The Unacceptable Truth About Autism Speaks
The "I Am Autism" campaign, launched by Autism Speaks in 2009, sparked significant controversy within the autism community. The video personifies autism as a destructive force that "steals children" and "ruins marriages," portraying it in a fear-based and negative light. Many autistic individuals, their families, and advocates criticized the campaign for promoting stigma and portraying autism as something to be feared rather than understood or accepted. Critics argued that it focused more on the hardships faced by caregivers than on the actual experiences of autistic people themselves, further marginalizing them. As a result, the campaign intensified long-standing tensions between Autism Speaks and the broader autistic community, particularly advocates for neurodiversity and self-advocacy.
In 2023, Autism Speaks reported an annual revenue of approximately $47.6 million. The organization generates funds through donations, sponsorships, events like the Autism Speaks Walk, and partnerships. This revenue supports their research, advocacy, and resources for the autism community, although Autism Speaks has faced criticism for its allocation of funds and portrayal of autism.
This information is important. Don't donate to these people. Only about 1% to 4% of their budget goes toward family services and grants aimed at helping autistic people. The rest of their funds is directed toward research for a "cure" for autism, fundraising, and awareness campaigns (like the one in the link), rather than practical support services that directly benefit the autistic community. There's a local community residential program that used to brag about their program being based on Autism Speaks programs.
Watch this less than 2 minute video and see if this is where you think money should be going.
Click on the link below:
Austism Speaks Twisted View of Autism
Please share this link. Donations could be so much more effective in helping people on the spectrum if they went to other places.
