COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — The White House’s recent push to address what it calls the autism epidemic has drawn push back from major medical groups, but it’s also giving some hope to families impacted by autism. The founder of Autism Collier Support Center, Stephanie Nordin, said while Monday's announcement is not a breakthrough, it is a step toward a better understanding autism. WATCH TO SEE HOW THE RATES OF AUTISM HAVE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS:Collier County autism group reacts to White House autism initiative, Tylenol claimsAccording to the White House, autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. has surged nearly 400% since 2000. President Trump said the federal government is taking action — starting with new guidance linking the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to autism. Nordin, who has been at the forefront of autism support in Collier County, said the national conversation around autism is important.