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June 18, 2007

Autism Charity Roiled by a Family Split

A difference of opinion in a prominent family has spilled over into the larger debate about what direction autism advocacy should take, reports The New York Times.

After learning their grandson Christian had autism, Bob Wright, the former chairman of NBC/Universal, and his wife, Suzanne, founded Autism Speaks, a charity that raised millions of dollars for research into a variety of potential causes of and treatments for the disorder.

Autism Speaks merged with three existing organizations as part of an effort to unify autism groups.

But recently a dispute erupted within the family when daughter Katie, Christian’s mother, went on the Oprah Winfrey show to say that she believes autism is caused by environmental factors. Her parents believe it is genetic.

The disagreement has been carried over online and into Autism Speaks, where some supporters are worried that Katie may be dictating the direction of the charity.

Suzanne Wright says the conflict will eventually be resolved, saying, autism “has done enough damage to my family. I’m not letting it do any more.”

Read The Chronicle’s article about the growth of autism charities.

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