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Autism Speaks is an autism advocacy organization in the United States that sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public.〔 It was founded in February 2005 by Bob Wright, vice chairman of General Electric, and by his wife Suzanne, a year after their grandson Christian was diagnosed with autism.〔 In January 2008, child clinical psychologist Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., became Autism Speaks's chief science officer. In April 2010, the organization named Yoko Ono its first "Global Autism Ambassador."〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Yoko Ono named first Global Autism Ambassador )〕 Since its founding, Autism Speaks has merged with three existing autism organizations and raised millions of dollars for autism research.〔 Since February 2009, Autism Speaks has used the Wubbzy character from ''Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!'' as a mascot.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Autism Speaks and 'Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!' Team Up to Shine a Spotlight on World Autism Awareness Day )〕 An Autism Rights advocate named Elizabeth Picciuto accused the organization of treating autism as a disease that needs to be cured rather than a difference that needs to be understood and accepted. On May 1, 2015 Bob Wright resigned as chairmen of the organization. He was succeeded by Brian Kelly who had served as Chair of the Audit and Family Services Committees for the organization and is co-founder of Eastern Real Estate LLC. Both Bob Wright and his wife Suzanne remain on the board as co-founders.〔(Autism Speaks Co-Founder Bob Wright to Step Down as Chairman Autism Speaks Website May 1, 2015 )〕 On November 2, 2015 Suzanne Wright took a leave of absence following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. ==Activities== Autism Speaks is an autism organization that, along with its predecessor organizations, has been a source of funding directed towards the causes and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; it also conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. In a 2006 press release, Autism Speaks stated as its goal "to accelerate and fund biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders; to increase awareness of the disorder; and to improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families". 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Autism Speaks」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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