The "Autism Speaks" Topic

Let's face it, Autism Speaks has a huge presence. People outside of the "autism community" know the organization, it's blue puzzle piece and the annual "Light It Up Blue" efforts to bring awareness (and donations). If you don't have a family member on the spectrum, they may in fact be the only autism focused organization you're aware of. So, it should really be no surprise that when people have a newly diagnosed loved one, Autism Speaks is one of the first organizations they think of to go to for direction, help, resources and information.

Aaron was diagnosed as being on the spectrum this past September. Though I knew I could find my way to lots of different groups for help, Autism Speaks was the first I thought to check into. When we ran into an issue with our local police department not being well trained to handle calls for help, they were who I went to for advice. It wasn't until a few weeks later that I had any idea that there was some sort of controversy.

The Autism Society shared a story about a state implementing mandatory training for it's officers. I replied mentioning that I had reached out to Autism Speaks for advice on how to get similar training for our local PD. The responses I received to my comment were shocking. Post after post essentially questioning my intelligence for going to Autism Speaks for anything. I felt as if I were being shamed which, let's face it, is a wonderful thing for a mom struggling to deal with her son's new diagnosis. The positive result of the situation however, was that I did my own research and began formulating my own opinion.

The way I see it, Autism Speaks is like any charitable organization. There are those that make good use of funds, and those that do not. There are those whose mission statements I agree with, and those that I do not. Would I give a penny to Autism Speaks or encourage my friends and family to do so in support of my son? No. Do I agree with their stance that autism is something to be cured and is a burden on the human populous? No. But, they do create an amazing amount of awareness through their efforts, and that awareness is something I ultimately benefit from downstream.

The reason everyone knows Autism Speaks is because their awareness efforts work, and as the "autism community" we need to be able to recognize when awareness itself is a great thing.