More "Autism Speaks" jolliness

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Money, as in the lack of same.

Interesting thread. Must read for all. Especially in light of the Autism Speaks deal brokered with Alex

This is the organization that you are currently in bed with Alex.

I'm confused. Would you rather they be using their money to sue autistics still instead of supporting autism talk tv? You can't have it both ways. If you're upset about how they spend their money you should try to change it instead. Or would you rather just sit around and complain. . .

What's wrong with Autism Speaks supporting Autism Talk TV? If Autism Speaks is apparently willing to recognize the Neurodiversity movement with a tangible sign of support, then Alex could at least accept the offer as a sign of good faith.

Aren't there better ways to discuss the concerns than confusing people by raising up a 2 1/2 year old thead?

Decisions they make today may not be the same of those they made yesterday. As the biggest beast out there, I would hope that Autism Speaks is evolving towards positions this community will be happier with. I don't know that they are, but I don't think raising old threads is going to help.

Alex, what I believe we all REALLY want is equal representation in AutismSpeaks. Not just a person with autism on a Science Board, but at least one person with autism on the Board of Directors for AutismSpeaks - and maybe more people with autism in other executive level positions as well.
Since the money is being spent and directed by leadership that is a majority of people not only without disabilities but without autism - and that have approved of actions that have hurt us on many a level - it seems that taking any of their money, regardless of how it is used, seems to somewhat approve of their decisions, regardless of how you actually feel.
I'm sure that you don't approve of what they've done. But their actions, like yours, speak louder than words - and accepting money (regardless of how it is used) in this day and age comes with consequence. If the organization donating the money is disliked by a majority of the people in your 'circle' (i.e. persons with autism, wrongplanet.net, people with disabilities, etc.), then your image, regardless of who you really are, suffers heavily.
For example, if the KKK attempted to donate $5,000 to the United Negro College Fund, what do you think would happen? Would the UNCF accept the offer? $5,000.00 is a lot. Yet the reputation and image of the UNCF would suffer heavily, and many would look upon them unfavorably if they accepted the donation - regardless of the conditions of the persons donating it, how it is used, etc. My educated guess would be that the UNCF would reject the donation and recommend the money be donated elsewhere.

Just some thoughts from a voice.

Probably, but the thread is still relevant today.

Sitting here thinking about this, I have come to the conclusion that this could be a good thing indeed. What do we gripe about around here? Well...we gripe a lot about Autism Speaks. Ok...what do we want? We want them to understand us...right? We want them to hear our voices. Well, look what Alex has done. Look at what Autism Speaks has done. Interesting. By Autism Speaks supporting Autism Talk TV, at least now they have come into our realm. Maybe this is an important step in the direction of having our voices heard.

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You think by them paying you off for your association is the same as quashing their ability to sue Autistics if or when they fell into Autism Speaks sights?
Really? How do you figure that?

Yes you are right Alex, in that you can't have in both ways.
You either support the organisation who says that Autism is like Cancer and is steadily making their way to early identification of Autistics as abortable fetuses. The people who say that Autism is curable and people with Autism are trapped inside shells of people.......OR you recognise that as part of that community that they demonise and disparage that you will not support them nor be interested in their money.

You can not have it both ways because it is a simple moral choice and you sir have chosen.
The fact that you tie your involvement with every Aspie here is far from applaudable and you know this but money has spoken.

How about from here on in we just be a little honest and call it like it is, huh?

I don't get what is so confusing, the same outfit that put out that dreadful "I Am Autism" video is IMO trying to co opt you and Wrong Planet for their own ends. Putting the in your post doesn't change what Autism Speaks is.

Autism Speaks has provided both financing for a video, and supplied high-level personel for interviews conducted by known neurodiversity supporters, how is this a bad thing? This should be seen as an olive branch (peace offering) from Autism Speaks to the neurodiversity community.

Also, let's note that Autism Speaks has far more in the way of resources than WrongPlanet, Autism Speaks has the resources to produce their own videos, and several of those videos have been discussed on this site in the past. This time, they have instead supported the Neurodiversity movement with their resources.

Have they made changes to how they spend their money? If so, that's awesome, but I thought they were largely continuing to support the same types of initiatives.

I still want to see them spend more of their vast resources supporting practical things, like home-and-community based services that can make a tangible difference in the lives of adults living with ASD in the here and now. From what I have seen, they are still to spending a disproportionate amount of their resources on scientific research and things like public service announcements, which also double as a fundraising tool for them. Meanwhile, many of the day-to-day needs of adults with autism and thier families continue to go unmet. (As a social services professional, I can say that anyone who thinks enough is being done to address these service needs of adult autistics is out-of-touch with reality).

It's nice that they've attempted to soften their image by supporting Alex's project. To me, that's much better than ignoring us completely. But, it seems like Autism Speaks can have it both ways. I mean, just because they've thrown some underwriting support to Alex doesn't appear to mean they have also stopped doing the things that upset us in the first place. I really hope this is a step in the right direction, however.

Oh sweet Jesus. They haven't tried to "soften their image by supporting Alex's project"! They have found a way to exert more influence on the Autistic Community. That is all. They are what they are and what they will always be. They have just found a way to take a little bit more control. It is fast going to the stage where they will have the sole voice in Autistic Affairs. They don't need to be soft. They need to be powerful and influential and this my friend is a stepping stone to their ends.

As things stand today, Autism Speaks by far the major force in "Autistic Affairs". WrongPlanet or AFF are not running fundraisers every weekend, we do not have private jets on standby, we do not have an office in New York City, we do not have donation matching programs with major companies. In fact, I don't think that WP has 501(c)(3) status, which kills any realistic chance of getting large donations from major companies or individuals.

Autism Speaks' supporters have not getting the theme of neurodiversity. However, thanks to Alex's project, Autism Speaks is now supporting the promotion of Neurodiversity themes, and is even providing well known figures for interviews.

So...

The first episodes of Autism Talk TV were adverts for Autism Speaks.

The two parts of Silberman's stuff had Autism Speaks as a "sponsor" (OED: 4. One who pays, or contributes towards, the cost of a broadcast programme or other spectacle, spec. in return for commercial advertisement.)

Then we get more spam emails three weeks after the upload of the Steven Shore episode, where Autism Speaks is now an "underwriter" (OED: 1. A subscriber to, or shareholder in, a mercantile venture. Obs.)

Next I suppose we'll be getting more email for the latest "Autism Toys" episode, where Autism Speaks remains an "underwriter".

Note that this new episode contains two high-pitched sound "surprise" effects, at around 3:58 and 4:53, which implies that Alex's target audience does not include anyone with auditory hypersensitivity or anxiety.



On a point of detail, note that John Elder Robison (Jack's father) has stated elsewhere that he personally funded Alex's project. I.e Autism Speaks has not officially given Alex any money. However, John did say that he expected to be reimbursed by Autism Speaks. Assuming that hasn't happened yet, I imagine Autism Speaks could demand that all the later episodes be taken down, as Alex has been using their logo without consent.