Deconstruction | Autism Speaks PR: The ‘Pin is In’ at the Golden Globes

Founders of Autism Speaks Bob and Suzanne Wright. Both are seen here wearing the iconic blue puzzle piece lapel pin.

Press Release: January 16, 2007

**The ‘Pin is In’ at the Golden Globes as Stars from Heroes, 30 Rock, The Office and Others Show Their Support for Autism Speaks**

Summary

Sia is not the first celebrity to disappoint the Autistic community. The Golden Globes nods towards Sia’s problematic movie, “Music,” felt like salt grounded into a fresh wound. Yeah, it hurt, but it wasn’t a surprise.

Why? The influence network of Autism Speaks (AS) is incredibly powerful and vast. In the past decade, the AS network has included almost every star celebrity known in Hollywood. And, yes, this network includes the Golden Globes.

When did the Autism Speaks influence on Hollywood begin? Well, one of the co-founders of Autism Speaks, Bob Wright, was involved in big media long before Autism Speaks was created. Let’s not go that far back, but instead rewind to 2007 when Autism Speaks infiltrated Hollywood at the Golden Globes with their “Pin is In” campaign.

The AS press release: The ‘Pin is In’ at the Golden Globes as Stars from Heroes, 30 Rock, The Office and Others Show Their Support for Autism Speaks published on January 16, 2007.

The release boasted about how Hollywood’s biggest stars participated in the AS campaign and wore the puzzle piece pin. The celebrity list included: Golden Globe winner Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), nominee Steve Carell (The Office), nominee Masi Oka (Heroes) and presenters Tina Fey (30 Rock) and John Stamos (E.R.).

I’m going to display the connections these stars have to Autism Speaks mimicking the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game and call it: the Two Degrees of Autism Speaks.

Here’s how it goes: Find the celebrity or famous person “advocating” for autism — I’m going to use the folks listed above and the Golden Globes as an example — and then track them back to Autism Speaks.

(Hint: Once you’ve connected to NBC, you’ve connected with Autism Speaks.)

**Check out Two Degrees of Autism Speaks in action:**

Golden Globes > Dick Clark Productions > NBC > Bob Wright > Autism Speaks

The Golden Globes is a yearly award show
- Produced by Dick Clark Productions with NBC.
- NBC has been the broadcaster since 1993.
- In 2018, NBC renewed rights to the Golden Globes through 2027.

NBC
- Bob Wright is the Vice Chairman and CEO of NBC
  - Bob Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks.

Tina Fey > 30 Rock > NBC > Bob Wright > Autism Speaks

Tina Fey was an actress on the show 30 Rock.
30 Rock was a TV comedy series
- Series produced by Broadway Video and Little Stranger, Inc in association with NBC Universal.
- 30 Rock airs on the NBC network

NBC Universal is NBC
- Bob Wright is Vice Chairman and CEO of NBC
  - Bob Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks.

Steve Carell > The Office > NBC > Bob Wright > Autism Speaks

Steve Carell was an actor on the show The Office.
The Office was a TV comedy series.
- Produced by Daniels’s Deedle-Dee Productions, and Reveille Productions (later Shine America), in association with Universal Television.
- The Office airs on NBC

Universal Television is NBC.
- Bob Wright is Vice Chairman and CEO of NBC
  - Bob Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks.

Masi Oka > Heroes > NBC > Bob Wright > Autism Speaks

Masi Oka was an actor on the show Heroes.
Heroes was a tv series.
- Produced by Tailwind Productions in association with Universal Media Studios.
- Heroes aired on NBC

Universal Media Studios is NBC
- NBC: Bob Wright is Vice Chairman and CEO of NBC
  - Bob Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks.

John Stamos > E.R. > NBC > Bob Wright > Autism Speaks

John Stamos was an actor on the show E.R.

E.R. Was a tv series.
- E.R. aired on NBC

NBC:
- Bob Wright is the Vice Chairman and CEO of NBC
  - Bob Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks.

Since we’re here, let’s see if the Two Degrees of Autism Speaks works for Sia. …

Sia > Golden Globes > NBC > Bob Wright > Autism Speaks

Sia is a singer, performer, producer and more.

Golden Globes
- Golden Globes ceremony airs on NBC

NBC:
- Bob Wright is the Vice Chairman and CEO of NBC
  - Bob Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks.

Here’s a Bonus Two Degrees of Autism Speaks with Sia but this time going down a musical path …

Sia > P!nk > Billy Mann > Autism Speaks

Sia is a singer, artist, performer, collaborator and more
- Sia collaborated with P!nk on the album Hurts 2B Human released April 26, 2019.
- Hurts 2B Human included producer and collaborator Billy Mann.

Billy Mann is a record producer, publisher, creative executive and more.
- Billy Mann is a board member of Autism Speaks.
  - Billy Mann is one of the creators of “I Am Autism” for Autism Speaks in 2009.

So there’s the Autism Speaks influence network in action. The rest of the press release devolves into the usual tragedy and fear narrative, it elevates autism into “an epidemic” all while using Person First Language (PFL).

The Person First Language (PFL) used in the press release is a red flag that this organization is parent-led or professional-led and doesn’t include Autistics in a meaningful manner.

The Autistic community uses Identity First Language (IFL). We identify as Autistic people. We have Autistic culture, Autistic community, and even Autistic humor. Organizations connected to the Autistic community show respect to our culture by using IFL.

Nowhere in the press release or information about the “Pin is In” campaign quotes an Autistic, refers to Autistic involvement or inclusion in a meaningful manner.

The Autistic Community, and the disabled community, have a motto: Nothing About Us Without Us.

The Autism Speaks “Pin is In” campaign failed to include Autistic people in a meaningful manner or in any leadership positions. Also, the influencers from these organizations are not Autistic allies and aren’t appropriately connected to the Autistic Community

The press release continues to display the vast reach of the Autism Speaks Influence network that includes celebrities, media moguls, corporations, organizations, researchers, scientists, government entities, politicians, other autism professionals and more.

Quote:

Award Winner Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Tina Fey Among Those Who Sported Blue Puzzle Piece Pin on Hollywood’s Big Red Carpet Night

(NEW YORK, NY – Jan. 16, 2007) – Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars showed their support for Autism Speaks and its mission of autism awareness and research by wearing the organization’s distinctive blue puzzle piece lapel pin on their tuxedos and gowns during last night’s Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles. Golden Globe winner Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), nominee Steve Carell (The Office), nominee Masi Oka (Heroes) and presenters Tina Fey (30 Rock) and John Stamos (E.R.) were among those who made the fashion statement.

The Breakdown

Autism Speaks is announcing the success of their ‘Pin is In’ campaign.
The pin is a distinctive blue puzzle piece to wear on a lapel.
Celebrities at Golden Globes seen with pin: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Steve Carnell (The Office), Masi Oka (Heroes), Tina Fey (30 Rock) and John Stamos (E.R.).

Quote:

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of the growing autism epidemic – 1 in 166 children is now diagnosed with autism — and to raising money to fund scientists who are searching for a cure. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, whose grandson has autism. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman and Executive Officer, General Electric, and Chairman and CEO, NBC Universal.

The Breakdown

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing autism awareness
Autism Speaks is focused on the autism epidemic
Autism prevalence at 1 in 166
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005
Autism Speaks is dedicated to raising money to fund scientists searching for an autism cure.
Bob Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks
- Vice Chairman and Executive Officer at General Electric
- Chairman and CEO at NBC Universal
- Grandparent of an Autistic
Suzanne Wright is a co-founder of Autism Speaks
- Grandparent of an Autistic

Quote:

Autism Speaks puzzle piece lapel pins are available for purchase at the Autism Speaks online store — www.autismspeaks.org.

The Breakdown

Autism Speaks puzzle piece lapel pins are available for purchase at online store.

Quote:

ABOUT AUTISM

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 166 children, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

The Breakdown

Autism is a brain disorder
Autism inhibits a person’s ability to communicate
Autism inhibits a person’s ability to develop social relationships.
Autism prevalence: 1 in 166
Autism affects boys four times more than girls
Autism prevalence has increased ten-fold in a decade
CDC has called autism a national public health crisis
Autism cause and cure remain unknown

Comparison Table

What They Say	What I see
Legislation & Initiatives
– Autism Speaks sharing success with the “Pin is In” campaign at the Golden Globes. – Puzzle piece lapel pin seen on Hollywood celebrities. – Goal: Use celebrity power and influence to spotlight Autism Speaks, generate a buzz about autism and attract potential donors to help fund research for a cure. – Goal: Spotlight Autism Speaks and promote the blue puzzle piece lapel pin that’s available at the Autism Speaks store.	– Autism Speaks is sharing the success of having Bob Wright influence all of his NBC-affiliated celebrities to participate in the wearing of the iconic blue puzzle piece lapel pin. – Autism Speaks leveraged the Golden Globes and big name celebrities to promote Autism Speaks to the United States in a mass broadcast seen from coast-to-coast. – Autism Speaks did this using a symbol that represents eugenics to Autistics and other ugly stuff. – Autism Speaks was able to influence celebrities directly due Bob Wright being a big boss at NBC.
Influencers/Influenced
– Golden Globes – NBC – Alec Baldwin, Actor – Steve Carell, Actor – Masi Oka, Actor – Tina Fey, actor – John Stamos, actor – Bob Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks – Grandparent of an Autistic – Vice Chairman of General Electric (GE) – CEO NBC Universal – Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks – Grandparent of an Autistic	– Golden Globes, No Autistics involved – NBC, No Autistics involved – Alec Baldwin, Non-Autistic actor – Steve Carell, Non-Autistic actor – Masi Oka, Non-Autistic actor – Tina Fey, Non-Autistic actor – John Stamos, Non-Autistic actor – Bob Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. – Non-Autistic grandparent of an Autistic – Not an Autistic Ally – Dangerous Influencer – Silences/and or speaks over Autistic advocates and Autistic people. – Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks – Non-Autistic Grandparent of an Autistic – Dangerous Influencer – Silences/and or speaks over Autistic Advocates and Autistic People
Target/Demographic
– General US public – Loved ones of an Autistic – Potential donors	– Doesn’t include Autistics – Doesn’t include Autistic Parents of Autistics
Marketing & Language Used
– Person First Language (PFL) – Puzzle Piece – Autism Prevalence – Stats for boys and girls – national public health crisis – Autism cause, autism cure	– Autistic Culture uses Identity First Language (IFL) – Puzzle piece icon is an Autistic hate symbol and represents eugenics and otherness. It should be abolished from all autism organizations from any future references or representations of Autistics. – Promotes Autism myths and misinformation – Tragedy Narrative – Fear/Violence Narrative – Cure/Eugenics language

Note/Warning:

Autistic people have fought the inclusion of ABA in therapy for us since before Autism Speaks, and other non-Autistic-led autism organizations, started lobbying legislation to get it covered by insurances and Medicaid.

ABA is a myth originally sold to parents that it would keep their Autistic child out of an institution. Today, parents are told that with early intervention therapy their child will either be less Autistic or no longer Autistic by elementary school, and can be mainstreamed in typical education classes. ABA is very expensive to pay out of pocket. Essentially, Autism Speaks has justified the big price tag up front will offset the overall burden on resources for an Autistic’s lifetime. The recommendation for this therapy is 40 hours a week for children and toddlers.

The original study that showed the success rate of ABA to be at 50% has never been replicated. In fact, the study of ABA by United States Department of Defense was denounced as a failure. Not just once, but multiple times. Simply stated: ABA doesn’t work. In study after repeated study: ABA (conversion therapy) doesn’t work.

What more recent studies do show: Autistics who experienced ABA therapy are at high risk to develop PTSD and other lifelong trauma-related conditions. Historically, the autism organizations promoting ABA as a cure or solution have silenced Autistic advocates’ opposition. ABA is also known as gay conversion therapy.

The ‘cure’ for Autistics not born yet is the prevention of birth.

The ‘cure’ is a choice to terminate a pregnancy based on ‘autism risk.’ The cure is abortion. This is the same ‘cure’ society has for Down Syndrome.

This is eugenics 2021. Instead of killing Autistics and disabled children in gas chambers or ‘mercy killings’ like in Aktion T4, it’ll happen at the doctor’s office, quietly, one Autistic baby at a time. Different approaches yes, but still eugenics and the extinction of an entire minority group of people.

Fact: You can’t cure Autistics from being Autistic.

Fact: You can’t recover an Autistic from being Autistic.

Fact: You can groom an Autistic to mask and hide their traits. Somewhat. … however, this comes at the expense of the Autistic child, promotes Autistic Burnout (this should not be confused with typical burnout, Autistic Burnout can kill Autistics), and places the Autistic child at high risk for PTSD and other lifelong trauma-related conditions.

[Note: Autism is NOT a disease, but a neurodevelopmental difference and disability.]

Fact: Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism.