How To Boycott Autism Speaks With Pictures

Autistic people with self-esteem issues should especially be mindful. Reading what Autism Speaks has to say may worsen your self-image. Have a self care plan in case your mental health issues are triggered. This could be a warm bath, a good book, time with a loved one, making art, or something else. Do not research right before bedtime.

When searching “Autism Speaks,” add keywords such as “controversy,” “bad,” “eugenics,” or “ASAN” (an organization that has written about Autism Speaks). It might also be worth noting that boycotters of Autism Speaks sometimes refer to it as ‘Autism $peaks’, with a dollar sign replacing the S.

Read from autistic people like John Elder Robison,[2] X Research source Lydia Brown,[3] X Research source Ari Ne’eman of ASAN,[4] X Trustworthy Source Austistic Self Advocacy Network Nonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum that empowers autistic people through education and public advocacy Go to source and more.

Read from Ariane Zurcher,[5] X Research source Emily Willingham,[6] X Research source Deanne Shoyer, Steve Silberman,[7] X Research source Jess from Diary of a Mom,[8] X Research source and others. Some people, such as Carol Greenburg,[9] X Research source are autistic parents of autistic children.

Watch the video “I Am Autism,"[10] X Research source or read the transcript. [11] X Trustworthy Source Austistic Self Advocacy Network Nonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum that empowers autistic people through education and public advocacy Go to source This video has a voice-over, calling itself autism, describing how it will destroy parents’ lives. Read the wording of the militant Call to Action, a letter that resulted in several resignations. [12] X Research source Watch or read about the documentary “Autism Every Day. " This video includes a scene of an autistic girl’s mother talking about how she contemplated killing her, as her upset daughter listens. [13] X Research source [14] X Research source [15] X Research source Consider its response to murder, which is often portrayed as a tragic but understandable result of lack of services. [16] X Research source [17] X Trustworthy Source Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network Nonprofit organization providing community, support, and resources for Autistic women, girls, nonbinary people, and those identifying as other marginalized genders. Go to source

Autism Speaks entertained and gave credibility to anti-vaccination beliefs for a long time, long after evidence was clear that vaccines aren’t linked to autism. [21] X Research source [22] X Research source [23] X Research source Autism Speaks claimed that having an autistic child causes divorce[24] X Trustworthy Source Austistic Self Advocacy Network Nonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum that empowers autistic people through education and public advocacy Go to source and likely spread the myth that 80% of parents who have autistic kids get a divorce. [25] X Research source [26] X Research source But research shows no real difference in family separations. [27] X Research source A petition was called to investigate Autism Speaks for fraud after people described inconsistencies about its financial claims. [28] X Research source

Autism Speaks does not use trigger warnings on its own disturbing materials. Be cautious if you visit the site or read about what it says. The Judge Rotenberg Center, other abuses in ABA therapy, and restraint/seclusion may be especially upsetting. You may wish to avoid these subjects.

If they ask, give an age-appropriate explanation. For example, “That’s a group that bullies people, so I don’t want to watch that ad, because it’s not true. " Teens or adults may wish to get involved. If they’re autistic, consider whether their self-esteem is strong enough. Supervise their participation if you have concerns about them being exposed to something too disturbing. Be especially cautious during April, when AS is the most active. This month can be hard on autistic people.

As a shortcut, puzzle pieces and the color blue often suggest connections to Autism Speaks. This is not a perfect rule, just a red flag.

Protesting at these events is not for the faint of heart, because autistic people are not always treated well. Some AS supporters speak very aggressively,[29] X Research source and sometimes, they throw food. [30] X Trustworthy Source Austistic Self Advocacy Network Nonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum that empowers autistic people through education and public advocacy Go to source Bring a support person if needed. If you would be too stressed to show up, try making posters, or writing accepting messages in chalk before the event begins.

A list of companies supporting AS is available online.

Meaningful autistic leadership (not just tokenism) Goal of support, not eradication Includes support for autistics of all ages (not just children) Unambiguous support for human rights; against abusive therapy and murder Fights stigma; does not exploit fear for profit

Neurotribes by Steve Silberman offers a detailed history of autism. The social model of disability presents a more inclusion-based, accepting view of disability. [34] X Research source

Wear #REDinstead for autism acceptance. [36] X Research source [37] X Research source Share messages from autistic people online. Post on social media about autism acceptance and neurodiversity.

This day reminds people why acceptance, support, and inclusion are so important.

Try sharing information like helping someone with sensory overload or handling someone’s stimming. WikiHow articles may be useful to distribute. Encourage autistic people and their loved ones to reach out to the Autistic community for help. Try making a list of autism resources, to hand out to people who need it. Consider the Autism Acceptance Month website (which has a resource list),[42] X Research source the Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, wikiHow, and other sites.

Join or organize letter-writing and email campaigns. Create and sign petitions. Signal boost articles describing the policies. Encourage others to get involved.

Consider the hashtags #AskAnAutistic (where autistic people can answer your questions) and #ActuallyAutistic (where autistics may post, and non-autistics may read).

You could use a script like “That’s a scam” or “That’s run by a group that harms autistic people. Would you like to participate in _______ instead?” Praise their willingness to help, and encourage them to participate in a group alongside autistic people (instead of despite their protests).

If you’re too angry to do this, step away. Let someone with more patience or spoons handle it, or deal with it later once you feel ready. Be polite and firm with mean people. For example, “Leave my friend alone,” “You are creating an unsafe space and you need to leave,” or “It is not okay to talk to people that way. Everyone has worth. " If you don’t know how to deal with a mean person, ask a trusted person for help.

Learn how to block people on social media. You can block someone for any reason you want. Use scripts like “I need some air,” “This conversation is bad for my mental health, so I’m ending it,” “Don’t talk to me anymore,” or “You’ve violated this site’s comment policy, and if you don’t stop it, you will be banned. " Remember, if someone is determined not to change their mind, you talking to them won’t help anyone. You’re just wasting energy that could be used productively.

Walk away if you get too upset. You can always come back at a calmer time. Talk to someone you trust if you become overwhelmed by bad feelings. Don’t bottle it up.

Ignoring your feelings won’t help anyone. An over-stressed, overworked activist is not a very effective one.

Autistic advocates may have trouble reading their own emotions. If you noticed that they are becoming over-stressed with activism, gently suggest a break to stim or do something fun. Look out for the autistic people in your life, at all ages. Even if young children are kept away from Autism Speaks, they may still absorb negative attitudes about autism from the people around them. Remind them that you love and value them.