So many people have been emailing Autism Speaks about the stupid I Am Autism Campaign. There appears to be a generic response people are getting back.
If you don’t recall the I Am Autism Campaign is a fundraising initiative by Autism Speaks that uses fear mongering tactics such as saying Autism Destroys marriages, and everything short of blaming autism for terrorist attacks.
Autism Speaks seems to be sending this generic reply to everyone upset
Thank you very much for sending me your letter and telling me about your perspective and feelings regarding the “I Am Autism” video. I understand and respect your perspective and I am truly sorry that the film offended you. The video was not intended to reflect Autism Speaks broader viewpoint or attitude toward persons with autism spectrum disorder. Rather, it was created by two fathers of children with autism – Billy Mann, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, music producer and Autism Speaks board member, and Alfonso Cuarón, an Academy award-nominated film director. It is based on a personal poem written by Mr. Mann. It is an intensely personal expression by these two fathers. It was their hope that the piece would inspire other voices and artists in the autism community. It has greatly offended some people, however, and we have removed it from our website.
Again, thank you for writing to me and sharing your thoughts. You can rest assured that I will continue to advocate for a respectful and compassionate attitude and support for persons with autism spectrum disorder.
So your telling me that a video posted on the official Autism Speaks YouTube channel, with the autsim speaks logo splashed all over it, after being used in a UN presentation by Autism Speaks was an expression by two fathers. To this I have to say I’m Autistic, not stupid!
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