Respect Over Registry: Supporting Neurodivergent Voices
At Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy, we believe that everyone deserves the right to privacy, dignity, and opportunity. That’s why we were concerned by recent political conversations about creating a registry for individuals with autism based on private medical data.
We understand that these proposals may come from a place of wanting to learn more or improve services. But accessing someone’s private health information without their consent crosses a line. It sends a message that neurodivergent individuals need to be tracked, rather than understood and included.
This doesn’t reflect the reality we see every day. Some of our employees are neurodivergent, and their strengths are essential to the work we do. Attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and dedication to their roles are just a few of the things they bring to the table.
We don’t believe that a diagnosis should ever define someone’s future. Instead of labeling or isolating people, we should be investing in inclusive workplaces and communities that give everyone the chance to thrive.
Neurodivergence isn’t something to fear. It’s something to recognize, support, and value. We’ll continue to advocate for privacy, inclusion, and respect—not just in our pharmacy, but in every space where people deserve to be seen and heard.