NEXT for Autism is endorsed by Autism Speaks, and like Autism Speaks, promotes Applied Behavior Analysis, which forces autistics to hide their behaviors and mask, which is very damaging. NEXT for Autism wants a cure for autism instead of working to create an environment and society where autistics can coexist and thrive alongside everyone else. Focusing on teaching autistics how to hide their more "annoying" behaviors and/or curing them shows that their interest is really in making life easier for caretakers of autistics and for other neurotypicals who might be inconvenienced having to deal with an autistic person out in the wild. Makes sense why they would be linked with Autism Speaks.
There is a change .org petition asking for the fundraiser be cancelled. Sign it here: Petition · Autistic People Have the Right to Exist. Stop the Eugenics Fundraiser. · Change.org
Some of the celebrities involved:
Jimmy Kimmel, Mark Rober, Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Jack Black, Andy Samberg, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, MrBeast, Zach Galifianakis, Mark Hamill, Sarah Silverman, Terry Crews, Marques Brownlee...
Good news! After planned participants Rhett & Link found out about NEXT's connection to Autism Speaks, they have withdrawn from the event.
Please contact the other above celebrities requesting they also withdraw their support. (and thank Rhett & Link for doing the right thing!)