Originally published July 8, 2013 at 9:31 PM | Page modified July 8, 2013 at 9:40 PM
Next to the adorable smiling face of a young boy read the words, Lets wipe out cancer, diabetes and autism in his lifetime.
The last item in that tagline autism is what got these Seattle Childrens ads pulled from King County Metro buses last Friday.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Networks Washington chapter (ASAN-WA) organized an online campaign objecting to the ads juxtaposition of autism with illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. Seattle Childrens had received dozens of emails, phone calls and comments on its Facebook page when it decided to nix the bus ads.
Autism is a disability, but it is not a disease. It is not a life-threatening illness, said Matt Young, co-leader of ASAN-WA. The idea its a state to be wiped out has much negative impact on our lives.
ASAN is a leading organization in the neurodiversity movement, which seeks acceptance of autism as a variation in mental function rather than a disorder to be cured.
The ad, and the reaction to it, highlight differences in the autism community between neurodiversity advocates who view autism as another way of being and other groups more focused on finding a cure.
On Friday, Seattle Childrens posted an official statement on its Facebook page: We are sorry for the hurt and anger these ads have caused that was never their intent.
In an interview Monday, Katharine Fitzgerald, director of marketing and health promotion at Seattle Childrens said: Its been difficult because we do so much to support children, teens, and families affected by autism here at Seattle Childrens, and were doing amazing research at our research institute. The hospital also has an Autism Center that provides treatment and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
The bus ad was one of three created as part of a $70,000 campaign to raise awareness for Seattle Childrens Research Institute. The language of the campaign is meant to reflect the breadth and depth of the institutes research arm, according to Fitzgerald. The campaign rolled out on Monday of last week. The ads are expected to be replaced with a new version within the next two weeks.