The Organisation Known as "Autism Speaks"

What the Autistic Community thinks of "Autism Speaks"

"Autism Speaks" calls itself a charitable organisation. It is based in the USA. Their campaigning materials have generated significant controversy, and overwhelming opposition from the Autistic Community across the world. In order to provide a wider audience for this opposition, we are posting a link here to a letter which the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network sent to sponsors, supporters and donors of Autism Speaks. We make no further comment on it here, since it describes perfectly and fully the illegitimate tactics used by Autism Speaks for their fundraising, and their apparent hatred of people with Autism, whom they clearly feel are somewhat less than human, and a cause of significant embarrassment and trouble to their families.

However, far from being entirely negative, the letter states what should be clear to anyone interested in furthering the cause of people with Autism, namely that what is required is not vilification but acceptance, and realisation of the worth and value of people with Autism.