CNBC published a piece on how Google and Autism Speaks are teaming up to link private investors like venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds to create more autism-related business development opportunities.
On one hand, I am thrilled that resources are becoming more abundant to help autistic people cope with their disability and promote a more independent lifestyle. On the other hand, I would hope that private investors keep balance with their desire to generate ROI and the social goal of helping the now 1-in-50 people born on the spectrum lead normal lives. I'm not so naïve to think that private investors are going to be solely philanthropic when it comes to investing in those with autism; I just hope they see the duality of their purpose.
