The month of April is Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month, and Game Stop has been asking customers to donate to Autism Speaks, offering a bonus point reward for donating. However, Autism Speaks is widely disliked among the autistic community. They are criticized for their lack of autistic leadership within the organization, the poor advice they give to parents with autistic children, and advocating for awareness and "cures" over acceptance of the condition*. Additionally, less than 10%** of their gross revenue is spent on helping autistic people and their families. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of the controversy surrounding this organization when they are asked to donate at Game Stop's registers. All they hear is that their money is going to help support autistic children and their families, which sounds great. Since this is Game Stop's first year partnering with Autism Speaks, we can't be sure how much money will have been raised by the end of the month. But, as an example, Game Stop has raised over $2.6 million*** for the Make a Wish Foundation since 2007. If this is their next big partnership, we may be able to expect similar figures. Austistic people deserve fair representation from members of their own community, and to be supported by an organization that has their best interests in mind. Help make sure that next year, Game Stop is raising money for a charity that fits that criteria, and that your money will be put to its best use. Ask Game Stop to support The Austistic Self Advocacy Network**** (ASAN) by signing today. *http://www.forbes.com/sites/emilywillingham/2013/11/13/why-autism-speaks-doesnt-speak-for-me/#51c534e75ad6 **http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/documents/2011_tax_form_990.pdf ***http://news.gamestop.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=130125&p=community ****http://autisticadvocacy.org