The Politics of Autism: McCain vs. Obama

There was a moment of confusion in the debate where Senator McCain seemed to imply that Governor Palin had a child with Autism, rather than Down’s Syndrome (Palin does have a nephew with Autism (McGann, 2008)). This conflation has led some to question McCain’s understanding of the disorder (Flynn, 2008).

Autism has been discussed heavily during this presidential campaign, and was mentioned several times during the final debate. The disorder has a great deal of currency, perhaps due to the mysterious nature of its causation, which may result from genetic causes, environmental insult, or a combination of the two. The prospect of a cure is tantalizing (Pelios & Lund, 2001).

McCain’s Stance

McCain wants to “advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, identify better treatment options, while providing support for children with autism so they may reach their full potential (McCain-Palin, 2008).” He supports the vaccine theory of Autism, considering the evidence strong, a stance which has ignited controversy, as the evidence for the vaccine theory is debatable (Basheda, 2008).

Obama’s Stance

Senator Obama supports further research, but is skeptical of the vaccine theory of Autism, concerned that an embrace of the vaccine theory may lead to selective vaccination, which would be problematic from a public health perspective (Dobbs, 2008). He supports full funding of IDEA, universal Autism screening at age 2, and pledges to hire more people with disabilities for the government and advocate for college education for people with Autism (Obama for America, 2008).

Combating Autism Act of 2006

Both candidates supported Combating Autism Act of 2006, and both candidates have claimed co-sponsorship of the bill (McCain-Palin, 2008; Obama for America, 2008). This bill provides $1 billion in Autism research over 5 years, starting in 2007. This bill includes provisions to increase public awareness and screening about Autism (but contains no provisions for research into the environmental causes of Autism). Obama has pledged to increase implementation of the act (Obama for America, 2008).

Distinctions

To distinguish the two candidates on this issue is difficult. McCain’s language in his position indicates that he perceives Autism as an epidemic like Polio, a disease to be contained and cured. Obama’s emphasis is more on the life-long nature of the disorder and the lifestyle it implies; he underscores the importance of the educational treatment of Autism as much as the medical treatment.

The Reality

Obama's perspective is more accommodating of the lifelong nature of the disorder; after a child is born, Autism can be treated, but the child still needs an education. The “epidemic” may still be a result of broadened diagnostic criteria (to include both mentally retarded and the socially awkward but high functioning adults), improved diagnoses and health care information (Grinker, 2007).

Research on Autism indicates that children benefit from at least 40 hours a week of intensive early intervention (immediately after diagnosis, if possible) in a 1:1 ratio. The funding for this type of care has been sparse at best (Garland & O'Hanlon, 2006).

Funding

While Obama states to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and increase the implementation of the Combating Autism Act, McCain’s promises to advance research do not indicate any intention to increase funding for research or treatment (his website’s Autism page is called “Combating Autism in America” (2008, 2008) which may indicate he views the act as a “Mission Accomplished”.)

Both McCain and Obama seem to care deeply about Autism Spectrum Disorders, including their research and treatment. Americans will soon see what the next President will actually do.

Sources

National Autism Society of America (2008). Senator Barack Obama on Autism and Disability (1st), [Electronic video]. Obama for America. Available: http://www.youtube.com [2008, October 16, 2008].

Obama for America (2008). Barack Obama and Joe Biden: Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Obama for America. Available: www.barackobama.com/pdf/AutismSpectrumDisorders.pdf [2008, October 18].

Basheda, V. (2008, March 4). McCain Joins Autism Debate (1st). WebMD. Available: http://blogs.webmd.com l [2008, October 16].

Dobbs, M. (2008). Dr. Obama and Dr. McCain. Washingtonpost.com. Available: http://blog.washingtonpost.com [2008, October 16].

Flynn, A. M. (2008, October 17). Reference to autism puzzling, disturbing. Boston Globe.

Garland, C., & O'Hanlon, M. (2006, November 21). Studying Autism Isn't Enough. New York Times.

Grinker, R. R. (2007, October 30). Spike in Disease Doesn't Always Mean an Epidemic. Washington Post.

McGann, L. (2008, October 16). In Debate, McCain Goofs on Palin Points (1st). Washington Independent. Available: http://washingtonindependent.com [2008, October 16].

Pelios, L. V., & Lund, S. K. (2001). A Selective Overview of Issues on Classification, Causation, and Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Autism

The copyright of the article The Politics of Autism in Autism/Asperger's Syndrome is owned by Jeffrey Donaldson. Permission to republish The Politics of Autism in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Oct 19, 2008 3:37 PM

Guest :

As a provider of services to individuals with autism over the past 9 years and as someone who cares deeply about a number of people diagnosed with autism, I am pleased to see the candidates have recognized the impact of this disorder.

The vow to support IDEA means a great deal for ALL students with special needs. I cannot empasize enough the impact this one issue has on large number of children and their families. I am supporting Obama in part because of this commitment to IDEA and special eduacation.

Oct 20, 2008 9:32 AM

kktaylor :

I believe that your assessment under the "distinction" heading is flawed. I, like McCain, believe that autism is an epidemic that can be largely cured. Those of us who understand the science behind the epidemic know that to be accomplished this must be a combined effort of both understanding the causes (the influence of overvaccinating children with immune dysfunction) and giving those affected the educational help they need to overcome their deficits. It is only with a goal of cure will the science and educational remediation truly make a change in the lives of our children with autism.

Oct 20, 2008 11:51 AM

Guest :

The fact that Obama mentions education as a top priority - especially early childhood education, is what makes me believe Obama will be doing the most helpful thing for parent who have kids with autism. Early diagnosis and quick and speedy behavioral and developmental therapies are what will make the biggest difference. Also, programs that help older kids and adults, such as adult education and college access to those with Autism will make a big positive impact on day to day living. McCain and his knee-jerk responses about vaccines and that somehow Sarah Palin is an expert with a nephew with autism and a baby with Downs is yet another poor example of the "experts" he will surround himself with as president. I would turn to the parent of an adult with Downs a better advocate, not one with a baby. She may have an argument that she would be fighting for special needs kids because she has one - but her record does not back that up at all.