While I am glad the Garden City Park School recognizes Autism Acceptance Month, I was disheartened to read in your May 21 print edition that the school was collaborating with Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks’ mission is not about acceptance of neurodiversity and never has been. It has portrayed those on the autism spectrum as diseased individuals whose very existence is a burden to all those around them, not substantively included members of the autistic community in its decision-making and even lobbied against increasing autistic representation on federal advisory boards.
It’s also worth noting that, in 2019, Autism Speaks spent less than 1 percent of its budget on family-service community grants that actually provide tangible support to autistic individuals and their families.
Regarding the “puzzle piece” symbol Autism Speaks uses to promote autism awareness, it is considered problematic by many in the autistic community, as it treats autistic individuals as puzzles to be solved, rather than as human beings deserving of the same respect and acceptance as their neurotypical counterparts. Alternatively, the rainbow infinity symbol represents the diversity of the autistic community.
Even dressing in or “lighting it up” blue to raise awareness is controversial based on its association with Autism Speaks.
To be clear, the intent of this letter isn’t to attack the teachers mentioned in the article.
I am sure they are unaware of Autism Speaks’ checkered history and were just trying to promote inclusivity and understanding.
However, when teaching such young children about the autistic community, it’s important to get things right, so that they don’t carry harmful stereotypes or misinformation throughout their entire lives.
I would hope that, in time for next year’s Autism Acceptance Month (if not sooner), Garden City Park School staff consider partnering with better organizations (for example, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network). I also hope they will consider retiring the puzzle piece in favor of the rainbow infinity symbol and stop asking their students to dress in blue.
Matthew Zeidman
New Hyde Park
