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Whether autism has mainly a genetic or developmental cause, and the degree of coincidence between autism and intellectual disability, are all matters of current scientific controversy as well as inquiry. There is also more sociopolitical debate as to whether autism should be considered a disability on its own. [1]
Autism Every Day is a controversial 2006 documentary film sponsored by Autism Speaks, and produced by Lauren Thierry, Jim Watkins and Eric Solomon. [1] It follows mothers of high support needs autistic children, and consists mainly of interviews with the mothers.
Autism Speaks Inc. is an American non-profit autism awareness organization and the largest autism research organization in the United States. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] It sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. [ 4 ]
When a local autism charity in Vermont decided to hold its own fundraising walk and keep the proceeds in the community, rather than inviting Autism Speaks as it had done last year, Autism Speaks reacted like a spiteful schoolyard bully and deliberately set out to sabotage the local group's event.
Stigmatization of autism can also be perpetuated by advertising from autism conversion organizations, such as Autism Speaks' advertising wherein a mother describes having considered murder-suicide in front of her autistic daughter or the NYU Child Study Center's advertisements where autism is personified as a kidnapper holding children for ransom.
Autism Speaks has faced criticism from autism rights advocates for failing to represent autistic people and for exploitative practices. [92] Until he resigned in 2013, John Elder Robison was Autism Speaks' only board member openly recognized as being on the autism spectrum. His resignation came two days after the release of an op-ed by the ...
Zak was diagnosed with autism right before he turned 2, and at first, the family met challenges trying to ensure he was comfortable while traveling. He is nonspeaking, expressing his needs and ...
Before 2015, John Elder Robison was the only autistic person ever to serve on Autism Speaks's board of directors. He later resigned in protest against the organization. [61] In 2015, Autism Speaks made a commitment to provide better representation by appointing two autistic people to its 26-member board of directors.