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With All Eyes On Swine Flu, Thousands of Parents Ask President Obama 'How Much Longer' Until Autism Gets Similar Attention
With All Eyes On Swine Flu, Thousands of Parents Ask President Obama 'How Much
Longer' Until Autism Gets Similar Attention
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just since midnight, over 50,000 letters have gone to President Barack Obama and others as part of a new campaign to bring attention to the rising numbers of autism cases. The National Autism Association (NAA) declared today as National "How Much Longer" Day for Autism, a day of letter-writing to the media, health agencies, Department of Education, lawmakers and the Obama Administration asking for such things as health insurance coverage, federal laws to protect special-ed
students from dangerous restraint and seclusion practices in schools, safer vaccines, and for autism to be declared a nation health crisis. Seeing how much attention is being paid to the H1N1 virus, many parents are wondering why autism is the fastest growing disorder, yet has received very little aid.
In a letter to its members, NAA stated, "We've asked for [help] politely,
impolitely, loudly, softly, creatively, professionally, in small numbers and in large... we've asked and we've asked again. But as it stands today, we have more cases of abuse, wandering-related deaths, seizure-related deaths, bankruptcies and divorce in our community than ever before. With the fatigue that comes from constant uphill battles, along with a gross lack of resources, we live in a permanent state of asking one question: How Much Longer?"
Eight ads have gone out over the last six weeks promoting the "How Much Longer" campaign. When asking the public to participate, NAA says, "Say yes only if you don't mind a little controversy. This campaign isn't warm and fuzzy and it's far from polite. It's edgy, sarcastic and harsh at times, but when you live day to day seeing an increasing number of children suffer from vulgar abuse, impossible challenges, even death, you tend to put graceful asks aside for a message that people might actually notice."
The group reports that out of all the autism campaigns they've done, this by far has received the highest amount of response. "We've had an overwhelming amount of feedback, mostly positive, but this campaign isn't for everyone," says Ann Brasher, Vice President of NAA. "We
essentially call the CDC out for labeling us as 'anti-vaccine' every time we ask a question about vaccine safety. We call out the NIH for directing more dollars towards genetic research when environmental factors are playing a huge role in triggering autism, and we call out the Department of Education for their slow response in keeping more special-ed students from being abused and killed in our school systems. We've gone out on a limb here to say what needs
to be said."
The group's letter to President Obama covers the daily challenges of living with autism. "Most days, we don't know which issue to tackle first," states Rita Shreffler, NAA Executive Director. "There are too many and we're overwhelmed. We've asked President Obama to declare autism a national health crisis so that autism may receive the attention it needs and our children may receive the basic resources they deserve."
According to a recently released survey by the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), which is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Autism Spectrum Disorders now affect 1 in 100 children.
"It's time for answers," says Brasher. "It's long overdue."
To learn more about NAA's "How Much Longer" campaign, please visit
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org.
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San Diego Walk for Autism
TheAUTSPOT will be at the San Diego Walk for Autism next Saturday, September 26th! For all those who will be in the Southern California area next Saturday, come out and show some support. Visit our booth! We will be handing out live goldfish to the kids, and you will be eligible to join our raffle to win an ipod Nano or a Nintendo WII gaming system! Look foward to seeing you there! To read more information about the walk, click on this link: www.walknowforautism.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=304391
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Hyperbaric Thoughts
I'm searching for some opinions about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy! I've heard some good things about it, but I also heard some parents tell me that it hasn't really done anything for their child. But I guess that's the same with anyting and our children. But I really am considering it for my son, so I wanted to get some perspectives on it. Please respond! Even if you know others who have had the therapy for their child. Thank you.
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What happends to adults with autism?
I don't know about you, but it seems that all of the attention about Autism is being given only to the Children. Don't get me wrong, but it seems to me that as soon as a Autisic child turns 18 or 21, the Autism Community turns its back and pretty much says "Well, good luck, kid, you're on your own now". I don't see any attention given to Autistic Adults, & especially to those who are diagnosed as Adults. Is there anything that someone can do to rectify this situation, or am I the only one who feels this way?
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I met Theautspot boys
This past Saturday was the San Diego walk for autism, which Edgar and I had been anxiously waiting for. It was a beautiful day, fool of food, fun, and activities. On top of everything, I got a chance to meet the two boys who started this website! I was in shock! I had no idea they were going to be there. I just found out about this website a couple weeks ago through a friend, and decided to give it a shot. Then I go to the walk for autism, and the two creators are right there in front of me. Unexpected? Yeah! They are both very nice boys, and Edgar and I both got Autspot bracelets. It was definitely good to see you guys out in the community and trying to make a difference. We really appreciate it, and keep up the good work!
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Autism Rate Now 1 in 100, Federal Government Says
In a conference call, the government just confirmed that 1 in 100 American children has an autistic spectrum diagnosis. They're still saying they don't know why, or whether the increase is real. And HHS Secretary Sebelius showed where the government is still going wrong by talking about "more research in the genes underlying autism." The rest was bureaucratic blah-blah-blah. -- Dan Olmsted
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My first walk for autism
This past Sunday I had the chance to attend my first every walk for autism event. The event was in Long Island, and it sure did bring out quite the crowd. A lot of money was raised for autism research and awareness, and I was able to meet a lot of friendly, active individuals in the autism field. I am a school teacher in NY, so it was a good learning experience for me, b/c I do have a few children with ASD's in the classes that I teach. I even saw one of the students and his mother there as well unexpectedly. The effort that the autism community puts forward is phenomenal, and I just felt great being a part of it!
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What have I learned about Autism?
Also posted at Communication Shutdown (3rd Story):
http://communicationshutdown.org/?view=autism-stories">http://communicationshutdown.org/?view=autism-stories</a><span class="quickedit">
http://knottyawetizmmama.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-have-i-learned-about-autism.html">What have I learned about Autism?
What have I learned about Autism? I
question myself daily. I open my mind and absorb everything. I can throw
out statistics but whose statistics are they? I can quote the CDC, the
FDA, the Pro & Con this or that.. but what have I truly learned?
What I've learned best is to follow my heart.
My son is 3 1/2... in our world even if
he was diagnosed at birth (which is impossible) he would still be
considered "newly diagnosed". I would still be considered "a new mom".
His diagnosis was actually around 2yrs.
So a year and a half later what have I learned?
I've learned that a child throwing a fit in public, may actually have underlying issues.
I've learned to be a better parent.
I've learned to keep an open mind. I've
learned that regardless of the situation the tacky yet true statement
"opinions are like assholes, everyone has them" is still relevant. I've
learned to say what I feel and then STFU. Because sometimes if we shut
up, we may just learn something.
I've learned to be less judgemental.
I've learned to not be too hard on ignorant people, they are just a product of our failed educational system.
I've learned that Autistic Children are resilient.
I've learned to not blog about things
I'm still figuring out. I've learned to not lash out at people and
organizations that don't believe in the things I do. I've learned if I
have something profound to say, to say it only if I've experienced it
personally. I've learned not to judge another persons experience.
I've learned that I am the I in IEP
I've learned that the blogging community
can be full of cliques. I've learned that I will remain true to myself
and not participate in blogs where the blogger encourages that type of
behavior.
I've learned that even though I am not a
huge fan of certain non-profits such as Autism Speaks, that I can still
empower my community by attending walks and events. I've learned by
opening my mind and attending said events, I am able to make connections
with my local Autism Community. I've learned that by doing all of this
that maybe, just maybe Autism Speaks has served the purpose I need to
further my activism in my own Community. I've learned to hold my
judgement and participate then navigate.
I've learned that the government is
sitting back laughing and is the real puppet master of The infighting
within the Autism Community.
I've learned to state my opinion and
then move on. I've learned to allow others to have their own opinions,
no matter how aggressive and demeaning they may seem.
I've learned if I truly want to be here for my son I had to change my lifestyle and exercise daily.
I've learned that my typical kids deserve just as much time as my Special Needs Son.
I've learned to choose my battles wisely.
I've learned that just because your a
big star with a big name does not mean that you care about the little
people whom Autism has engulfed, financially, physically, &
emotionally. I've learned not to lash out at you for your ignorance.
I've learned to know what your about and store that in my memory bank.
Because one day i will be a 501(c) and you will hear about my
non-profit. And I will thank you for teaching me how a non-profit should
be run, and who a non-profit should REALLY HELP.
I've learned that for some people GFCF is their families way of life, and for me GFCF means Get Food Cheap and Fast.
I've learned that although our family doesn't "do the diet" that I can still collect recipes and http://gfcffusion.webs.com/">point families that do in the right direction.
I've learned that we can all get along and respect each other. I've learned that $5.00 to donate to shut it down for a day for https://communicationshutdown.org/?view=home">Communication Shutdown
doesn't mean we are tellling people the rest of the 364 days of the
year we won't advocate vocally, and online, daily for our kids. I've
learned you can advocate in Silence and be louder than words. I've
learned that if you don't want to shut down, its okay to have http://ical.mac.com/WebObjects/iCal.woa/wa/default?u=sunrise959&n=TCK.ics&d=1&v=2&m=10&y=2010">alternatives</a>. I've learned we can agree to disagree and not disrespect each other.
I've learned that sometimes he is just being 3 1/2 and needs to be treated in that manner.
I've learned that my loyal blogging friends whom are Non-Special Needs Bloggers really do "get it" and care about our children.
I've learned that nobody but me can
change my communities services for our children. I learned if you want
real change step up and do it. Stop complaining that they have "nothing"
for Autism here. Yes, some Rural areas and dirt road towns its a lot
harder. But I've learned you have to make the difference and not rely on
others. I google Autism Events daily. I love thehttp://www.sarnet.org/events/index.htm#CA"> Autism Calendar... and Google is my Bitch.
I've learned that you can turn a
non-autism event into an Autism Event. I just attended a CPR class and
invited Autism moms to come with me. I met the Fire Department and
opened the conversation about Autism. Could that have possibly saved one
non-verbal child's life in a fire? I'd like to think so.
I've learned that if I truly want to
learn something about Autism to take most things with a grain of salt
and to listen to Mothers who have struggled with No services. They have
been labeled as the problem, they have lived with absolutely no
awareness... THEY ARE OUR TRUE SOLDIERS... parents like http://www.amaliastarrspeakerautism.com/">Brandons Mom-Amalia Starr, http://asd2mom.blogspot.com/">Aspergers2Mom-Elise</a>,
Eustacia Cutler (Temple Grandin's Mother), and my very dear local mom
of an Autisic pre-teen-Marisol Romeyn (who has taught me more than any
book, blog, doctor, or manual).
I have learned that to truly spread
Autism Awareness WE MUST RID OF THE INFIGHTING WITHIN OUR OWN
COMMUNITY. I've learned that debating back and forth between each other
only causes confusion... and most importantly our message gets lost and
our children suffer.
What have you learned?
Blog Homepage: http://knottyawetizmmama.blogspot.com/">Adoption of Jane
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Brandon's Window-- A Grandmother's Documentary of Reversing Autism Naturally
Brandon's Window-- A Grandmother's Documentary of Reversing Autism Naturally
Through a natural diet, natural supplements, and detoxing through lifestyle changes, we are reversing my grandson's autism using natural methods.
Seeing is believing! For more information go to www.brandonswindow.com and get direct links to over 140 videos of my grandson Brandon's amazing progression ( 4months, April 08--15months, July 09) after reversing from autism naturally. http://www.youtube.com/user/lynneanthonybrandon. More videos are to be posted in the future of this ongoing documentary.
God Bless,
Lynne M. George
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Holy Autism
I was surprised to learn how widespread Autism is, and why I had to
find a way to help. I'm interested in autism because I just published a
novel, Holy Autism, wherein one of the characters is a young autistic
women, a savant with a holy gift. While all autistic people aren't
"savants," in your eyes your loved one IS remarkable, and why I'd love
to hear WHY on my guestbook at www.holyautism.com - one
remarkable person will be chosen (only if you want) for a cameo
appearance in an upcoming novel. And a portion of each novel sold is
automatically donated to Autism Speaks. I'll read about your holy gift
there. Daniel Forant
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Early autism intervention in toddlers is effective
Hi guys,
I read this on cnn.com this morning. It was one of the top story's...
Researchers have shown for the first time that if a child is diagnosed with autism as early as 18 months of age, offering the toddler age-appropriate, effective therapy can lead to raised IQ levels and improved language skills and behavior.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/conditions/11/30/autism.study/index.html
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Asperger Diagnosis will be Measured Differently
Aspergers and Autism. This article explains the differences and how Aspergers will start being diagnosed
Autism is inherently present and rarely mild. Aspies who have fought for recognition, the right to be accepted, finally, for their eccentricities Heroes include other purported aspies such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson and Mozart.
Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS, both high functioning autism disorders, will be folded into the category of autism spectrum disorders and measured by degrees of severity along a spectrum.
http://www.examiner.com/x-20605-Hartford-Public-Schools-Examiner~y2009m11d27-Autism-is-inherently-present-in-high-functioning-auties
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Autism treatments: Risky alternative therapies have little basis in science
I found this article in the Chicago Tribune. Very interesting, please read it...
After reviewing thousands of pages of court documents and scientific studies and interviewing top researchers in the field, the Tribune found that many autism treatments amount to uncontrolled experiments on vulnerable children.
Many are unproven and risky, based on scientific research that is flawed, preliminary or misconstrued.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-autism-treatments-nov22,0,1396079.story
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