Question About ASAN Membership Prices

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I have always wondered why ASAN charges $15 more for an "Ally" membership than an "Autistic" membership. Initially, I assumed that the difference in price correlates to a difference in what, exactly, is provided; perhaps, I thought, the "Ally" membership provided some newsletter or resource specific to the "friends and family" of autistic people and, thus, would cost more to cover the extra resources. Curious about this and the matter of who qualifies for an "Autistic" membership, I sent an email to the Membership Department; their reply was that there is no difference in what the memberships provides and that one only had to identify as being autistic to select the Autistic membership (I was tempted to share the actual emails, but I do not know if this would violate the T.o.S. or the implicit rules of privacy).

Though I am extremely grateful to have gotten a response at all, especially as quickly as I did, this did serve to amplify my original question; if there is no difference in what the memberships provide, then why is there a difference in price?

I have speculated that it may have been assumed that those with an autism spectrum disorder are, as a whole, more likely to be struggling financially than those without an autistic spectrum disorder; however, there are many, many non-autistic people in financial straits, and many autistic people are doing financially quite well.

I will admit that it is not impossible that I have overlooked something on their website that has the answer, though I have searched the website several times.

Thank you for reading and for potentially resolving a curiosity that has been nibbling at the edge of my consciousness for some time.

even better join my organization where membership fee is the same for everyone.pay $10,000 and get your 1 year membership today or pay in installmemts.thats only three easy paymemts of 3,995

call right now

This seems like a weird question to ask here.

Try:
[email protected]
or
[email protected]

or give them a call: 202.596.1056

Based on employment statistics, it makes sense to give a discount to autistic members. It isn't just an assumed state of affairs, it's a documented fact.

It also makes sense as an organization that wants to encourage autistic membership but also welcome allies.

I don't really understand why this bothers you. They don't have to be fair, even handed or provide a sliding scale for non-autistic memberships. But you might just want to talk with them if it is really troubling you.

I think it's a strange thing to focus on when considering an organization for autistics.

My guess too.

I had emailed them prior to posting this; their reply didn't really answer my question (which I understand; they do not have the time to explain every aspect of their business- making discussions in full detail).



I better understand it now, after asking this question on a few forums and giving it further thought. At the time, I was, for one, stuck on the question as to why the same service would be priced differently for two different people, and, secondly, if this is even legal (as it turns out, it is); I hadn't considered the political or sociological side of it as much as I should have.

Thank you for your replies.