Created and released a video titled, "I Am Autism," a short commercial that blatantly demonized the disorder. In horror-movie-esque fashion, it depicted Autism as a blight that must be fought rather than accepted, that only destroys families and livelihoods. The way Autism was personified was akin to a supervillain of sorts, stating, "I work very quickly. I work faster than pediatric AIDS, Diabetes, and Cancer combined. And if you are happily married, I will make sure your marriage fails." The video is linked below.

While they flaunt their claim of "helping the families" of Autistic children, reportedly, less than four percent percent of proceeds actually go the families, while the rest go to research of finding a cure for Autism, fundraising, raising "awareness", and lining the pockets of their members. (See pie chart.)

They speak about Autistic people without Autistic people. The board of directors consists of thirty people, and only ever had one actually Autistic person on board. This person was John Elder Robinson,  who later resigned because he felt like the organization had no respect for Autistic individuals.

Autism Speaks Advocates for ABA, a kind of therapy this meant to essentially train the Autism out of a child, using a punishment and reward system.  Parents are pressured into putting their children into this therapy, being told that without it, their child has no hope. Autistic self-advocates highly critisize this practice, as it is often cruel, and makes them feel ashamed of who they are. No one likes to feel like a problem to fix, and that is what ABA does. Reportedly, nearly half of Autistic people who have undergone ABA have gotten Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from the treatment.