Asan PDX Protests "I Am Autism" Video

The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, staged their first protest today, when members of ASAN Oregon, made their views know at a local Autism Speaks event.

The demonstration was filmed and later broadcast by local television.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• I Am Autism
• ASAN
• ASAN PDX
• Autism

[MisterZonkerHarris]

ummm... maybe she was playing footsy with the guy?

[shamiraash30]

Autism Speaks does not speak for the Autistic community. They talk about us without us. They exclude Autistic people from their leadership and decision-making. Autism Speaks' "I Am Autism" video calls us burdens on our families and society. This makes people afraid of us. Autism Speaks is an organization that drains monies from communities and puts little money back in to support the families and individuals the purport to help (check out their 2008 990 Tax Form). Autistics deserve civility too!

[shamiraash30]

This video is being celebrated because it is a move in the direction of civil rights and Disability Rights for Autistic people. ASAN's protest was against Autism Speaks only, and NOT against any Portlanders who participated in the walk. ASAN has utmost respect for the children, families, and friends who participated in the Autism Speaks' Walk. Autism Speaks is misinforming and exploiting the very families they claim to help--even in Portland. ASAN's protest was diplomatic, not tactless.

[PtAltmVansanTarr]

@Taraterm2 "...most autistics face lifetimes in group homes or in the street.." I don't know, that doesn't sound to good....

[urbanangel13]

parents need to listen to the voice of true autism & stop being mislead by Autism Speaks & their ilk...do you want acceptance for your child or fearmongering?? as a parent of a child with autism i know which one i want...do you??????????

[SirLoin21]

Good to see it's close to my home. Hope I can go to one soon.

[ClassyGirl07]

It is true. Autism is there, sometimes invisible, other times in clear view. It occurs now in every 1 in 90 children. Your kid may end up having high-functioning autism, just like me -unless I tell you that I have autism you can barely tell that anything is "off" about me. You can't make your kid an HFA, but you can get Early Intervention for your kid so that you don't receive the brunt of the worst possible scenarios. Good luck to all new autism-parents out there.

[babywrench]

wow.. Im not sure about this. i mean, autism speaks doesnt do the research I was hoping for, but the puzzle is about research, not the person. why is everyone picking on them? they do not want to hurt the autistic community

[CrustyOldRusty]

If you're not offended, you're not autistic. Good job Elesia, with a fair and eloquent summary/defense against the exploitive Goliath.

[shamiraash30]

The comment above is in reference to this KOIN 6 protest newscast video (which is being celebrated) and is not in reference to the "I Am Autism" video by Autism Speaks.