walden Poublon (@NWPinPDX) March 31, 2017

Paul Ryan received a similar reaction after he tweeted a photo of himself wearing a blue puzzle piece pin.

#LightItUpBlue for #AutismAwareness. pic.twitter.com/uaNcgJPgYK

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) April 2, 2017

Criticism of both Trump and Ryan comes following their support of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which would have repealed the Affordable Care Act and limited Medicaid and services for people on the autism spectrum.

Words without action are … meaningless. Words with inaction are … just words. Words with opposite action is … hypocrisy. https://t.co/hLYUiZT5tN

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) April 2, 2017

Autistic people are not puzzle pieces, we’re human beings who you want to deny health care https://t.co/fgMgWTyCL5

— Dylan Matthews (@dylanmatt) April 2, 2017

@SpeakerRyan Are you serious? You fight to repeal the ACA when most plans dont cover behavioral health and the medicaid expansion is the only security..

— kelly morris (@KellyMorr9730) April 2, 2017

@SpeakerRyan Empty gesture. you’ve shown us where you stand by your proposal to cut services to people with autism.

— Sherry Hatcher (@Oh_Sherry7) April 2, 2017

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below.