To illustrate its point, ASAN cites a part of the '100 Day Kit,' part of the 'Screen for Autism' materials, that tells parents to grieve for a child newly diagnosed with autism as if the child had died, 'rather than to love and connect to the autistic child in front of them.' Though the reference to 'curing' autism was deleted from promotional materials in 2016, ASAN says Autism Speaks' attitude hasn't changed. When Autism Speaks was founded in 2005, the group said it aimed to 'cure' autism, which many people with autism say is stigmatizing. We truly value all our partners, including ASAN, and are disappointed, but we understand perspective, and we respect it.'ДЄutism Speaks is controversial in the autistic community for its approach to autism and the language the group uses. 'We're always looking at that bigger perspective. And that we were collaborating with Autism Speaks and the Ad Council for the messaging and the purpose of the campaign, which was in early screening and early diagnosis,' Jeanette Betancourt, Sesame Workshop's senior vice president for social impact told Fast Company. 'We said that our scope is not really in support of an individual resource or an individual organization. and to view autism as a terrible disease from which their child can 'get better.'' The organization added that when it made its stance on the material known to Sesame Workshop, the production company agreed, but refused to change the PSAs. Noam Galai/GettyДЄSAN says the material provided by Autism Speaks 'encourages parents to blame family difficulties on their autistic child. Julia is the star of new PSAs which some say stigmatize those with autism. Julia, a Sesame Street character meant to represent a child with autism, is shown here at the 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Julia sesame street