Autistics Don't Trust Awareness Gear Companies and Here is Why

It is no secret that most autism awareness gear that is out there is geared towards “autism parents.” They aim to represent us and not with us just to make a dollar. This is something the majority of us have bene adamantly against. This one company went a step further and faked a partnership between Autistic Inclusive Meets USA and themselves. 

We have never heard of this company, or even spoke to them. We haven’t voted on this partnership. We would not want our reputation ruined by being associated with this website. They use the term awareness and use primary colors which is used to infantilize autistics. They even co opt our infinity symbol. 

AUTISM We are on a mission to improve the lives of those that need it most. That's why a portion of our sales are donated to Autistic Inclusive Meets. AIM is a not-for-profit organization created by autistic people to enable families with autistic children, and autistic individuals to get out into the community and socialize in an accepting, inclusive environment with like-minded peers. We envision a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. Use your new Autism Awareness gear with pride, knowing that you've made a difference.
 
 

A few members of the board of AIM USA are administrators of a large Facebook Group called Autism Inclusivity. This group educates parents so they don’t become victim of quackery or the tragedy narrative. Its quackery prevention for all intents and purposes. 

How We Came to Know About This

One member messaged us about the company and how they can make sure it goes to AIM USA. They claimed to be a partner with us. I am the Executive Director of AIM USA and have never heard of them. We never voted on a partnership or have seen ANY donations that they claim to send us. Apparently they approached this member to be a brand ambassador. 

Thoughts on Autism Inclusive Meets? In the US. And Public gifts, who sell autism awareness gifts. I've been approached to be an ambassador . . .
 
 
 
Hello, I'm an admin for Autism Inclusivity. What questions do you have about Autistic Inclusive Meets USA? I can answer any questions you have about them because I'm also a part of it. Hi, I guess I'm just wondering how many Autistic voices you have in the company and how you help Autistic. I haven't had much time to look into the company. My kids keep me pretty busy. Thanks.
 
Did you decline my post? Did I break a rule? I see your AA, which is great. It's a non profit and we are all autistic. Our USA part is still being built up but we help autistic people through activism, groups and other functions, You can look up our Facebook page and web page. Ok cool. Thanks. Can you tell me anything about public gift, as a company? They are who has reached out to me. I'm keen to be more vocal but only for the right companies and causes. Did Autistic Inclusive Meets UK or USA reach out to you? If you remember who reached out to vou then I can have them contact you
If you remember who reached out to you then I can have them contact you. Neither. It is publicgift who has reached out. They send some of there profits to AMI USA. I'm trying to work out the ins and outs of both companies as the money moves. 8:57 1? publicgiftmain A 125 Posts 12.3 k 196 Followers Following Carah Camacon & | Let's Make The World Better I We Support Many Great Causes 4 | Looking For Brand Ambassadors I Just Send Us A Message www.publicgift.com Following v Message Autism Bating Disor… Breast Can Save the Be 旺 都兴事头 This is the link to our website. It has both AIM1 UK. AIM for the rainbow a IM USA on it. In the menu there is an option to
This is the link to our website. It has both AIM UK, AIM for the rainbow and AIM USA on it. In the menu there is an option to donate. We appreciate all donations because the go back to helping autistic children/ adults in both countries. I don't know that Instagram page. I've never seen it before. https:// autisticinclusivemeets.org/ Autistic Inclusive Meets autisticinclusivemeets.org
 
This got brought back to the admin chat and one of the other admin who is also a board member started a conversation with the Public Gift Instagram account and we found out their name was Sarah Sampson. 
 
Hello, you partner with AIM USA? In order to support them what items would I purchase?
                                                    
 
 
Hello, you partner with AIM USA? In order to support them what items would I purchase? Hi friend, thanks for contacting us! This is Sarah from PublicGift. How are you today? I'm good. How are you? I'm looking to support AIM USA
 
I'm good. How are you? I'm looking to support AIM USA Awesome € We are so happy you reached out to us, we can tell you really have a passion for autism awareness! We'd love to collaborate with you. Have you heard of us before? I just recently heard of your efforts in supporting autistic businesses. How do I go about supporting AIM USA specifically? I will tell you a little about us! We're a small team, based in The United States, that launched back in 2018. Our mission has been to help autistic individuals all across the world. And to help support the cause, a portion of every sale is donated to organizations like Autistic Inclusive Meets!
Sarah Sampson Active 12m ago How do I go about supporting AIM USA specificallv? I will tell you a little about us! We're a small team, based in The United States, that launched back in 2018. Our mission has been to help autistic individuals all across the world. And to help support the cause, a portion of every sale is donated to organizations like Autistic Inclusive Meets! Tap and hold to react I'm on board. How do I support AIM? Do I become an ambassador or can I purchase products to do it? I'm going to be honest here Sarah You do not fundraise for AIM. None of those profits go to AIM. You have been using the name AlM to sell your autism products and you're probably keeping the money.
 
 
 
 

Upon Further Inspection, We Found They Feature a BCBA

Yes, that’s right. They have a BCBA named Sarah Williams wearing a shirt of theirs. Admittedly, we thought thought that both Sarah’s were the same person and went with that. But they are two different people. I investigated further and they are indeed two different people. 
 
 
 
When we were going off the idea that they were the same person, she sent this message which really made me angry. She claimed that she was an “innocent bystander.” Granted in this situation she didn’t use our image or name BUT she is a doctor in ABA and that is far from innocent. She claimed she didn’t know the very community that she claims to serve. Imagine having a Doctorate in child abuse. 
 
When she asked me to remove the post, I refused. I had been shut up by BCBAs in the past and they won’t do it now. Her photo was publicly displayed and it shall stay. 
 
 
 
 

I found out from an ex BCBA that the BCBA community cringes at the words Actually Autistic. That should tell you something. 

These companies could spread acceptance of our existence but they continue to cater to the martyr parent crowd. If they ask us about what we thought of our own existence, maybe we could work together. These are the same types of people who have a problem with us making our own shirts and selling it on Tee Public, Red Bubble and the likes. 

Actual Victim of This Scam Reached Out

An actual victim of this scam reached out. An autistic by the name of Liza Gilbert had been investigating them for over 6 months after she had been scammed.

She was contacted about being a brand ambassador for Public Gift. Brand ambassador is a very real career and she thought nothing of it. This is where it got fishy. She had to buy their merchandise in order to be an ambassador. In order to have a job, you should never have to buy their product.

This isn’t the first time. They duped a 17 year old who lives in the UK. They took advantage of a minor who was on disability benefits. She used half of what she receives in a month in order to help other autistic people.

When the company was confronted, they said they never asked them to be ambassadors when there is proof. They prey on the most vulnerable populations there is.

There is more information but as soon as I have permission to share it, I will.

Sources:

https://www.bacb.com/services/o.php?page=101135&s=1

https://www.whois.com/whois/publicgift.com

 

One thought on “Autistics Don't Trust Awareness Gear Companies and Here is Why

  1. Pingback: Autistics Don’t Trust Awareness Gear Companies and Here is Why | Autistic Goblin

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