As the only living founder of the original autism organizations, I have been reflecting deeply on how to publicly address the many questions and comments from my perspective.
I am not a scientist, doctor, or medical professional, so I cannot speak from that lens. However, I do bring decades of experience, having hosted numerous conferences over the past 40 years, and I can share openly and sincerely from the heart.
As a woman, mother, and founder among autism pioneers such as Bernie Rimland (Autism Society), Bob Wright (Autism Speaks), and Ed Arranga (Autism One), I hold a unique perspective.
Carrying, nurturing, and loving my children—regardless of their condition—is what Autism Today was founded on. My wish has always been for my child (and children) to be loved and accepted for who they are and to live their best possible lives.
Raising six children while working and sustaining the vision of Autism Today has not been easy, yet I have always strived to prevail with love and kindness.
From the beginning, Autism Today was created as a platform of freedom, where people could safely share their opinions and experiences.
I remember one of the first Autism One conferences in Chicago, when an autism news reporter was writing articles for our online magazine, capturing what others were saying. The conversations then were strikingly similar to those of today. Activists, doctors, scientists, mothers, and fathers all freely shared their viewpoints, and we made those voices heard through our platform of free speech.
Of course, I have my own opinions, as we all do. But the true purpose of Autism Today is to create a space where ideas, opinions, and science can be shared, and—most importantly—to offer a spectrum of solutions that may help autistic and neurodivergent people succeed and find happiness. We do this because our children, and those who support them, need the best opportunities to survive and thrive.
Our commitment is to support all autistic and neurodivergent individuals, along with their families, specialists, and professionals, by helping them live the fullest lives possible. We do this by focusing on strengths and possibilities rather than trying to “fix” or “cure” them.
We encourage you to reflect on your own thoughts and concerns and feel free to share them with us. Send me an email at karen@autismtoday.com. Freedom of thought and speech belongs to us all.
With love and respect,
Karen Simmons
Founder, Autism Today
