Aspies For Freedom

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which sets research priorities for US government agencies regarding issues related to autism, will be accepting comments from the public until January 4, 2008.

This is an opportunity to let the government know -- by sending e-mails to iacc@mail.nih.gov -- what we want them to do.  We've just demonstrated the strength of the international autistic community by successfully demanding the withdrawal of the insulting Ransom Notes ads.  Now, let's build on that success by sending large numbers of e-mails to the US government to demand respect and acceptance, equal employment opportunity, and suitable accommodations for our differences.  (You do not have to be a US citizen to send a comment.)  Let the IACC know, loud and clear, that the days of demonizing and combating us are OVER!

You can find more details on Kathleen Seidel's blog about the IACC and its request for information.  Although it is worded in medical terms such as treatment and diagnosis, we can, and should, go beyond these categories and write about important issues such as education and diversity.

This seems like a worthwhile project - I didn't see any mention of pre-natal tests in the list of potential projects.

Probably won't be any mention of pre-natal tests or stem cell research... it's the U.S.... the whole idea of abortion over there is a contentious issue in terms of politics, and the election is coming up.

The idea of aborting a foetus because it's proven positive in a prenatal test for autism would be anathema to a massive section of U.S. society.

Thank you for this -- got missed with the holidays. I will forward to others.