Autism in Politics
A warning for the neurodiverse community
The Disturbing New Political Obsession with Autism
In the past six months, autism has become an unexpected and troubling focal point in global politics. No longer is autism a topic for care providers and autistic advocates, autism is now being used as a political tool. Sometimes as a badge of supremacy, or a scapegoat for dangerous rhetoric, and again, as a means of spreading long-debunked pseudoscience.
From Elon Musk excusing his Nazi salute, to a far-right German leader being amplified by an autism-themed Twitter account, to the resurgence of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories blaming autism for society’s ills, the pattern is clear: The autistic community is being used and manipulated for political gain.
This comes at a time when the autistic community is still fighting for basic rights: Healthcare, access to formal diagnosis, educational support, and protection from discrimination. Yet, instead of seeing real progress, autistic individuals are watching their identity be twisted into a political tool for movements that have historically worked against them.
Recent Events That Signal a Dangerous Trend
Autism is being strategically co-opted in deeply concerning ways:
Elon Musk’s Nazi Salute Excuse
In January 2025, Elon Musk sparked outrage when he was caught on camera making a Nazi salute, twice, at a public event.
Instead of taking responsibility or acknowledging the concerns raised worldwide, Musk blamed autism, suggesting that it caused him to move awkwardly and misinterpret the situation. (Eyeroll)
The weaponization of autism and its use as a shield for extremist behavior sets a dangerous precedent, especially considering Musk’s growing ties to far-right figures and “Aspie supremacy.”
“Aspie Supremacy” and Autism Capital’s Influence
The Twitter (X) account Autism Capital, a self-proclaimed citizen journalist account “with a humorous flair,” has promoted elitist, anti-autistic ableism and supremacy rhetoric.
In September 2024, Autism Capital posted a claim that "high-status males and aneurotypical people" are best suited to lead society.
Musk retweeted this post stating it was an “Interesting observation” further legitimizing the idea that subset of autistic males are a natural ruling class.
Musk himself shared his diagnosis as “Asperger’s Syndrome” in 2021 on Saturday Night Live. This diagnosis has long been removed from the DSM and falls under Autism Spectrum Disorder now. (See the problematic history of Asperger here).
The Far-Right’s Use of Autism for Political Messaging
Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has been repeatedly retweeted by Autism Capital, linking autism discourse with extreme nationalist rhetoric.
Weidel and her party have a history of promoting policies that hurt disabled people, yet this autism-related account is helping to amplify her platform.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Revival of Vaccine-Autism Myths
Convicted Felon President Trump has a wild misunderstanding of autism. His nomination of RFK Jr., a long-time anti-vaccine advocate, for US health secretary has ensured national attention as he continues to spread debunked claims that vaccines cause autism.
These falsehoods have led to increased vaccine hesitancy, undermining public health and reframing autism as a medical “tragedy” to be prevented rather than a valid neurotype.
The anti-vaccine movement, once dismissed as fringe, has gained traction through political alliances, threatening both autistic individuals and public health initiatives.
How Did We Get Here?
The manipulation of autism for political gain did not happen overnight. To understand how we reached this point, we must look back at the historical use of autism in supremacist and eugenicist ideologies.
In my next post, I will examine the origins of “Aspie supremacy,” which has its roots in Hans Asperger’s work during the Nazi regime. I will continue to discuss the disturbing parallels between past eugenics movements and today’s political rhetoric, stay tuned.
Dig deeper:
Loukas Christodoulou wrote an incredible series on Autistic Anarchism, I recommend you take a look if his quote aligns with you: "Anarchism is the idea that there should never be any concrete paved over the movement; it should always be in touch with its most exploited, angry and sad experiences of class conflict.”