tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post2941357789976392270..comments2024-03-27T15:43:53.969-04:00Comments on Adventures in Autism: Monica Bice: Why I Hate Autism SpeaksGinger Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04200286625735078479noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-86485620446089591862011-01-07T13:08:20.354-05:002011-01-07T13:08:20.354-05:00I foolishly walked for Autism Speaks for 3 years a...I foolishly walked for Autism Speaks for 3 years after they joined forces with DAN - Defeat Autism Now. Have always admired DAN and thought that an infusion of their sensibilities would energize Autism Speaks to provide more support for children and parents already struggling with a diagnosis and less on long term projects like the cure or genetics. I walked until I received their 2008 tax returns and saw that they spent Less than a half million nation wide on community efforts after seeing a 20 million increase in donations. That is less than 1% - Really?!! Yet you continue with the Autism is a World PSA's while spending the bulk of your money on research and projects that will never reach the general population. Do you really think I care that you found a gene associated with autism? Does anyone even know or know of anyone that has ever made practical use of that bit of knowledge??? Geraldine Dawson lives and works less than 25 miles from me and her and her staff shares nothing with even local communities. And yes I know about research protocol - but parents are desperate for answers and possible interventions, so screw protocol. <br /><br />Bottom line - I WILL NEVER WALK FOR AUTISM SPEAKS AGAIN. Not until they start putting their money and resources toward things that will help my son and kids like him, today before he ages out of the school system. You say you don't know what to do - give me a call or any other parent with a child on the spectrum in a public school setting. We'll give you a few ideas. <br /><br />Please know that I am venting against Autism Speaks - I'm glad I found your blog and would love to continue to read it and contribute. I have a 13 year old son with autism. He's my world and it just pisses me off to see so many people falling for their public relations. Take care.Xpressionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17969365950126047908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-55636556492513955792009-06-02T13:32:10.806-04:002009-06-02T13:32:10.806-04:00I COMPLETELY agree every single word you say about...I COMPLETELY agree every single word you say about Autism Speaks. They certainly eliminates every individual attempt that may overshadow their brand name. They have been gathering millions of dollars from people in the name of autism support and my child or any child with asd has not benefited AS' wonderful support at their schools. If AS does not provide any services(neither speech nor ot, etc) what does this famous autism support group-foundation do???Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11206089153564771089noreply@blogger.com