#AutismSpeaks10 years of hate against #ActuallyAutistic People

This is my son, happy and stimming.

 

Image:  White text reads #ActuallyAutistic Spinning & Stimming

Image is a young Autistic child with dark hair and fair skin, a red shirt, 

dark hoodie and bright sunglasses. He is upside down, spinning in a round 

spinning toy at the playground

This is the kind of person Autism Speaks wants to prevent from being born. This is the kind of person that they call a burden, and lament that he won't die of autism, he'll just live a normal lifespan and suck up all the resources because he needs so much support. 

This is the kind of person who Autism Speaks says is a mistake. 

This is the kind of person who Autism Speaks is fighting instead of helping, supporting, accepting and knowing, let alone even listening to him. 

This is also the kind of person that I am, and so many of my friends are. 

We are Autistic and the rhetoric of Autism Speaks, it hurts us every day. 

If you support Autism Speaks, you support hate. You support an organization that takes from our communities and says that this beautiful face, this wonderful life should never have been and does not deserve to be. If you support Autism Speaks, I'd like you to remember this face and all the joy he has brought to so many people, all the value his life has and tell me that the way they talk about us is okay. This face, this amazing human that I am so lucky to know and love and have in my life, this is why I boycott Autism Speaks. 

An Autistic Kid's Thoughts on Inclusion.....

For many years, we tried to make school work for our Autistic child.  He had some successes, and a lot of good teachers, along with some really horrifying experiences and some staff who just did not get it.   When we decided to homeschool, my son was excited, but I was pretty terrified.  I have made some mistakes, but overall it is turning out to be such a positive experience for the both of us.  Admittedly, this is not a choice that everyone can or should make, so I am only speaking of our own experience with homeschooling.

One of the stories that we read this week in homeschool was about a little girl with a physical disability who was new to a classroom.   The story was overall a positive one, with characters asking questions about disability and eventually, the child was accepted and mainstreamed into the class with few difficulties.   Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many children with developmental or intellectual disabilities.  And my son knew it firsthand.

This was an opportunity for us to talk about my son’s own experiences with school.  He has been included, mainstreamed and put in a segregated classroom….due in part to how much we have moved in the past few years and dealing with various school districts with wildly different views on inclusion and the value of Disabled students.

He wanted to share his thoughts on this topic, so he wrote about it:  

Image:  Orange text reads “People shold be allowed to learn in the ways that are best for them.” -F, age 10.  Text is on dark textured background with orange/yellow stars scattered in the lower right and upper left corners.

My son’s thoughts on the difference between mainstreaming, segregation and inclusion:

Inclusion is good because it lets you take breaks when you need to and you are supported in a helpful way.  Mainstreaming is neither bad nor good because you may or may not be supported very well.

It was terrible to be mainstreamed.  I didn’t get any breaks except for lunch.  People did not really understand me.  I am not so sure they tried to understand me.   I was not supported.   It made me disappointed, depressed and sad sometimes.   It was because I was not helped.  

When I was in a segregated class that was very terrible.  Nobody understood me very well.  I wanted to be included, but that never happened.   It made me feel the same as when I was mainstreamed.  

I think inclusion could be a good thing.

I think it would look like a room where people share their creative thoughts and have a really nice teacher.   It also there would be a lot of artwork with everyone being so creative.  People should be allowed to learn in the ways that are best for them.  

For kids with disabilities, people should try to support them.  I think it would feel pretty good for kids to be thought of as a valuable person.

Normal

“Is it wrong that I wish my kid was normal?”

I come across this question a lot in autism parenting groups.   My honest, immediate answer?

Yes.

Yes, it is wrong to wish that your kids were “normal”.

I say this after a lifetime of being the one who was not “normal”, but who lived with knowing that most people around me, including my parents wished that I was.  

I have a lifetime of “Why can’t you just do this?”  or “How can you be so smart but so stupid?”, “Don’t you know how hard this is for us?”  and  “Why can’t you be more like other kids?” behind me, so yes, I think it’s bad parenting to wish for your child to be someone that they are not.  

Children are very perceptive, much more intuitive than we often give them credit for.   When you are busy mourning for a child that never was, that will never be, your children are learning that they are not good enough as they are.  The child you want, is a child that does not exist. It’s a child that yours can never be.

Do you know what it is like growing up knowing that the accommodations and supports you need are just an inconvenience to those around you?   The tools that you need to be successful in life are just too much for other people to deal with.  You’re just not worth that extra effort.  That is what we hear when you complain about how hard it is to accommodate and understand.   That is not to say parenting is easy, because it is not.   Parenting is never easy.  That is not the fault of our children.

Imagine what it is like being pushed to speak when you literally can’t do it.  When you are constantly ignored and even punished for the way that you are actually able to communicate because it doesn’t look normal.  

Imagine how it feels for your children when you say these things and people sympathize with you, but seldom with us,  and tell you that it’s okay.  It’s okay to wish your child was different.   Because being who they are, it’s not normal.  It is flawed, it is damaged, it is broken.  At least that’s what we hear when you wish we were something else.  

Imagine how it feels to see the entire world talk about what a burden you are, how unfortunate it must be to have to raise a kid like you, how we need to find a way to fix you. Imagine considering what you cost to society for existing. Now, imagine your parents saying the same thing. How will the world treat us when our own parents think that who we are is something unfortunate that is being done to them?

When you say that you wish your child was normal, you are telling your child they are on their own.   

No child deserves that.

Autistic people have enough problems with society seeing us as less, we don’t need our parents to join them.  We need our parents to stand beside us, to push back with us.  

We need our parents to tell the world to make room for all kinds of people, all kinds of communicators, all kinds of brains.  

We need our parents not just to accept us as we are, but to value us as we are.  To love every part of us and tell the world that we are loved.  

They need to show the world that diversity is beautiful and there is a place for us too.   Because not only are we watching, but the world is watching too, and they are learning how to treat us by your example.

We need you to be on our side.  

Image: White text reads: "We need our parents not just to accept us as we are, but to value us as we are.  To love every part of us and tell the world that we are loved.  They need to show the world that diversity is beautiful and there is a place for us too.   Because not only are we watching, but the world is watching too, and they are learning how to treat us by your example."

Autism Speaks Celebrates Ten Years of Stigma & Working Against The Autistic Community

TW/CW: Autism Speaks rhetoric, talk of eugenics, hate speech against Disabled/Autistic people

Image:  Light colored text reads: "Nearly two-thirds of children with autism have been bullied." -from Autism Speaks website When the biggest autism advocacy organizations are still using the rhetoric of hate and fear in regards to our lives, is this shocking?  Autism Speaks, you are supposed to be on our side, but you work against us.  You call us burdens and talk about how much we cost to society.  If that's not bullying, I don't know what is.  Text is on multicolored faded vertical stripes.  

Apparently, Autism Speaks is celebrating ten years of speaking for Autistics while actively silencing and stigmatizing us.   Recently, they posted a list of things they have accomplished in the last ten years on their website.   As you might expect, it was extremely problematic, disrespectful, inaccurate, even full of some outright lies, and most importantly and predictably, without the input or wisdom of any Autistic people. Here, I do my best to pick apart what they have said and offer my own suggestions and input.  

Will they listen?  

Probably not.  

I’m Autistic after all.  

Autism Speaks speaks for us, and my response follows.

“1. Autism’s prevalence has skyrocketed.

Ten years ago, autism’s estimated prevalence was 1 in 166. Today it’s 1 in 68 – an increase of more than 100%  in one decade.”

1. More informed professionals are better able to identify Autistic people than in the past.  Autistic people have always been here, but with different labels, institutionalized, segregated from society or living their lives without appropriate supports.  

http://aquietweek.com/2014/02/23/autistic-history-my-grandfathers-story/

“2. Direct screening suggests that autism’s prevalence may be even higher.

In a landmark study funded by Autism Speaks, screeners went into schools in South Korea and found 1 in 38 children affected by autism, most of them previously undiagnosed. Autism Speaks is now working with  the CDC to conduct a similar direct-screening study in the United States. “

2.  The Korean study was based on parent reports.   Only 63% of parents out of 55,000 responded to the survey.  Researchers also pointed out that parents of Autistic children were more likely to fill out the survey.  In addition to that, the survey identified Autistic characteristics in children.  Those children may or may not fit the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

"It doesn't mean all of a sudden there are more new children with (autism spectrum disorders)," said co-author Dr. Young-Shin Kim of the Yale Child Study Center. "They have been there all along, but were not counted in previous prevalence studies."

Do you even know what autism is?  

http://neurocosmopolitanism.com/what-is-autism/

“3. Autism can be reliably diagnosed by age two.

Because earlier intervention improves outcomes, Autism Speaks is redoubling our efforts to increase early screening, especially in underserved communities.”

3.  Autism Speaks needs to stop perpetuating the myth of a “developmental window” and pushing parents to put their toddlers into therapies that are the equivalent of a full time job.  We do need more resources and supports in under-served and marginalized communities.  Autism Speaks could do that if they were more responsible with their budget.  They need to prioritize the needs of individuals and families instead of trying to cure or fix what is not broken.

So, where is the money going?  How much is spent in our communities, especially our most vulnerable and marginalized communities versus how much is spent investing in “research” that is basically eugenics?:

http://autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AutismSpeaksFlyer2014.pdf

“4. High-quality early intervention does more than develop skills.

Early intervention can  change underlying brain development and activity. It’s also cost effective as it reduces the need for educational and behavioral support in grade school and beyond.”

4.  You can’t change my neurology.  I am Autistic and training us to “act normal” does not work.   Listen to Autistic people instead of trying to speak for us and fix us!  Stop talking about how much we “cost” for needing support.  I need a lot of support, as do many of my Autistic peers.  Some days I need more support than others, but my life is always worth living.   Being Autistic is not a problem, but ableism and the fact that the biggest autism advocacy organization consistently refers to us as burdens and drains on society, sure as hell is a problem!  

http://ollibean.com/2014/09/14/attitudes-grading-people/

http://yesthattoo.blogspot.com/2013/02/ableism-is-to-blame.html

“5. Behavioral therapy for autism can transform lives.

Though children with  autism vary in how far they progress with  behavioral therapy, we now have solid evidence of its benefits. This has enabled Autism Speaks to successfully advocate for health coverage of behavioral health treatment, now the law in 38 states and counting. Now many families are getting desperately needed therapy that was once denied.”

5.  Behavior is communication.  Stop trying to force us into “behavioral therapies” that deny our dignity, autonomy and humanity.  ABA and compliance based therapy is NOT the answer.  Love, acceptance and respect for ALL  human diversity is.  

http://timetolisten.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-cost-of-indistinguishability-is.html

https://unstrangemind.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/no-you-dont/

http://loveexplosions.net/2013/01/30/the-cost-of-compliance-is-unreasonable/

“6.One third of children and adults with autism are nonverbal.

Autism Speaks continues to support research on  the best uses of assistive communication devices and has donated thousands of the devices to individuals and families who could not otherwise afford them.”

6.  Some of the best people I know are non-speaking.  I don’t understand why ⅓ of all Autistic people being non speaking is a problem for you, Autism Speaks.   Because it is not.  Lack of support and resources, that is the problem.  

You can do more, Autism Speaks.  You can stop trying to fix Autistics, start respecting that all communication is valid, and start supporting more non speaking Autistics with access to AAC instead of spending millions to try to prevent us from being born.  How many  more Autistic people could you help if your focus was on support instead of prevention?

http://www.everyonecommunicates.org/aacintro.html

http://autismwomensnetwork.org/not-good-enough-autism-speaks/

“7. Assistive communication devices encourage speech in some nonverbal children.

An Autism Speaks-funded study dispelled the belief that nonverbal children with autism who don’t speak by age 5 will remain nonverbal for life.”

7.  Autism Speaks needs to recognize that ALL communication is valid. Autistics who do not speak, who have difficulty at times with verbal speech, or who prefer to communicate in non traditional ways need to be supported, not forced to talk.  For many Autistic people, spoken language is difficult and uses too many of our resources.  Put the focus on respecting and supporting all forms of communication, not on talking.

http://timetolisten.blogspot.com/2013/10/if-you-dont-use-your-words-you-wont-be.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ariane-zurcher/life-with-autism_b_2005489.html

“8. Autism-related GI disorders are real.

Research by the Autism Speaks ATN revealed that half of children with autism have GI disorders and the pain can  worsen behavioral symptoms. The Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network has developed effective treatment guidelines for pediatricians and tool  kits for parents.

9. Autism-related sleep disturbance is common and treatable.

Thanks to research funded by Autism Speaks, we now have evidence-based medical guidelines and tool kits to help parents improve the sleep of those with  autism.

10. As many as one third of individuals with autism have epilepsy.

The potentially dangerous seizures are not always obvious without specialized testing.

11. Autism can affect the whole body.

Seizures, disturbed sleep and painful GI disorders are just  some of the medical conditions commonly associated with autism. The Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network is dedicated to advancing a “whole person” approach to autism healthcare.”

8-11.  Co-occuring conditions are NOT Autism.  Yes, it is important to address and acknowledge the medical needs of Autistic people, but do not confuse separate diagnoses with autism.  

“12. Whole genome sequencing can guide personalized treatment.

Autism Speaks’ MSSNG program is changing the future of autism through the genome sequencing of thousands of affected families. Already, this  work, which is being stored on  the Google Cloud Platform, is producing medically valuable information and identifying targets for the development of new autism medicines.”

12.  As Autistic people have stated many times, we are NOT MISSING!  From the name of the program to the eugenicist implications of this research, you are not helping Autistic people.  In fact, you are ignoring the very real needs of Autistics right now in a quest to prevent more of us from ever being born.   

http://autisticadvocacy.tumblr.com/post/104787330327/we-are-notmssng

“13. Environmental factors can play a significant role.

Experts once believed that autism was almost entirely hereditary. Then research with families participating in the Autism Speaks Autism Genetic Resource Exchange showed that non-inherited influences on early brain development account for nearly half  of a child’s risk for developing autism.”

13.  Wow, too bad that is just not true:  

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2014/07/22/genetics-play-a-bigger-role-than-environmental-causes-for-autism/

“14. We’ve begun to identify autism’s environmental risk factors.

These factors include maternal infection and high exposure to air pollution during pregnancy. And we now know that prenatal vitamins with  folic acid can  reduce the risk of autism if taken before conception and through pregnancy.”

14.  Autism is a natural part of human diversity.   “Reducing the risk” means what exactly?  Preventing more Autistic people from being born?   The “links” between folic acid and exposure to air pollution are not proven.  They are hypothesized by various studies, but not proven.  

Image: White text outlined in black reads "Bro, do you even science?" Text is on photograph of Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson who both look incredibly annoyed as they sit in front of two microphones at a table.

“15. Nearly half of those with autism wander or bolt.

Autism Speaks has taken the lead in promoting wandering prevention and recovery through the funding of programs that increase awareness, train first responders and teach water safety.”

15.  Typically developing children also wander and bolt.  

Resources should be focused on accepting all communication, and giving Autistic children access to AAC and the ability to develop self-advocacy skills instead of just being trained in compliance.   Many times Autistic children wander and bolt to avoid situations that are overwhelming or hostile.  

First responder training, while seemingly a worthwhile goal RARELY works.  If it did, Disabled people would not be disproportionately affected by police violence.  

http://theautismwars.blogspot.com/2014/08/why-autism-training-for-law-enforcement.html

Teaching water safety is definitely something that could benefit Autistic children. Autism Speaks, can you invest some of the money you are using to prevent people like me from being born and put it back into our communities so that more Autistic children will be safe now?  

“16. Nearly two-thirds of children with autism have been bullied.

Autism Speaks has partnered with  the National Center for Learning Disabilities and others to raise awareness and combat bullying of special-needs individuals.”

16.  When the biggest autism advocacy organizations are still using the rhetoric of hate and fear in regards to our lives, is this shocking?  Autism Speaks, you are supposed to be on our side, but you work against us.  You call us burdens and talk about how much we cost to society.  If that’s not bullying, I don’t know what is.

“17. Most adults with autism (84%) remain living with their parents.

Autism Speaks is advocating for federal and state policies that will increase community living options for adults with autism.

18. Nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job.

Autism Speaks is working to increase vocational and post-secondary educational support for young adults with  autism, and is working with employers to expand job opportunities.

19. Each year, an estimated 50,000 teens with autism age out of school-based autism services.

Autism Speaks continues to work with  public and private partners to provide the support that individuals with  autism need to successfully transition into adulthood and become valued and valuable members of their communities.”

17-19.  How are you doing this?  What programs are you developing to put in place to help us?  Are they led by Autistic people?  Are the things we want considered or are you talking about us, without us again?  

http://goldenheartedrose.tumblr.com/post/89338501188/autism-speaks-masterpost-new-updated-6-20-14

“20. The cost of autism across a lifetime averages $1.4 million to $2.4 million.

These costs, which increase with  intellectual disability, place a tremendous burden on  families and society, but can  be dramatically reduced with high-quality interventions and adult transition support.”

Tremendous burden.  

Wow.  

(I also think it’s important to point out that if you don’t over-therapy your kid to the point of not allowing them to enjoy their childhood, the cost of raising your Autistic child will go down a whole lot. )  

http://www.autistichoya.com/2012/05/you-are-not-burden.html  

http://autismwomensnetwork.org/is-autism-speaks-a-hate-group/

We are more than burdens on our families and society.   You talk about Autistic people in such disrespectful and dehumanizing ways.   Your hateful rhetoric has real world consequences.  So much that The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has had to create an anti-filicide toolkit in the hopes of preventing more of our parents and caregivers from killing us!

http://autisticadvocacy.org/anti-filicide/   

When you call us burdens, and reduce us to a dollar amount, tell us that we cost society too much money for existing, there is blood on your hands, Autism Speaks.  

https://sites.google.com/site/pwddayofmourning2014/the-list

People are listening to you, and what you have done with that great responsibility is to devalue our lives and tell the rest of the world that we don’t deserve to be in it as we are.  

You have the power and the resources to change the way the world sees Autistic people.  We, along with our families are asking you to take that power and make the world a better, fairer, more accessible and friendly place for Autistic people.  Stop punishing us just for existing.  We are more than an inconvenience to you.  

Autism Speaks, the time for you to shut up and listen to Autistic people is long overdue.