Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is an advocacy and support organization designed to help support research, promote awareness and provide outreach to families and the general public about Autism Spectrum Disorder. It was founded by Bob Wright, grandfather of Christian Wright and also the vice-chairman of General Electric. Along with his wife Suzanne, their leadership of the organization has garnered the support of many celebrities and scientific resources, raising millions of dollars for research and treatment programs. It also lobbies politicians in Washington D.C. on behalf of those affected by ASD.

The purpose of the organization is laid out in a 2006 press release:

• to accelerate and fund biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders;
• to increase awareness of the disorder;
• to improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families

Since its founding in 2006 Autism Speaks has had two major mergers with other organizations: the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and (in 2007) with Cure Autism Now. Both of these organizations had been pivotal in acquiring and supporting research both within the scientific community and also through alternative treatments. The mergers combined the resources, contacts, and purposes all under the umbrella of Autism Speaks which still has a three-pronged approach of advocacy, peer-reviewed research, and alternative therapies.

Some of these programs have included the following:

• Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) is storing and cataloging samples of DNA and making them available for research to scientists all over the world.
• Autism Tissue Program specifically deals with the distribution of brain tissue that is donated to the organization for the purposes of researching cures and treatments.
• Clinical Trials Network is also supported by Autism Speaks, developing new drug-based treatments.
• Toddler Treatment Network focuses on intervention and treatments for pre-K children and their families.
• Walk for Autism Research is held every year in Long Island, and raised $2 million in 2006.

Autism Speaks also has a lot of media outlets, including commercials created with the help of the Ad Council, a short movie called Autism Every Day produced by Lauren Thierry and Eric Solomon, and even its own YouTube channel. Other non-traditional fundraising techniques, such as eBay Giving, have also been part of the strategy to raise funds.

While it is generally regarded as a positive organization, there are a few policies and strategies undertaken by the organization that have met with resistance from some venues.

One is the policy of Autism Speaks to view Autism Spectrum Disorder as a disease or medical condition. There are some scientists researching autism treatments who do not agree with this diagnosis. Another medical controversy is the view of vaccinations and their alleged role in causing autism. Autism Speaks supports research into this area, while at the same time accepting that the benefits of vaccinations can be immense.

The short film mentioned above, Autism Every Day, has also been the center of controversy. There is some dispute between the producer Lauren Thierry and Autism Speaks in regards to her payment. Also, she was criticized by many for portraying only the most negative aspects of raising an autistic child, and also for including an Autism Speaks staff member with her autistic child speculating that sometimes she felt death would be preferable to living with autism. It is unfortunate that these elements distract from the true focus of the film, which is the need to provide these parents and children with solutions to very difficult and trying situations.

In 2007 Autism Speaks raised over $30 million in new research funding, $81 million in donated media, and raised national awareness of autism by 14%. It launched a family resources guide that contains 15,000 entries and is still growing. Lobbying efforts resulted in Congress passing the Combating Autism Act, appropriating $162 million to government agencies to promote autism research. For an organization only three years old, this is evidence that Autism Speaks is on the right track for helping families and kids.

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• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• Aspergers Quiz
• Autism Quiz

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• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Autism Research
• Autism Recovery
• Autism Awareness
• Autism Conferences
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