Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and the causes of autism is dedicated to and was founded by Suzanne and Bob Wright, 2005. Autism Speaks is, together with its predecessor organizations, a major financer of research on the causes and treatments of autism. The American Time magazine stated, funded by Autism Speaks and enabled by providing the genetic database operated by Autism Speaks ' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange ( AGRE ) "Study of the researcher Hakon Hakonarson the" Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs in 2009 "

History

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright. The occasion was that one of her grandchildren had received the diagnosis of " autism". As director of NBC managed Wright, autism in all media, on which he could act to make on the subject, not only on television but also in radio stations, newspapers and magazines. Most other channels followed suit. The organization Autism Speaks newly founded became known through interviews and television programs. The Wrights organized charity events and collected large sums on a donations. Within the first year, Autism Speaks became the umbrella organization of the " National Alliance for Autism Research " and the organization " Cure Autism Now ".

Bob Wright to win the support of prominent politicians and artists such as Hillary Clinton, Debra Messing, Alfred Molina, Zachary Quinto and Bruce Springsteen for the work of " Autism Speaks " succeeded.

Meaning of the name " Autism Speaks "

In German, the name of Autism Speaks, " Autism Speaks". The organization explains this name as follows: " Autism Speaks aims to unite the autism community a strong voice to urge the government and the private sector to listen to our concerns, and to be active in order to meet the global health crisis. [ ... ] Speaks autism. It's time to listen. "

Autism Genome Project

Autism Speaks is the initiator and sponsor of the Autism Genome Project, a collaboration of over 120 researchers from over 50 research institutions in 19 countries trying the genes that are involved in the development of autism identified.

Criticism

Autism Speaks is dedicated to primarily research into the causes of autism. One focus of the research is the question of whether autism is genetic and thus by prenatal diagnosis can already be seen in pregnant women. If a prenatal diagnosis are possible, this would mainly lead to abortions. Therefore, abortion opponents reject such research. Furthermore, the fixation is criticized due to genetic causes, making the exploration of other possible causes of autism is disadvantaged.

One criticism is that Bob Wright about going to make his ideas about non-appealable Directive of Autism Speaks and enforce the interests of its organization and against the interests of some people with autism. Therefore more than 60 grassroots groups and disability rights organizations have turned in a letter to the donor of Autism Speaks and called upon not to donate to Autism Speaks, but to find other ways to support people with autism.