Autism Speaks has Spoken

I was hesitant to write this blog but this is something that I wanted to share with all of you. As you may be aware I was just in Egypt teaching the Exercise Connection Program to the ETC & Advance Center of Cairo and I presented for the Arab Network for Autism.
While I was there I spoke with many people and founders of autism organizations and centers from the Arab Countries.
I talked specifically with two organizations and they asked me, "Do you work with Autism Speaks?" I quickly but respectfully said, "no." I was hesitant to continue this discussion because I didn't want to offend any one or their organization. I responded, "The organizations that I support and that support me are Autism One and the Autism Society of Illinois. They are truly dedicated to helping the children and families."
I was still hesitant to keep going but during the two discussions I asked, "How do you know about Autism Speaks." They each responded with "we met with their founders." They each followed it up with ... they were not impressed, and the founders were disrespectful and arrogant.
I was somewhat surprised and at the same time not.
They then asked me what I thought...
I will keep this brief but I explained where their money was going and that it was seemed more large marketing company. I then said, it can be very tough for new parents of children with autism because this is what they have heard of, Autism Speaks, and the parents donate funds, support the walks but never get anything in return, etc, etc.
I then asked them, "Have you heard about Autism One?" Some yes, but didn't know much. I can assure all of you, they now know about Autism One and not only the dedication of Ed and Teri but everyone involved with the organization to help the children.

So why was I hesitant to write this blog?

Well, I never want to burn any bridges and I don't want to come off as arrogant to an outside who may be reading this. Let me explain more.....
When I first began working with children with autism I had no idea what autism was or the difference between Autism Speaks, Autism One or any autism organization. I must have been naive to think that all "non-for-profits" wanted to help and no money was made. Well after 6 years in this community I have learned a hell of a lot.
But having met many people over the years who have worked within many organizations they two have been uneducated about the difference and the missions of many. And many may still be. However, because someone may work for Autism Speaks, maybe not a higher up, may not truly understand what is going on. Also, that someone may also be the someone who can help improve the life of your child or children.
When I present to many parents and organization I always focus on Autism One and what it mission represents. Many times I have to defend the biomedical approach, Jenny McCarthy and the AOne mission. I do it respectfully and I will continue to promote the mission.
But I tell parents to keep their eyes and ears open, don't listen to everything that you hear. Because if you here that AOne is a "crazy" organization and you may not put your child in the hands of someone that supports this group...that someone may be the person who could have made all the difference in your and your child's world.

Yours in Health,

David

Autism Organizations

Hi David,
I was a littel confused near the end of your post as to what you were trying to convey about Autism Speaks VS Autism One. I completely understand that different people have different views on organizations: their missions, their goals, etc. The other comment to your blog shared a very unfortunate situation and I am sorry that happened. I have NO affiliation with either organization but use both websites as a reference/resources. I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of families over the years and many of them find these organizations helpful, sometimes a life saver. The organizations can provide information, encouragement, resources, support etc etc. So, I was somewhat discouraged with the tone of the blog knowing that there are families out there who have been given a recent dx of Autism and will be seeking support from either Autism One or Autism Speaks or both... Though the organizations may have different philosophies, they can both be a support system for families in need. Families will gather the info, learn more and more, and make a decision as to whether their needs and philosophies fall more in line with one organization or the other, but I see myself, as a healthcare provider, as a guide to be sure they get as much information as possible about what is out there. Hoping we can keep it positive! Best Regards. C

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks may have spoken, but I will NEVER shut up about what they did to me. How they lied about me -- accusing me of threatening and harassing people for merely politely asking people on a public sidewalk if they'd like information about vaccine safety. Telling me to leave then calling the police when I didn't then lying on a public internet forum to say the arrest attempt never happened.

There isn't an organization in this town that isn’t in their back pocket.

But what’s really frightening is that I don’t think there’s a group of people in the US that hasn’t said to themselves “oh well, we can’t beat them. I guess we’ll just have to join them.” Even Age of Autism is now working with Autism Speaks, and even Kim isn’t above censoring the unpopular and the inconvenient when it suits her purposes.

And there’s still mercury in the flu shots, and the people and the children keep on being poisoned, and the profits, for those willing to go along, keep on rolling in.

As-Salāmu `Alaykum

nahnu marhaba inta Saudi Arabia