Sent to Starbucks on Tues. 7/24)
Presently, the group, Autism Speaks is using your coffee cups to promote their agenda of working to find a cure for Autism. They wish to wipe Autism from the face of the earth. To many of my friends and family this is a scary thought. Autism is not just something someone catches or gets like a disease, it is a part of who we are. We have decided to boycott your establishment until Equal Time is given to give the POV of an Autistic person.
First of all let me mention that Autism is clearly part of my family. I am on the autism spectrum, also a mother of an autistic son (yes, autistic children grow up to be autistic adults) and I have a young autistic grandson. Autism Speaks only gives a one-sided view of Autism and act as if their opinion is the only option for parents of children with autism - no, I will not use their phrase - what I meant to say is parents with Autistic Children.
Let me also state that neither my adult son or my grandson are "Cured" from autism. There is no cure for neurodiversity. Autism is a different wiring of the brain....not a disease...not a disorder, a different wiring. Both my son and my grandson interact with the world, their surroundings and other people BUT they are not neurotypical, they are Autistic.
Autism is not a bad thing as Autism Speaks would have you believe. Many great people have been born with autistic traits and have done great things in this world. Autistics greatest asset is that they think outside the box.
Fear and ignorance of Autism is a huge problem in todays world. Many people are making big bucks on treatments that are not really necessary. Education for autistics is important but strict ABA treatment (with punishments for not reacting appropriately) is not the way to go. I cannot explain everything I wish to in this email but I beg you to please show the other side of Autism. I mean, at least be fair in your advertising by giving equal time to Autistics themselves. Many of them do not wish to see a cure for Autism. Many of us feel that Autism Speaks does NOT speak for us.
I sincerely want you to speak to Autistic Adults themselves. Please do not just show one side of the story.
If you'd like more information and/or a contact person to allow equal time for Autistics, please email me at whirledpeas_dot_us@yahoo.com Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Patti Shepard
I'll let you know if I get more than a automated reply. Please consider boycotting Starbucks too and perhaps writing a letter stating your disappointment & disapproval of their cooperation with Autism Speaks. Stress the fact that by doing this, they are giving the public a very one-sided & misguided view of Autism.
