Tune in tonight as CAN Radio hosts discuss news of the day, and delve into the topic of autism as "boogeyman."


Autism remains misunderstood, and has been exploited to the ends of the Earth. As the general public is immeresed in fearful rhetoric and dangerous myths, autistic individuals and families have suffered a great deal. Learn how many activists and advocates are fighting back against fear, contempt and oppression with Walk In Red and other activities.


Hosts: Dr. Julian Darius, CAN President and Emily Malabey, CAN Founder


Thanks to all CAN volunteers and CAN Radio interns.

CAN News Radio brings recent headlines, talks about "autism awareness month" and the Walk In Red movement.

Tune in as the show returns to its regular schdule.

Thank you to interns Jason and Mika for assisting with this episode.


Images: Associated Press, CAN Walk In Red 2015, NBC, People Magazine, Robert Kennedy, Jr.

Image of Kayleb Moon-Robinson: Charlie Archambault/Center for Public Integrity

The Council for Autism and Neurodiversity

Bullying is a problem in many schools throughout Missouri. In February, Blake Kitchen, a young student with Asperger's was beaten at Liberty Middle School. Blake is still recovering from serious injuries he suffered in the attack.


Blake's family and others had reached out to various school officials several times about bullying concerns leading up to the day Blake was attacked. Blake was discovered laying unconscious on the cafeteria floor in a pool of his own blood before receiving medical attention. 

Though school officials weren't quick to make any statements, the severity of the situation, and Blake's injuries rapidly captured attention throughout the state, including lawmakers like Senator Eric Schmitt.

In a passionate plea on the Senate floor, the usually mild mannered Senator urged bipartisan action from colleagues to address the problems with bullying in Missouri's schools. Schmitt said he was speaking from the heart about the issue, and that all kids have the right to expect to be safe in their schools.

Liberty Middle School bullying news story

Senator Eric Schmitt speaks out about bullying in Missouri's schools.

Ms. Kitchen: severely beaten son said, "Mommy, I'm going to die."


Credits: KCTV5, Missouri Senate, The Missouri Times, and St. Louis Public Radio.

Autism Speaks has been out celebrating itself even more than usual over the past few days.

Celebrities, media, and even some politicians have joined in as Speaks refers to itself as "autism champions."

Autistics and allied activists have taken over each hashtag in Speaks' recent Twitter campaigns, and rained on the party of the usual fear and loathing enough to make a bit of a dent.

CAN Radio hosts discuss this and more on today's episode.

Show interns Ryelle, Jason, and Cane, congratulations and thanks for helping with the CAN Radio Show.

Vaccines do not cause autism. This has been established for a long time, but thanks to Jenny McCarthy, Andrew Wakefield and others--and the credibility many people seem to give these folks, parents have been led to believe that vaccines could make their children autistic. Fear of autism comes into play here too.

In other news, is Vladimir Putin autistic? The US Pentagon seems to think so.

We discuss this and more on today's episode of CAN Radio.

What's your function?

Is it part of human nature to label everything, including people? Why is the use of functioning labels controversial and why are people in the autistic community speaking out? CAN Radio hosts delve into this on today's episode.

Stay tuned for news updates and hot topics with CAN Radio.

Happy new year from us to you.

Let's help stop ableism in 2015. If you are on Twitter, follow us @Council4autism and join us in the #StopAbleism2015 activities.

Interested in joining our team or have a topic request? Email us at [email protected]

Don't forget #FreeNeli and #NotMssng are ongoing!