Communication Shutdown - Fundraiser For Autism Awareness

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Hi everyone,

It seems there is a movement afoot called "Communication Shutdown," which claims to be a global fundraiser for autism, in which people are being asked to boycott social networking websites (e.g., facebook, twitter) for one day and donate money to raise awareness. I think the point is to go one day without your usual mode(s) of communication. Here is the link:

https://communicationshutdown.org/

It sounds like a good idea, but I haven't fully made up my mind on this and I'd like to know what you all think. Thanks!

Well, Autism Speaks doesn't seem to be involved, and the Web sites of the supporting organizations seem to be mostly educational and support-type. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Ironically, internet is one of the primary ways that I am actually able to communicate with people. I only have like 10 friends on Facebook and most of them are family members, but I rely on it a lot to stay in touch with them. If an NT shuts down their internet social networks for a day, they can go hang out with their friends, but if I shut down mine, I'm basically completely isolated. Just my immediate reaction ... I'm interested to see what others say.

I never bothered with facebook, I did make a myspace page once but "Tom" (I think that's his name, the default guy) was my only friend.

I think this would be a great idea for parents and friends, though. I do socialize in the real world, but I'm much more comfortable on my computer. It would be hard for me to stay off social networking sites for a day, but I think it's a terrific way to communicate the issues and isolation faced by people on the spectrum. While strategies and therapies and resources are important, I think the biggest need right now is for understanding - this looks like a good way to get it.

That being said, I hope it's on the up and up: I'm concerned about this statement in their FAQ - How much of the donation will go towards fundraising costs?
This fundraiser is powered by the people. By spreading the word through social networks, we are able to keep costs to a minimum. This ensures the maximum amount possible will go to autism organizations around the world. As this is the inaugural Communication Shutdown, we are unable to provide a percentage of fundraising costs at this stage. However, we are committed to full transparency regarding costs and these will be published at the conclusion of the campaign

Normally, I use GuideStar or Charity Navigator or the BBB to assess a charity before I participate - but in this case, since there's no precedence, there's no way to assess them.

I'm not suggesting that WP members necessarily participate, this seems to be an initiative aimed at getting NTs who are Facebook/Twitter addicts involved. I agree with momsparky that where the funds will go and how they may be used is always a concern because money has a way of corrupting people. But from the perspective of raising autism awareness I am cautiously optimistic like Callista, because FB/twitter are "trendy" and NTs tend to latch onto fads. Thanks for the feedback so far

It would raise awareness of communication problems, but the irony is overwhelming. Communicating through a keyboard is a frivolous luxury for NT people but a major facilitator of communication for AS people and an absolute necessity for non-verbal people who can type. They are asking people to forego the one form of communication where AS and NT people are evenly matched and instead use only the form of communication (face to face or phone) where AS people are at a major disadvantage. I can see they mean well. They want to raise awareness of how autism affects communication. Maybe they will use the money to buy non-verbal people communication devices like the ipod with app described recently (they should- to stay consistent with the theme). But it is exquisitely ironic.

I say it's an awful idea. It's completely voluntary and very temporary. It won't raise awareness; it's a minor inconvenience at worst. And everybody gets to know you're being so compassionate raising awareness (people are aware enough; how about some actual help here??) for those poor people who can't speak. And now they'll know what it's like to be non-verbal because they have to go talk face-to-face instead of typing, or wait a day to say stuff! It'll be JUST THE SAME. Totally.

There is a glimmer of hope.