a letter from deirdre

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From: Deirdre <dcwrightascendgroup (DOT) org>Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2007 09:22:14 -0500To: <Harold.Koplewicznyumc (DOT) org>, <Beth.Rowannyumc (DOT) org>Cc: <.grossmannyumc (DOT) org>, <john.osbornbbdo>, <laurie.ben-haimbbdo>, <hfriedmanvanwagner>Conversation: Thought about your new ad campaignSubject: Thought about your new ad campaignDear Mr. Koplweicz and Ms. Rowan: I am writing to you regarding your new ad campaign for the NYU Child Study Center. By way of introduction, I am the founder and president of ASCEND Group, the Asperger Syndrome Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. We represent more than 400 member families and professionals in the Philadelphia region and beyond.I understand your desire to grab people’s attention with your “ransom notes†campaign. However, I believe you are unwittingly spreading misinformation. First, autism and Asperger Syndrome are not mental illnesses which can be “prevented.†We now know that they are neurological disorders. We also know that some of the more troubling “symptoms†can be ameliorated with good and proper interventions. Autism and Asperger Syndrome are not diseases that creep up on children and “destroy†them. As the mother of a 12-year-old son with Asperger Syndrome, I wonder what he will think if he happens upon the “held hostage†ads in Newsweek or another venue. We stress to him that while he has challenges, he has many strengths. He is not isolated and he has friends. I also wonder about the effect this alarmist type of message will have on my child’s teachers, our extended family members, and the parent’s of his friends. Will they believe that a venerable institution like the NYU Child Study Center must know better than the many lesser-known, but highly qualified, professionals who work in a positive way to support our children with Asperger Syndrome? Will they think that he is destined for a “life of complete isolation†unless we take him to the NYU Child Study Center for treatment?My hope is that you will reconsider your campaign, which I understand is expected to net over 700 million impressions over the next four months. Please reconsider for the sake of so many children and adults out there who could be harmed by its message. Sincerely, Deirdre C. -- Deirdre C. President & Co-FounderASCEND Group Inc., The Asperger Syndrome Alliance for Greater Philadelphiahttp://www.ascendgroup.orgdcwrightascendgroup (DOT) org610/853-3747See AOL's top rated recipes and easy ways to stay in shape for winter.