Dilemma

[tiger_eyed]

Cure Autism Now is having a fundraising walkathon thinger for Autism, and i'm trying to decide whether or not i should participate. I do not believe in the program's goal of "curing" Autism, in fact it rather turns me off. However, it can't be denied that the organization raises money to promote Autism awareness, outreach programs, education,

Comments

[humrhums]

Got your chain mail ready? Ear plugs poised for insertion? Don't forget that these folks are looking for converts to their cause! On the other hand, if you feel that your cause is worth it, go for it. I can see why you might vacillate because from what I've read and experienced being AS is not an easy row to hoe and is not a black and white issue. Good luck and keep us posted :-)

[dogsbody01]

Don't do it, if you don't like the organization's stance.That Autism is a diease, which must cured.Instead of a condition, that with early identification,education and advoacy doesn't have to interfere with a full productive life!

[life_forsaken]

I'm very cautious about charities, unless I specifically see them helping people. I've seen the Salvation Army give out food and halp pay low income families utitility bills, so I consider them a valid charity. I knew someone with cancer, but did the American Cancer Society do anything for her, no. Neither have a seen Cure Autism Now. I though that was the reason for high medical and prescription drug costs was research, so I don't buy that they need money for that. Any medical company that does research and finds a valid treatment or program that actually helps autistics will make money doing so. Maybe they give money to "institutions" or whatever more politically correct term they use for them now, but I don't agree with institionalizing people either unless they are suicidal or a serious violent threat to others

[life_forsaken]

I also think that perhaps we should do like the immigrants and have a "Day Without Autistics" day.

Think about society without the technological, artistic and cultural contributions autistics have made. It would be hard to take back all the inventions and art autistics have made though. It would be a good message that shows that "curing" this would also be "curing" all these contributions to scciety.

[visservoldemort]

I would strongly recommend avoiding the CAN Rally. There are plenty of organizations that do help autistics (AANE, ANI and so on). CAN exists largely for the purpose of raising money for a cure. Their awareness activities would better be termed fundraising activities, towards their primary goal.

I know your intentions are good, but you can't have it both ways. There is no way to support both Cure Autism Now (CAN) and any kind of meaningful future for autistics.