Autism Headlines for April 4

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Commentary: A view from the CDC on autism
CNN.com Fri, 04 Apr 2008 6:43 AM PDT
This week, the world has come together to focus on a major public health issue that affects thousands of children and their families around the world -- autism.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditio ... cnn_latest

Salon will donate proceeds to Autism Speaks
Asbury Park Press Fri, 04 Apr 2008 1:31 AM PDT
TOMS RIVER — The La Beaute Salon and Spa, 1311 Route 37 W. in the Orchards of Dover Plaza, is holding a charity event Sunday to benefit Autism Speaks, a nonprofit dedicated to autism, according to the salon's management.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl ... /804040452

Lawmaker makes case for autism research
Asbury Park Press Fri, 04 Apr 2008 1:18 AM PDT
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., marked World Autism Day Wednesday by calling on Congress to approve his legislation to help other countries combat it.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl ... /804040410

Deal With Your Mild Autism
Wired News Thu, 03 Apr 2008 2:27 PM PDT
Asperger's syndrome has become the affliction du jour for geeks of all stripes. Known more commonly as mild autism, here are some tips for dealing with its symptoms, should you find yourself so stricken.
http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/tophead ... ild_Autism

Statehouse rallies for autism awareness
The Lantern Fri, 04 Apr 2008 6:23 AM PDT
Hundreds gathered Wednesday, National Autism Awareness Day, on the south lawn of the Ohio Statehouse to support autism awareness and promote a bill granting more funding to autism programs. The bill, supported by Ted Strickland, secures full insurance benefits for patients with autism.
http://www.thelantern.com/news/2008/04/ ... 4391.shtml

Billboards share message about autism
Akron Beacon Journal Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:43 PM PDT
The Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society has decided to put a face — make that faces — on the brain disorder that affects 1.5 million people in the United States, including about one of every 150 children.
http://www.ohio.com/news/17287294.html

Baroness Uddin In Conversation With Ivan Corea YouTube Film Released For UN World Autism Day, UK
Medical News Today Fri, 04 Apr 2008 3:18 AM PDT
A film by Media Eye Productions in the UK was launched in London at a ceremony to mark the first ever World Autism Awareness Day launched by the United Nations in New York on Wednesday 2nd April. World Autism Awareness Day was declared by the UN General Assembly on the recommendation of the State of Qatar. Events to mark the day were organised across the world.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/102803.php

Study Suggests Preemie, Autism Link
MedicineNet.com Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:35 PM PDT
Title: Study Suggests Preemie, Autism Link Category: Health News Created: 4/3/2008 Last Editorial Review: 4/3/2008
http://www.medicinenet.com/guide.asp?s= ... th&a=88355

Autism benefits set for Saturday
Abilene Reporter-News Thu, 03 Apr 2008 8:47 PM PDT
The fourth annual West Texas Walk Now for Autism will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Nelson Park and the Abilene Zoo. In addition, a 5K run will take place in Nelson Park.
http://reporternews.com/news/2008/apr/0 ... _headlines

Autism-- Fight for Rights
NBC 13 Birmingham Thu, 03 Apr 2008 8:40 PM PDT
More than 260 people living with autism and their family members marched in Montgomery, Thursday They want state legislators to improve services across Alabama.
http://www.nbc13.com/gulfcoastwest/vtm/ ... -0033.html

What a Wonderful World of Aut topic


Autism seems to be one of those Spectrum conditions that is portrayed in extremes. We read about those who have extraordinary intelligence quotients, heightened abilities, tall statures, large head sizes, and especially from those who are famous or who are famous and have an Autistic child.

What about the ordinary people, who live on Wrong Planet? We are all over the map in terms of IQ, ability, symptoms, fame, offspring, head size, and stature. This is not a one size-fits-all picture. I know there is no composite person living on the Spectrum. If the public knew we are as different as DNA and fingerprint/iris configuration, then maybe the public would NOT PANIC so much. And Autism Spooks would have been ghostbusted a long time ago.

I hope that sticks.

Hear Hear!

You know I wonder if it might be worth (and it's just a little thing) boycotting companies who donate to that mob?

Nah, they'd find other sponsors, and I doubt most of the sponsors of Autism Speaks have anything but the best intentions in mind. They just probably haven't looked at the mission statement properly. They'd probably think, 'ooh, charity. Tax-deductible expenses, here I come!'

Appreciate the date being included in topic line, so I don't keep clicking on the same one (day after day). Please continue to do so-and thanks.

But if going after that tax deduction costs them business through a boycott (countering the financial and taxation advantages of donations) they'll think twice wouldn't they?

Well, yes. However then they will be cautious about donating to any charity. Even autism self-advocacy groups.

Personally I feel that the best course of action is to attack their name, stating that since none of their administrators or staff actually have autism, the name "Autism speaks" is misleading and directly contradictory to their own policies. Many people with Autism are perfectly capable of speaking for ourselves, something they refuse to admit.

Not neccessarily - as long as the reason for the boycott is made clear. If it is it will actually encourage the sponsorship of self advocacy groups, not discourage it.



One problem with that suggestion. One of the reasons Autism Speaks gets mileage is because of the donations it gets - giving it monetary power to smother people like us off the mainstream electronic media. Being able to buy advertising is a powerful tool (as Generation Rescue can attest to - bother them!) and we would struggle to compete with that.