Apr 7, 2014 3:31pm
The decision by Chilis to cancel an autism fundraiser has earned the restaurant chain both praise and scorn from the autism community.
The fundraiser, which would have donated 10 percent of the restaurant chains proceeds nationwide today to the National Autism Association, was cancelled Sunday after critics called the charity anti-vaccine.
While we remain committed to supporting the children and families affected by autism, we are canceling Mondays Give Back Event based on the feedback we heard from our guests, the restaurant chain said in a statement. We believe autism awareness continues to be an important cause to our guests and team members, and we will find another way to support this worthy effort in the future with again our sole intention being to help families affected by autism.
Chili's has canceled a fundraiser benefiting an anti-vaccine autism charity. (Chris O'Connor/AP Photo)
Despite an absence of evidence linking vaccines to autism, a small but vocal faction of the autism community still believes the two are connected. On its website, the National Autism Association says vaccinationscan trigger or exacerbate autism in some, if not many, children, especially those who are genetically predisposed to immune, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
The charity also lists chelation as a treatment for autism, despite a 2013 study concluding that the process of purging metals in the body to treat autism is unfounded and illogical.
Some autism advocates praised Chilis decision to cancel the fundraiser.
Anti-vaccination organizations such as NAA promote dangerous treatment methods such as chelation that harm autistic children and young adults, Stephan Ray wrote on Chilis Facebook page. We hope that you will continue to support your autistic customers, neighbors and employees by choosing to partner with an organization that promotes the strengths of autistic people.
Some supporters even encouraged Chilis to add vaccination awareness to its list of fundraisers.
Read more:
Autism Community Clashes Over Cancelled Chili's Fundraiser