The Problem With a Cure:
Often misleading supporters of the neurodivergent community, many organizations promote themselves in a way that entices donations. However, popular platforms such as Autism Speaks allocate a majority of the funds they collect towards finding a cure to autism rather than aiding those who face the obstacles that come with their conditions.
Promoting this idea that neurodiversity is an illness that needs a remedy propels the negative stigma surrounding the neurodivergent community. John Elder Robison, diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and a scholar in residence and a co chair of the Neurodiversity Working Group at the College of William & Mary comments on the problem with seeking a cure by stating, “Indeed, many individuals who embrace the concept of neurodiversity believe that people with differences do not need to be cured; they need help and accommodation instead.” The funds collected through various organizations should be used to highlight the importance of accommodating the needs of neurodiverse individuals through the means of supporting neurodiverse treatments, funding special education, starting workshops for employers on how to adapt work environments, and building platforms for neurodiverse voices.
Changing the stigma starts with redirecting the meaning of neurodiverse. Attempting to find a cure ties the term to words such as “disease”, “weakness”, and “illness”, but using donations to create something meaningful for the neurodiverse can shift the tone towards “valuable”, “inspiring”, and “capable”.
Ways to Contribute:
So which organizations are reliable and use the contributions for necessary support programs and other beneficial services? It is essential to consider this question prior to supporting a certain organization. The answer is not simple, and requires research and listening to those who are neurodiverse themselves, since the aim is to lift their voices.
Here we have compiled a list of credible organizations, including their descriptions, to donate to or volunteer with. This is not an extensive list and we encourage you to do your own research on which organisms truly support neurodiverse individuals. That being said, if any of these organizations do not serve the needs of individuals who are neurodiverse, please let us know. Each organization is different and caters to various populations, causes, and purposes. Many of these organizations and platforms also focus on offering resources for both the neurodiverse population, as well as allies, advocates, and activists.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Focused on championing for the key elements of the disability rights movement, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a platform that wants to empower those with autism to be their own supporter and take advocacy into their own hands. ASAN’s main goal is to ensure that people with autism are at the focus of any policies, donations, or actions taken on behalf of autism and secure these voices at the front and center of the conversation. They specifically underline “public policy advocacy, the development of autistic cultural activities, and leadership trainings for autistic self-advocates.”
The Asperger/Autism Network: The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) provides “information, education, community, support, and advocacy” for all neurodiverse individuals, their families and support network, and professionals in the field. Originally centered on individuals with Asperger’s, AANE has since evolved to create a community that is supportive and respective to everyone.
Organization for Autism Research: Initiated by family members of individuals with autism, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) emphasizes the utilization of science in combating the “social, educational, and treatment concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers.” The goal of this organization is to use research for the purpose of increasing knowledge among the public and improving the quality of life of such individuals. Although they have a clear focus on research, OAR does not simply seek a cure, but rather they drive this research towards benefitting the everyday life of individuals with autism by training community members.
The Autism Society: The Autism Society of America has led efforts in enacting proper legislation that supports individuals with autism at the federal, state, and local level. Beyond this, they also host a national conference on autism in order to educate the community on political activism, innovation, empowerment, advocacy, and support. Moreover, they have an extremely comprehensive resource database that was built through cooperation with numerous other professional resources.
The Art of Autism: A platform that connects artistic individuals with autism, The Art of Autism empowers individuals and hopes to “foster independence, self-esteem and artistic expression by participation in The Art of Autism Project. Some specific actions they partake in besides advocacy through awareness include offering a space to showcase works of art via multiple mediums by those with autism, educating the community through blog posts and essays written by individuals with autism, creating mentorship programs, and engaging with other organizations to meet their goals.
Neurodivergent in STEM: In addition to maintaining a page of resources and useful websites for the community, Neurodivergent in STEM is a project that aims to reveal the talents “of neurodivergent people in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and STEM-related fields.” With the aspirations of empowering future generations of individuals who are neurodiverse, Neurodivergent in STEM extensively compiles and shares the stories of numerous individuals in such fields who are also neurodiverse. These stories range from PhD students in molecular biology to food chemists to marine biologists to quantum physicists.
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