Why I am Boycotting Autism Speaks

I am the parent of a child with Autism.

Yet, I have never felt comfortable with Autism Speaks, a charity that many of my friends in Hollywood strongly support.  You see, years ago I saw the founders, Bob & Suzanne Wright, on the Today Show and something they said made me look up from my breakfast and say, “did that really just come out of their mouths”?  They said that their grandchild, the one who inspired the organization, developed autism after getting vaccines.

Let me state very clearly that I do not trust the pharmaceutical companies one bit. In my time as a Nurse I saw first hand how they bribe doctors with fancy lunches, dinners and gifts to ensure they prescribe their drugs.  Nor do I trust the government to always protect me from these lobbyists - after all, they’re lining the coffers of our elected officials. That said, as a nurse, I understand the history behind vaccines and why they’re important. I studied the plagues, the painful unnecessary suffering and deaths, the annihilation of whole segments of societies. Vaccines are of vital importance, now more than ever, with the ease of international travel and import of goods. As with every medical decision, do your research and err on the side of caution. I advised my son and daughter-in-law to seek out a pediatrician who would space out the vaccines over time as opposed to grouping them. This way you know what shot caused what reaction, whether it be a fever or rash etc. However, Autism Speaks continues to support the belief that Autism comes from vaccines, therefore putting future generations at risk for now eradicated diseases. Then to make matters worse, the Wrights continue to fire anyone who challenges their belief.

My issue with Autism Speaks doesn’t end with vaccines.  For example: electroshock therapy. Really, is this the 1950’s?  I’m also disgusted by the fact that they do not have one person with Autism on their board or in any leadership role. How can they possibly address issues affecting those on the spectrum while clearly discriminating against those they say they are advocating for? There is a slogan in the world of disability outreach, “Nothing About Us, Without Us.” I want my son to have a say in how he wants the world to see him, how can he do that if he himself can not sit on their board.

Please I encourage – NO, I’m begging you - do your own research on Autism Speaks.

If you really want to help out the Autism community give your time and money to your local groups and programs. There you will see the most immediate and necessary impact. Our family favorite is Friendship Circle. While we Autism parents appreciate the science being done in labs that doesn’t do us any good in the here and now. What does? A place where we can drop our kids off for an hour so we can get a much needed break. Or a church/temple run playgroup our kids can hang out at because our kids don’t get invited to classmates houses. And my personal favorite, the one that has always meant the most? The friend who calls and says, “drop your kid off to play at my house with my kids for a few hours and go home to take a hot bath or go get a mani-pedi.”

That one doesn’t cost you a dime and it’s the best gift you could ever give an Autism parent! 

I hope that by sharing my personal opinion and experience it will make you reexamine your support of Autism Speaks, only time will tell.......