The “Ransom Notes” Affair: When the Neurodiversity Movement Came of Age

Abstract

Medical advertising and public service announcements have the potential to increase public awareness of various conditions. Modern advertising techniques may increase the effectiveness of such campaigns. Different philosophical models of how disorders are perceived may markedly affect how ad campaigns are conducted and perceived. This paper will recount one instance of advertising that was felt to be especially offensive to disabled individuals, as well as the response to that campaign. The organized response assisted in defining and solidifying the neurodiversity movement.