Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) recognizes that recent (9/22/2025) public claims about autism have caused concern and confusion for many individuals and families we support. We want to be clear and reaffirm what our state and national partners have emphasized:

• Autism is part of the human condition. It reflects a broad spectrum of talents, abilities, and support needs.

• Scientific evidence matters. Decades of research confirm that autism arises from a combination of genetic and environmental influences—there is no single cause, and it is not the result of parental actions.

• Health guidance should come from trusted professionals. Families are encouraged to follow the recommendations of their medical providers, who best understand their individual needs.

We support the joint statement from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Department of Public Health, and other trusted health partners, which affirms the importance of credible medical information and evidence-based guidance.

We also support the position of the states of the West Coast Health Alliance, which issued a response to recent changes to the “Autism and Vaccines” page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.

Like the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP), we caution against oversimplified explanations or unproven treatments that may create unnecessary fear or guilt. We acknowledge the desire of parents, community agencies, clinicians, and scientists to have better understanding of autism’s causes and encourage careful dissemination of information that reflects current scientific evidence and evidence-based research findings.

Evidence-based supports—ranging from health care and therapies to education, employment, and community inclusion—are proven to help people with autism thrive.

GGRC remains committed to:

• Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in leading full and inclusive lives.

• Providing families with clear, reliable information grounded in science.

• Partnering with state and national experts to ensure services reflect the best available evidence.

In matters of personal health care, please follow recommendations provided by your personal medical professionals and care team who are familiar with your individual needs. GGRC affirms that families rely on dependable guidance, and we support our state officials as they collaborate with reputable health and scientific experts to deliver clear, evidence-based information to families.

GGRC remains dedicated to promoting policies, programs, and practices that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their communities.

This post was originally published on October 7th, but has been enhanced with new information and republished since.