Ashbourne social media stars slam Trump over Autism comments

An Ashbourne mother and daughter who have become well known on social media for raising awareness around autism have hit out at Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the condition, describing them as “degrading” and “damaging.”

The US President caused controversy when he claimed that autism rates had “skyrocketed” and suggested it was something that needed to be “figured out and stopped.”

His comments sparked international outrage among autism advocates and families, many of whom accused him of portraying autistic people as a problem rather than recognising their value.

Michelle Raftery and her daughter Kate (19), the duo behind the Instagram page juzt2girlz, say the comments are an insult not only to autistic people but also to their families.

“It’s very degrading, not only to the autism community, but also to the mothers of autistic children,” said Michelle. “The feelings are anger, upset, disappointment, lots of emotions really. As a parent of an autistic child, you’re always trying to build their confidence and tell them they’re amazing. Comments like this are just so damaging.”

Kate, who is training to be a Special Needs Assistant (SNA), said she was personally shaken by Trump’s words.

“I thought it was absolutely awful. I’m really proud to be autistic. It’s one of the things that makes me who I am. But my brain instantly went to all the young people who are newly diagnosed and not yet comfortable with it.

“Hearing someone in power talk like that could make them feel ashamed, like they have to hide it. It can really knock people’s confidence, and the suicide rate for autistic people is already high. I don’t think he realises how much his words affect us.

“He makes autism sound like a disease or something scary, but it’s not. It’s just how our brains are programmed. The world is built to accommodate people like him, but not autistic people. When I heard what he said, I actually hid in my bedroom. I felt like I was being personally attacked. Even though he didn’t say my name, it was my disability he was talking about.”

Kate said she often worries about how younger people will process these types of messages. “Don’t listen to him. He’s only one way of thinking. There are so many different ways our brains work. Autism can be hard because the world isn’t built for us, but when we rally together and support each other, it’s beautiful. The autistic community has helped me so much.”

Michelle said the remarks also undermine the progress that has been made by families, campaigners and professionals in breaking down stigma around autism. “It’s like taking a step backwards. We’ve worked so hard for acceptance, and then someone with such a big platform comes along and makes comments that can undo that work in seconds.”

The Ashbourne pair have built a loyal following of almost 10,000 people on Instagram, where they share their journey through candid, often funny and always honest posts and videos. Their content shines a light on both the challenges and joys of life as a neurodivergent family. For many of their followers, Michelle and Kate’s openness has been a source of comfort and hope.

As well as reacting to Trump’s comments, the duo are outspoken about challenges closer to home, including the future of Special Needs Assistants in Irish schools. Reports earlier this year of a review that could reduce SNA numbers alarmed families across the country.

“There was huge backlash, and thankfully it’s been paused for now,” said Michelle. “Over 11,000 people signed a petition. SNAs are absolutely crucial. Kate had a very difficult school experience. In mainstream school, she couldn’t even go in without an SNA. If you take away that essential support, you take away a child’s right to an education. Instead of cutting roles, they should be creating more.”

Kate said her own classroom experience is what inspired her to train as an SNA. “ I know what it’s like to struggle in school, so now I want to be that support for someone else.”

The duo also highlight barriers beyond the classroom, particularly around accessibility and cost. Michelle recently called out ticketing policies after discovering that fans attending Ed Sheeran’s upcoming 3Arena concerts were being charged €100 for a companion ticket.

“Usually a companion ticket is free, because the person wouldn’t be able to attend without them. To charge €100 is outrageous. You’re effectively making disabled people pay double. Kate has me, but others may have to pay a carer on top of that. It’s discrimination, plain and simple,” she said.

The family say they’ve had mixed experiences at live events. They praised Electric Picnic for its accessible facilities, but Michelle said other venues fall far short. “So much planning goes into going to a gig with a disability. It’s not just buying a ticket and showing up. Crowds, sensory overload, queues, they can all be overwhelming. That’s why having a companion is essential. Disabled people just want the same chance as everyone else.”

For Kate, pushing back against Trump’s words and continuing to speak out is part of that fight for equality. “I’m proud to be autistic. It makes me who I am. People need to see that we’re not broken, we’re not something to be fixed. We’re just different, and that should be celebrated.”

Michelle added: “Everything we do, we do together. We want people to see autism for what it really is, not the scary picture people like Trump try to paint. Kate is living proof that autistic people are amazing, and they deserve to be celebrated.”