I am not fond of the Autism Speaks video, “I am Autism”. I think I’ve made that clear.
I was heartened to hear that Autism Speaks had removed it from their website. That moment was short lived.
Over at Whose Planet Is It Anyway?, abfh has noted that Autism Speaks has posted an email that has been sent out to a number of people who complained about the video:
Dear [name],
Thank you very much for sending me your letter and telling me about your perspective and feelings regarding the “I Am Autism” video. I understand and respect your perspective and I am truly sorry that the film offended you. The video was not intended to reflect Autism Speaks broader viewpoint or attitude toward persons with autism spectrum disorder. Rather, it was created by two fathers of children with autism – Billy Mann, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, music producer and Autism Speaks board member, and Alfonso Cuarón, an Academy award-nominated film director. It is based on a personal poem written by Mr. Mann. It is an intensely personal expression by these two fathers. It was their hope that the piece would inspire other voices and artists in the autism community. It has greatly offended some people, however, and we have removed it from our website.
Again, thank you for writing to me and sharing your thoughts. You can rest assured that I will continue to advocate for a respectful and compassionate attitude and support for persons with autism spectrum disorder.
Sincerely,
Geri Dawson
But, as abfh notes, the video is still on the Autism Speaks website.
If you want further reading–here are the sites from the first page of a google search for “I am autism”.
Protesting Autism Speaks “I am Autism” Video | Facebook
THE NEW REPUBLIC: I Am Autism Speaks
I am Autism Controversial Video Disability Videos
There is a page witha blog post that has a similar sentiment to the Autism Speaks video, but that predates the Autism Speaks video by quite some time.
I Speak of Dreams has a running list of blog posts about this.
(note, some minor corrections were made after this was published)
Left Brain Right Brain 
One wonders at there sincerity in withdrawing it however, I think they will just be anxious to cover up what was clearly a foot in the mouth moment for them.
As for Geri Dawson and respect, well I have reason to wonder about that.
That earlier piece was really called “My Name is Autism”. The reaction to that is Here at “Our Names are Autism Too”
“not intended to reflect Autism Speaks broader viewpoint or attitude toward persons with autism spectrum disorder”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Autism Speaks is an even worse at lying than most autistic people I know!
“It was their hope that the piece would inspire other voices and artists in the autism community”
Well, it certainly has! They were probably not expecting those voices to be Autistic, but, hey, they got what they asked for. Don’t underestimate us.
Thanks for the linky lurv. Next up (tomorrow morning) the movement to get Bruce Springsteen to back out of the Autism Speaks fundraising concert in November. While you are waiting, read Bev’s post
I am going to watch out for brussels.