Niantic, Pokemon GO & Autism Speaks

Posted on October 25, 2018 by M

Niantic, the makers of Pokemon GO have decided that it would be in their best interest to support Autism Speaks in Arizona. They are promoting this on their social media channels and will have a kids zone with various activities at the walk. I have a strong hunch that it is their PR Company, TriplePoint behind the tweets and support.

We are trying to let them know that they are, essentially, ignoring autistic voices–the very same autistic voices that benefit from, you guessed it, POKEMON GO!

They are ignoring us. They refuse and fail to respond to our valid criticism. As a whole, the #actuallyautistic community is outraged with very good reason. The big question looming is “How have they failed to do research?”. They, of all people/companies should know how to use google before they make a failed attempt at educating themselves on causes they choose to support.

If you agree with me and my peers and would like to support us, I would urge you to take some of the following actions:

–Sign the petition

-Tweet to:

So, thank you to @artfulretro for finding this information:

It turns out that @NianticLabs is providing a *full event space* for the Autism Speaks Walk in Arizona.

Their PR company is @TriplePoint – I feel it's acceptable to provide their available contact details to people. pic.twitter.com/Dz0FTJLutd

— Errol @ Game Assist (@GameAssistYT) October 24, 2018

–Engage in this thread on Reddit

–Read this document

UPDATE:

We hear and appreciate all the feedback, as well as the other recommendations for Autism organizations that you’d love to see supported, so please continue to share some of the organizations you’re close to.

— Niantic, Inc. (@NianticLabs) October 25, 2018

This is only applicable if you plan of cutting your ties to autism speaks and supporting a charity that is favourable by the #actuallyautistic communities standards. Otherwise, your actions will continue to hurt us and we deserve to be heard. You have been silent long enough.

— Margaux AKA Retro (@artfulretro) October 25, 2018

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THE EVENT IS!! If they are tied specifically to autism speaks then your actions are still hurting autistic people. SERIOUSLY, GET WITH IT. #boycottautismspeaks

— Margaux AKA Retro (@artfulretro) October 25, 2018

Please let Niantic know that even though @SARRC_tweet is who they are supporting, it’s still benefitting autism speaks.