Thread by @HeiniMNatri

I contacted @SPARKforAutism and the PI @WendyKChung with questions about equity, inclusion, ethical engagement, consent, and the use of autism GWAS and PRSs in polygenic embryo selection. Unsurprisingly, they refused to answer most of my questions. docdro.id/CfOUuix 1/n

@WendyKChung directed me to the SPARK YouTube channel to showcase their "community engagement". Nearly every video is for neurotypicals, by neurotypicals, focusing on interventions, "teaching social skills", etc. 2/n

I didn't get any response to, e.g., why SPARK partners with @autismspeaks and not with any autistic-led organizations, or whether any of the PIs have connections to the ABA industry. 3/n

@SPARKforAutism and many, many others try to hide behind having a "community engagement panel", but it does not absolve you of all responsibility. We need EQUITY. 4/n

@SPARKforAutism claims to appreciate how "individuals with autism contribute to the richness and diversity of our world", but this appreciation doesn't show anywhere. Their engagement is largely focused on neurotypical caregivers, not autistic people. 5/n

This and many other recent examples show that we need equity and autistic-led autism research. Many, if not most, non-autistic researchers are not committed to safety or autistic peoples well-being, or even transparency or truthfulness. #ActuallyAutistic

#AskingAutistics What can we do when autism researchers refuse to communicate with the community? Start organizing demonstrations? Petitions?

Also, comparing autism to heart disease? WTAF?