 In 2017, supporters of ASAN criticized actor William Shatner for his support for Autism Speaks.Shatner responded by claiming “I supported an awareness day hashtag that appears to be scorned by a group that doesn’t want awareness.” Shatner described his views on ASAN's activism by stating that instead of making defeating Autism Speaks their main goal, ASAN should advocate for its own views.Bruce Hall, a legally blind photographer, has opposed cuts to disability services that were endorsed by ASAN, claiming that more services are needed.