This is John’s Dad and partner, Mark. At
John’s Crazy Socks, our mission is Spreading Happiness and we do that by showing what people with differing abilities can do. That’s why I want to share something personal and important with you.
Last week, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made some statements about autism that shocked and saddened me. He described autism as a “preventable disease” and implied that people on the spectrum live lives without contribution or joy.
As a father, as an employer of people with autism, and as someone who sees the beauty and brilliance of neurodiverse individuals every day, I felt compelled to respond. So, I wrote this article:
It's not angry. It's not political. It's a call for compassion, understanding, and truth. It’s about how we see value in every human life — especially those who think, move, or communicate differently.
If you know someone with autism...
If your family has walked this path...
If you believe in inclusion and dignity...
I hope you’ll read it. And maybe share it. I offer a vision of inclusion, of hope, and of seeing value in every life.
At our company, many of our team members are autistic. They work hard. They light up our workplace. They inspire us. We want the world to see what they can do.
Autism is not a crisis. Ignorance is. Let us rise above fear. Let us embrace differences. And let us build a world where every person — autistic or not — is seen, supported, and celebrated.
My life, and our world, is better off because of people with autism. I welcome Secretary Kennedy’s attention and concern, but reject his view that people with autism are a burden and worthy only of pity. Everyone on the spectrum carries their own story, offers their own beauty, they are patient with us, waiting for us to catch up.
Thank you for being part of this movement.
Thank you for buying our socks. You make ti possible to employ people with differing abilities and to advocate for their rights and dignity.
With gratitude,
Mark X. Cronin
Co-Founder, John’s Crazy Socks
Father, advocate, and believer in every person’s worth
P.S. If the article moves you, please feel free to share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Let’s keep spreading happiness.
