On April 23, join us for a special happy hour event dedicated to adults on the autism spectrum, as well as those who may suspect they are part of this vibrant community. Scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, this gathering aims to create a welcoming environment where attendees can socialize freely without the weight of societal stigma. This initiative is sponsored by Fraser, a well-respected provider of autism and early childhood mental health services, and Sheletta Brundidge, a passionate local business owner and mother of three children who are on the autism spectrum.

Brundidge, who recently received her own autism diagnosis, emphasized the importance of this event by stating, We are inviting all hardworking, taxpaying autistic adults to a happy hour to celebrate us and to shine a light on our success and accomplishments. Her remarks come in response to controversial comments made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been under scrutiny for his views on autism.

During a press briefing, Kennedy made claims that autism has dire consequences for families, stating, Autism destroys families. These are kids who will never pay taxes. Theyll never hold a job. Theyll never play baseball. Theyll never write a poem. Theyll never go out on a date. His statements, which he made while announcing that the Health and Human Services Department would investigate the causes of autism by September, sparked outrage and concern within the autism community.

Brundidge was quick to respond, labeling Kennedys remarks as wrong and damaging. She expressed her worry that such statements could limit the potential of autistic individuals in society. What he is doing is potentially limiting or eliminating the earning potential for people who have autism, she said, highlighting the necessity for a more positive and accurate representation of what it means to live with autism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1 in 31 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism. Brundidge pointed out that as these children grow into adulthood, its likely that the statistic will mirror itself, raising the number of autistic adults to 1 in 31. She has been actively involved in advocating for the autism community, having recently hosted a job fair designed specifically for individuals on the spectrum.

Christopher Banks, the president and CEO of the Autism Society of America, voiced his concerns regarding Kennedys comments, stating, These misleading theories perpetuate harmful stigma, jeopardize public health, and distract from the critical needs of the autism community, including access to quality care, early intervention, adult services, inclusive education, and long-term supports. In order to counter the negative stereotypes, Brundidge expressed the need for collective action within the community: If we want to combat the negative stereotype that (Kennedy) just portrayed, we have to come together and show people what autism looks like.

In a humorous yet heartfelt invitation, Brundidge extended an olive branch to Kennedy, saying, If hes wondering what successful adults and children with autism look like, he can come to Cottage Grove. He has an open invitation to my house. Her words reflect a longing for understanding and acceptance within society.

This upcoming happy hour holds significant personal meaning for Brundidge, who shared that receiving her autism diagnosis provided her with a sense of relief. It was such a relief to know that as an adult, I have autism. It also explains so much, she explained, underscoring the importance of awareness and acceptance.

In a related story, actress Bella Ramsey, known for her role in the hit series The Last of Us, has also shared her journey with autism. During the production of the show, a crew member suspected that Ramsey might be on the spectrum, prompting her to seek a formal evaluation that ultimately led to her diagnosis. Ramsey has discussed how her autism benefits her acting career, allowing her to be more attuned to the emotions and behaviors of those around her. The structured environment of a film set, with clear expectations, also helps her thrive.

Eva Erickson, an Eagan native, has garnered attention as the first openly autistic contestant on the reality television show Survivor. Diagnosed at a young age, she was told by professionals that she would struggle to live independently or hold down a job. Contrary to these expectations, Erickson is now pursuing her Ph.D. at Brown University and captains the mens club hockey team, proving that autism is not a hindrance but a part of her identity. After a challenging moment during a competition, she decided to reveal her diagnosis to her fellow contestants, emphasizing that she has never viewed her autism as an obstacle. Theres nothing bad about it, she stated, encouraging others to seek help without shame.

Join us on April 23 to celebrate the achievements and resilience of autistic adults and to foster a sense of community. Lets work together to challenge misconceptions and highlight the diverse capabilities within the autism spectrum.

Event Details:

  • Date: April 23
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Location: Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, 225 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis
  • RSVP:
    TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
    2025-04-19
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    James Whitmore