Many people with Autism protested at the Autism Speaks fund raising walk held at Ohio State University.
Autisitcs Protesting Autism Speaks
Autistics are protesting a recent video published by Autism Speaks that uses lies and fear mongering tactics to raise money for their organization. Tactics hateful and incorrect statements as Autism Destroys marriage – when a recent study by the Easter Seals in 2008 found that the divorce rate for parents of Autistic Children is in fact lower then the divorce rate of parents with other children with disabilities.
Many Autistics are also upset at Autism Speaks because they feel Autism Speaks does a poor job advocating for the needs of those with Autism, and infact does not employ or consult with one person on the Autism Spectrum on the direction or actions the organization takes.
In all 19 people protested Autism Speaks at the walk and it appears they did a great job raising awareness of Autism.
If you are planning on protesting Autism Speaks at an event may I suggest this great shirt stating you have autism and you can speak for yourself. Also some great fliers are available as well that are professionally printed.
If you were protesting Autism Speaks what would your sign say?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Autism Speaks doesn’t Speak for Autistic People, dang it.
Also they are kind of bigoted. I hate Autism Speaks like I hate Unicef and the MDA.
Also I hope you are doing better! Rooting for you…
Thanks
Glad to see you about sir! That being said, I am dissapointed that there isn’t a protest in the Springfield, MO area. Through I will bring up the subject at the Governor’s Reception Thursday night, so the state knows not to support nonsense.
I understand the need to protest Autism Speaks, but these protesters did it in the wrong way, and they targeted the wrong people. Protest the organization, not the thousands of families just walking for a cause.
In what way would you of rather seen them protest?
I don’t know… most folks think Autism Speaks= this nice organization trying to help those poor wayward autistic URCHINS (urchin is a funny word) but they don’t know much about the organization and why it would annoy folks with autism and their families.
Plus it’s 19 people trying to get their perspective about a huge rich organization out. Cut them some slack. As long as they aren’t pouring foul substances on them they have the right to protest and put out an alternative perspective.
Kudos for the protest. I don’t like a lot of the “company statements” that Autism Speaks make. I do not personalize it against families who are working/walking towards awareness, treatment, etc. or those who actually work with or for Autism Speaks, but as an organization that is clearly on the wrong path. They need to HEAR more than 19 people.
It wouldn’t take much to organize a protest in your area. A few fliers and some homemade tshirts, and posters, and away ya go.
From what I understand from other sites there were “several” protestor s in attendance and about 6,000 persons, parents, family members and friends walking to raise fund for research to treat and cure autism disorders. Hopefully such protests will not impede fundraising to raise money for a cure.
Uh, what about the folks who are not seeking a cure but instead are seeking a deeper understanding of autism?
Thanks for mentioning the “Living with Autism” study we did here at Easter Seals. One thing you’ll like to know, the statistics are even better than you thought. You said the divorce rate among “parents of Autistic Children is in fact lower then the divorce rate of parents with other children with disabilities” and truth is the divorce rate among parents who have kids with autism is lower than parents of *average* children.
Thanks for clearing that up, its great news! Also thanks for doing such a useful survey!