Autistics Speak For Themselves

I read in Disability Scoop that Autism Speaks finally pulled its video entitled “I Am Autism” off their website after being heavily criticized by a coalition of more than two dozen disability organizations.  Of course, the video is still available for viewing on the Autism Speaks Vids channel on YouTube among other places.

The article reports that “the video includes an eerie voice-over declaring that autism will ensure that your marriage fails, bankrupt you and make it virtually impossible to go out in public without experiencing embarrassment or pain.”

Most people on the autism spectrum do not believe Autism Speaks speaks for them – a valid point of view given that Autism Speaks reportedly does not have a single autistic person on their large board of directors. 

It is outstanding to see the autistic community come together to state clearly and proudly that Autism Speaks does not speak for them. With that said, people on the spectrum must keep in mind that speaking up just once, or even every now and then, is not enough.

Speaking up here and there instead of all the time is what allows organizations who do not have autistics’ interests at heart to run roughshod over them.

Many on the spectrum try to avoid embroiling themselves in causes and controversies, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but they do so to their detriment sometimes.

People need to remember that advocacy means not just advocating for one’s self but for others, too.

I could conclude this blog entry by saying “Thank goodness for autism rights organizations!”  

What’s needed is not just for a few organizations to spearhead advocacy campaings for change, but for all autistics to speak up and out on their own behalf.

Only then will Autism really Speak.

Thomas D. Taylor
Co-Creator
MIDNIGHT IN CHICAGO