So why exactly do we hate Autism Speaks?

Post Reply New Topic

I hate them because they do the same things all other groups do, which is lead by fear. Saying that autism is an epidemic...what? It's not a disease, so how can it be an epidemic? They don't have any members with autism on their board if I'm not mistaken, so their platform probably is for the parents, and I've been to enough autism seminars to know that people not on the spectrum rarely know what the hell the are talking about when doing presentations, even if they mean well. I was just at one of those places, and the lady giving the presentation was nice, and had good information, but the whole time she said "We need to think about such and such" instead of giving a suggestion or an answer or solution. Heck she could have asked me, or the other two guys that were on the spectrum that were invited to speak. Eventually, when giving one of her rhetorical questions, I raised my hand, and she wondered why I was doing so. I said "Because I have an answer to your question" Everyone looked at me strange, even the parents in the room (which was most of the room) The question was about organization! How hard is it to answer a question like that?

Now, Autism Speaks obviously isn't doing a very good job, because most people think autism means not being able to speak, and not being able to wipe your own ass for that matter. They know little to nothing about the spectrum, or what that even means, and how far the spectrum even runs if they do. Fear tactics is the exact opposite of education, which is based on love. Propaganda never helped anyone understand anything. I think I read once that this girl got sued because she wore a shirt that said Autism Speaks on it, and she was infringing on copyright. Copyright?? An organization that is supposed to be HELPING PEOPLE has copyrights? You would think they'd be glad she can stick up for herself so they don't have to, but apparently they are concerned more about themselves than they are about autism. All institutions are interested in self-preservation, and if they want to continue to stick around, which it seems they do, then they need to make sure autism sticks around. You don't want to cut into your market, now do you? So saying that it's an epidemic helps their cause.

Dalurker, so if someone can speak they never need help and can always have a successful life? Incorrect.

seriously guys, please answer me

because they stopped seeing the gift the kids are. yes its hard. yes its a puzzel. but you dont threaten to drive them off bridges in front of the kid. what a horror teh child understands what you are saying even if they are a non speaker

I dont like autism speaks because a good portion of their idea of a cure goes to developing a prenatal test that will determine if the fetus will have autism, so the baby will be aborted. I dont think that eleminating all those who could have autism is a decent way to "cure" it. They show their intolerance for autistic folks by the fact that none of their policy makers have ASD, they targeted those who spoke out against them. And at one time, one of the board members "mercy" killed her autistic children...got off easy because of the old, no where to turn plea..then went to work for Autism Speaks.

I dont think they have our best interests in mind. The want us to not exist...it is not about a cure. Some folks here believe that their reason for doing this is political because autistic people, once grown up, are not likely to just go with the flow, but firmly believe in what they believe is true and can think for ourselves which would be a threat to an emerging socialist takeover. Now I dont think we all share such extreeme views but we dont like the idea of being eradicated like a disease to humanity.

I understand why people with aspergers would not want a cure. You are functional and you have a good life. If only there were more education and awareness for "normal" people to understand and quit crying around, thinking everyone has to think like them.
On the other hand, I've worked with children who have classic autism. If any of you have heard of the Tammy Lynn Center. One boy in particular has such intense sensory issues that he bangs his head on the floor or hits himself it the head. He has to be taken to his room and have a beaded vest and a football helmet put on. It calms him as he lays in bed for a little while. He cannot stay like that all the time. He is comfortable that way, but he doesn't have a good quality of life if he is left in bed like that.
I think if someone can find a way for him to be more comfortable in his skin and in his environment it would be great. Not for the family, but for him. He is funny and sweet. He likes hugs and he approaches staff with his arms open to ask for hugs, so he is wanting affection. He doesn't communicate well, only random words. The staff understands his needs and wants but thats about it. Noise and commotion actually hurts him and he feels intensly uncomfortable.
I am under the impression that autism speaks is directed towards classic autism, not aspergers. But that's just my opinion.

But the only cure there is is death. That is better?