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. 

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. 

Upon Further Inspection, We Found They Feature a BCBA

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