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For Immediate Release [first published on February 7, 2009] The League to Fight Neurelitism is a public sociology and an advocacy journalism project. We actively promote the application of United Nations values on human rights and social justice to all autistics. As the League's founding director, I serve on the board of the Heartland Chapter of the Autism Society of America (ASA). In distinction to some other well-known autism organizations, the activities of the ASA are not directed at finding a cure for autism. Instead, their motto is, improving the lives of all affected by autism. Individual members of the association are supported in their selection of whatever treatments they find beneficial. As a matter of policy, the ASA does not state its preferences for some therapies over others. Similarly, it takes no position, pro or con, on the issue of cures. Although members of the board are cognizant of my negative stance on the cure movement, I am unaware of the perspectives of other board members on this issue. What's more, no one has ever attempted to sway me. The Autism Society of America represents a stellar example of how autistic self-advocates and parent advocates, despite possible underlying differences in perspective, can collaborate to assist autistics, parents, and others who work with them. This wonderful organization is accomplishing a great deal of good for all concerned. Respectfully submitted,
Mark A. Foster, Ph.D. -30- |
