In light of the difficult time I've been having communicating with Autism Speaks, I'd like to incorporate another Autism Social Change group into this blog.
The Autism Society of America has been around a little longer than Autism Speaks, though Autism Speaks is more prevalent on a national level. Where the Autism Society of America succeeds is in its many local chapters. While Autism speaks plans large-scale events in metropolitan areas like Dallas, New York and San Fransisco, the Autism Society of America has successfully established communities in smaller cities across the US.
Additionally, the Autism Society of America is more educator/parent friendly. They provide tips for parents about what movie theaters are providing 'sensory friendly films.' They also promote an idea called 1Power4Autism which suggest that everyday people plan events to promote autism awareness.
The differences between these groups is pretty significant. Autism Speaks is good at gaining national attention, raising funds from large companies, and raising awareness about legislation. The Autism Society of America promotes individual volunteerism, aids parents dealing with autistic children, and provides resources for adults with autism. As an individual, I find that the Autism Society of America is more personal and more informative, however there is no doubt that Autism Speaks is more successful in terms of large-scale fundraising and achieving legislation goals.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Autism Awareness Month
This month is Autism Awareness Month. Autism Speaks has launched a number of initiatives in order to raise money and awareness for autism and autism research.
One of the campaigns involves 'Toys R Us.' Donations will be collected at stores in both Canada and the U.S. Additionally, certain toys marked 'Top Ten Toys that Speak to Autism' can be viewed online. It will be interesting to see if this effort is effective. At this point it seems that Autism Speaks is focusing mainly on children in order to get information and awareness out. Since it is mostly parents that shop at 'Toys R Us' approaching them to support children with autism is a good strategy.
However autism effects more than just children. Research for adult autism is just as important, especially since we are realizing that the autism spectrum covers such a wide range of people. When looking at the Autism Speaks website there are multiple pictures of children but almost none of adults. Autism Speaks mission statement states that they wish to change the future for "all who struggle with autism." Doesn't that include adults? Or is it simply easier to raise money for children?
One of the campaigns involves 'Toys R Us.' Donations will be collected at stores in both Canada and the U.S. Additionally, certain toys marked 'Top Ten Toys that Speak to Autism' can be viewed online. It will be interesting to see if this effort is effective. At this point it seems that Autism Speaks is focusing mainly on children in order to get information and awareness out. Since it is mostly parents that shop at 'Toys R Us' approaching them to support children with autism is a good strategy.
However autism effects more than just children. Research for adult autism is just as important, especially since we are realizing that the autism spectrum covers such a wide range of people. When looking at the Autism Speaks website there are multiple pictures of children but almost none of adults. Autism Speaks mission statement states that they wish to change the future for "all who struggle with autism." Doesn't that include adults? Or is it simply easier to raise money for children?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Autism Votes in New York
Recently, Autism Speaks officially endorsed New York state legislation aimed to end insurance discrimination against autistic individuals. The bill would require private insurance companies to not only cover screening for autism spectrum disorders, but any therapy that has been proven effective for autism treatment.
This bill is pretty groundbreaking. It would make a huge change to insurance laws regarding autism, however Autism Speaks could be doing a lot more to promote the New York bill, and campaigning for other states to alter their insurance laws.
The main priorities of Autism Speaks is to raise awareness about the disorder and to gain money for research. Autism research is thriving, in part because of effective campaigns about the prevalence of autism in today's society. (Though this is debatable based on the the transient definition of autism.)
However, autism is not going to be cured any time soon, and while the research is working on solutions, it is essential that groups like Autism Speaks attempt to alter laws that discriminate against individuals with this disorder. The fact that some insurance companies won't cover speech therapy for people with autism, but will cover it for people with 'real' disorders like cerebral palsy, is not fair. Laws must be changed while we wait for results from research. Although the Autism Speaks subgroup- Autism Votes is dedicated to legislation, there needs to be more public awareness about the insurance issues related to autism.
This bill is pretty groundbreaking. It would make a huge change to insurance laws regarding autism, however Autism Speaks could be doing a lot more to promote the New York bill, and campaigning for other states to alter their insurance laws.
The main priorities of Autism Speaks is to raise awareness about the disorder and to gain money for research. Autism research is thriving, in part because of effective campaigns about the prevalence of autism in today's society. (Though this is debatable based on the the transient definition of autism.)
However, autism is not going to be cured any time soon, and while the research is working on solutions, it is essential that groups like Autism Speaks attempt to alter laws that discriminate against individuals with this disorder. The fact that some insurance companies won't cover speech therapy for people with autism, but will cover it for people with 'real' disorders like cerebral palsy, is not fair. Laws must be changed while we wait for results from research. Although the Autism Speaks subgroup- Autism Votes is dedicated to legislation, there needs to be more public awareness about the insurance issues related to autism.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Autism and Environmental Causes
As groups like Autism Speaks push for more research funding, new types of research start to pop up. Autism research has led to theories about autism as a result of genetics, autism as a result of parental behavior, and now some scientists, including Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, believe that autism may be linked to environmental causes such as toxins, or differences in the early pregnancy environment.
In a recent NYtimes.com Op-Ed featured on the Autism Speaks website, columnist Nicholas D. Kristof explores the idea that the early environment might be the culprit for causing autism.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/opinion/25kristof.html?em
The research behind these prenatal toxins is much too broad to be effective. Scientists say the problem could be anything from sedatives given during pregnancy to certain perfumes. However, Autism Speaks as a social change organization is really running with this topic. They mention current research with animals that exhibit autistic symptoms, where they examine both the genetic implications of the animals' autism and their early prenatal environment.
In a recent NYtimes.com Op-Ed featured on the Autism Speaks website, columnist Nicholas D. Kristof explores the idea that the early environment might be the culprit for causing autism.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/opinion/25kristof.html?em
The research behind these prenatal toxins is much too broad to be effective. Scientists say the problem could be anything from sedatives given during pregnancy to certain perfumes. However, Autism Speaks as a social change organization is really running with this topic. They mention current research with animals that exhibit autistic symptoms, where they examine both the genetic implications of the animals' autism and their early prenatal environment.
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