Autistic Children = Mad Cows? JUST SAY NO!

I am writing to urge parents of autistic children and others committed
to preserving the dignity of autistic citizens, to sign a petition
protesting the recent use by Dr. Boyd Haley, Chairman of the Chemistry
Department at the University of Kentucky, of the term "Mad Child
Disease" to describe autism; and to protest the further dissemination
of this degrading term.

Excerpts from the petition:

"We refuse to listen silently as autistic children are likened to
diseased animals, by opportunistic speakers and journalists who seek
to exploit autistic children by describing them in demeaning terms,
who seek to inflame public emotions at autistic children's expense in
their eager pursuit of political agendas and research funding."

"Derogatory descriptions of individuals targeted by their race,
gender, religion, nation of origin, or disability have no place in
civilized society. We urge citizens of all nations to protest this
disgraceful offense against autistic children's dignity and humanity."

To read the entire text of the petition, and to add your signature,
please visit:
http://www.neurodiversity.com/mothers_for_dignity.html

Please feel free to forward this message to your friends and
colleagues.