I spent much of yesterday viewing reactions to the latest Autism Speaks video “I Am Autism.” More are still coming today.
Those who are exposing this propaganda going on are doing such a great job that I don’t know what I can say that would be of much help. The only thing that comes to my mind is, “Keep up the good work!”
I’m fairly silent in my posts about this ongoing issue with Autism Speaks, but that doesn’t mean I’m not continuously praying about it.
This morning, the Aesopic fable The Tortoise and the Hare came to my mind when thinking about what Autism Speaks is up to.
I wouldn’t doubt that Autism Speaks laughs and mocks at those of us who see that their real agenda needs to get exposed. The people behind this mega organization are as arrogant as Max Hare in Aesop’s fable. Even though we’re moving along like Toby Tortoise compared to them, we need to remember what’s said in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Maybe someday this whole mess that Autism Speaks has created will also become a bedtime story with a happy ending. Maybe it might be like how Autism Sells is told on Liv’s journey’s blog. If you read it, don’t get discouraged.
Remember the moral,
“Slow and steady wins the race.”
Here is just one myth, said well by Alex Plank in his Ten Myths about Autism – Debunked, that is published on the now famous WrongPlanet.net¹ site designed for people on the Autism Spectrum:
Myth: Autistics are represented by nonprofits like Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now; donating to these causes helps people with Autism.
Reality: Actually, most autistics feel that these nonprofits are doing a disservice to those living with Autism by running campaigns that dehumanize people with the condition and painting an inaccurate picture of what Autism is like.
For example, Autism Speaks, the largest Autism organization in terms of financial capital, has no autistic employees and no board members with the condition. They disallow autistic individuals from speaking at their conferences with the rationale that “it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
While a lot of the research they fund may be conducted by good scientists who are unaware of the organization’s political slant, Autism Speaks’ end-game is establishing prenatal screening. Any good that comes from this research is consequently undermined by the negative messages they send.
I would like to add my own suggestion here for those who might not think of this on their own:
If you really want to donate towards the world gaining a greater insight and understanding of Autism, then support organizations that don’t just allege to have people that are on the autism spectrum included; look for proof before you trust what they’re claiming. If you don’t see the necessary evidence, then move on to those organizations where it’s obvious that what you see is what you get. If you wanted to learn about the French and understand their different ways of being, would you support the Chinese and expect them to be able to give you the answers?! Hopefully you’d be smart enough to know you’d go to France and help the French explain their culture to you by letting them know what it is you don’t comprehend. They are the ones who have the answers explaining their society; just like autistics (the older, the wiser; the younger, the more naïve) are the only ones who have the answers to why they’re an unsolvable puzzle to those on the neurotypical spectrum.
¹I’m glad to see that WP now has over 17 thousand members and is still growing strong! United we stand, divided we fall. Aspies have been unknowingly divided apart throughout history, but now is an exciting time with the internet for us because autistics are coming together fast and strong — like the final pieces getting connected in a puzzle so everyone can get the picture!
I have so much to write about in regards to Aspergers that will not only expound upon so-called ‘information’ but will also be highly entertaining for us Aspergians! Meanwhile, I couldn’t wait to spread around some goodies I’ve come across that others have for sharing.
Autism Speaks Silences Autistic Child is a post that I plan to include in my brochure¹ I’m working on to bring with me to the annual Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley that’s being headed by the Autism Society of America to hand out for those who may have an interest in seeing something different.
Check out the bottom lines on NT Speaks . . . how eloquent!
Upon my reading this comment I found on FARK.com . . .
“Some are wonderful, some are less than useful, and some are complete charlatans. They’ve found ways to make money off of government/social agencies who are at a loss with how to deal with these kids (and adults), and parents/families, who are desperate for ANYTHING that might have a chance of working. This kid made the (naive) mistake of ticking off someone who, despite their not-for-profit status, makes money off of autism. So, you can bet they’re going to sic the lawyers on the kid. Money is the issue here, not free speech or (gasp!) Helping people with autism.”
. . . it got me wondering why only the kid is referred to as being naïve. What about the Autism Speaks organization? Aren’t they being a bit naïve to not think that sooner or later their aggressively presumptuous behavior is going to backfire on them? What’s the difference here between being naïve versus fed up? It makes me wonder what am I. Plus, who is the one that did the ticking off to begin with? Was it the kid or was it Autism Speaks?
I was just reminded the existence of Autism Network International. I haven’t spent a lot of time checking them out, but from what I have read, they seem to be on the right track.
¹I’ll be printing out a pile of these for helping ‘them’ to connect the pieces since, after all, that’s what their brochure is asking me to do. As with most things I’m asked to do, I’ve got to do it my way because I respect my conscience.
