Cure Autism Now

Cure Autism Now, or CAN was an organization that is devoted to finding a cure for pervasive developmental disorders. Curing autism is not top priority for many individuals, especially those who believe that acceptance, not cures is of the utmost importance. The organization's designation is a source of inspiration for some, but a source of dismay for others.

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CAN was an independent organization, but it merged with Autism Speaks in 2007. Since the merger, the organization appears to have melted into the background as a quiet entity within a gigantic system. Other than a CAN Science News Archive filled with publications from the organization prior to the merger with Autism Speaks.

The merger, discussed in a press release, was announced in February 2007. The release notes that the merger was inspired by the commitment each respective organization have to promote and provide funds for:

• Biomedical autism research
  • Determining the causes of autism
  • Finding preventative strategies to keep the disorder from developing
  • Developing treatments for the pervasive developmental disorders
  • Cure for autism
• Promote autism awareness
• Advocate
  • Needs of individuals with autism
  • Needs of affected families

CAN as an entity itself has a history that spans over a decade.

Parents of a child diagnosed as autistic founded the original Cure Autism Now organization. Jonathan Shestack and Portia Iversen created CAN in 1995 in an effort to develop funding for programs and research devoted to finding causes, treatments, cures and prevention. The organization raised nearly 40 million dollars for research and programs while it was in independent operation.

Programs established by the CAN include:

• Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) focuses on genetic research. AGRE collects data and samples from families with at least two members diagnosed on the autism spectrum of disorders. The samples are shared with researchers that register with the organization's very ambitious program.

• Innovative Technology for Autism is currently a facet of Autism Speaks that promotes research, development and implantation of technologies for autism spectrum disorders:
  • Assistive technologies, including speech augmentation devices
  • Educational items such as computer programs that teach concepts
  • Research tools, including data collection, assessment tools and laboratory equipment
  • Rehabilitation tools that involve therapeutic technologies like virtual reality
  • Communication technologies for the autism community to share information

• Clinical Trials Network focuses on clinical trials that test the effectiveness of treatments for autism. The splinter organization seeks to encourage the development and use of biological treatments.

• Autism Treatment Network was inspired by the Cystic Fibrous Network. The organization seeks to develop and implement medical treatments for autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. Like the Cystic Fibrous Network, the Autism Treatment Network uses a number research centers as well as clinical care centers that provide:
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Treatment strategies
  • Counseling

The focus of the flagship programs developed by CAN tends to center on the notion that autistic disorders are diseases. Not all scientists researching the subject share this theory.

There is much controversy over the fundamental beliefs about the nature of autistic disorders, including their possible causes. The mysterious conditions are neurological in nature, affecting mental, sensory and emotional processing.

Theories about the developmental disorders include but are not limited to:

• The brain differences stem from disease.
• Disorders are caused by environmental factors.
• The conditions develop from a combination of environmental and biological factors.
• Autistic disorders involve the natural evolution of brain functioning.

Studies note that the autistic brain functions differently than neurotypical brains do. This does not necessarily mean that the differences are wrong. Organizations like Autism Speaks hope to determine a specific cause for the disorders in order to develop a cure. Some believe that autism does not require curing, but acceptance and accommodation.

Unfortunately, the focus on the negative aspects of the conditions that the organization portrays is confusing to people who do not know much about the developmental disorders.

Those who criticize Autism Speaks including people diagnosed on the autism spectrum of disorders. The organization uses some terms that many people on the spectrum find offensive, and while many families can relate to the hardships associated with the conditions, the portrayal seems skewed to the negative. As for Cure Autism Now, many believe that there is no need.

Until we have a better understanding of pervasive developmental disorders, debates will probably continue. Focusing on the positive aspects of CAN and Autism Speaks helps us recognize that much is being done to raise awareness, educate families and treat the condition.

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