Posted on by astyrra_713s8o

broadwaykhaos:

I really wish I didn’t have to write this, and I’m not entirely sure I can articulate this correctly; however I feel like it needs to be said. (And I would have cut this into a read more section- but at this point I don’t think there should be the option to ignore this…)

Anyone heard of eugenics? Eugenics is defined as the alteration and selection of human genetic traits to create more powerful and “perfect” beings. It’s definitely sci-fiction right? The genocidal trick used in universally set novels by weird authors, right? Except it isn’t. The Holocaust is probably the most well known version of attempted eugenics. But it isn’t the most recent.

In order to clarify the reason for this post there’s a little information that needs to be shared:

  1. I am autistic. (Feel free to message me about this and whatever but I see no need to explain that particular aspect further in regards to this post.)

  2. I am a constant web-surfer: and my browser is usually Google.

  3. I am anti-Autism Speaks. Resources for why are here: http://goldenheartedrose.tumblr.com/post/17644810872/so-whats-the-problem-with-autism-speaks

So- now to define the connections between these points if you haven’t heard already. Google has joined with Autism Speaks to launch a project called Google Genomics. Autism Speaks plans to upload the data of 10,000 genomes of autistics and their relatives and use the famous search engine to help analyze and categorize the data to isolate a genetic cause of autism and identify it more readily in adults, children, and prenatally as well. Sounds fine, beneficial even. (In which case I refer you back to the link.)

Now how does this relate back to eugenics? By singling out the genetic piece of autism, supported by an organization like Autism Speaks (which is not about support and advocacy or true understanding and acceptance, but about changing who we are as autistics) is terrifying. Because with an organization like that we are opening the door for more people to support misinformation and fear and anti-autistics etc. and at the extreme end of things we are looking at selective abortions in order to eradicate autism.

And that’s scary as all hell.