Autism`s 40% With Intellectual Disability? Auti$m $peak$ Doesn't See YOU, Doesn't Speak For YOU!

Autism Speaks has done much to create publicity around the word autism, the color blue, puzzle pieces and ... some very talented, high functioning individuals with autism diagnoses like Alex Plank and J. E. Robison.  In terms of its public statements and presentations though it does little to nothing to  raise awareness about one very basic fact: autism has a very close relationship with intellectual disability to the extent that 40% of persons with autism spectrum diagnoses (DSM-IV) also have intellectual disability.  Prior to the DSM-IV and prior to the addition of PDD-NOS and Aspergers persons with intellectual disability constituted the vast majority of persons with autistic disorder.  Autism Speaks has reluctantly acknowledged that 40% of persons with autism have intellectual disability but does not reflect their existence in their press releases.  Autism Speaks conflicted attitude toward those with autism and intellectual disability was illustrated vividly in the recent Drake and J. Cole lyrics uproar when Autism Speaks defended persons with autism but not those with autism and intellectual disability. Instead of criticizing the rappers for their derogatory reference  to persons as “autistic, retarded." Autism Speaks went further and argued that in fact persons with autism are very successful and talented. No mention was made in the Autism Speaks press release of the 40% of the autism spectrum who are intellectually disabled even thoug...
Source: Facing Autism in New Brunswick - Category: Autism Authors: Source Type: blogs