Larry King, Bill Cosby, Ed Asner, Toni Braxton...and Autism

Also, Suzanne Wright said that there are 1 in 94 boys with autism—-1 in 94 is the prevalence rate for autism in New Jersey from the most recent CDC figures. This might seem like a small error but due to the extent of Autism Speaks’ media reach and their positioning themselves as national leaders on autism, such errors should not occur.

http://www.autismvox.com/2-thoughts-about-larry-king-on-autism-last-night/

I think autism deserves some drama. Those of us coping with small children with severe forms of autism find life way harder than a quirky kid or a kid who has trouble with recess! And that’s where they are trying to focus the attention. The people dealing with severe behaviors and problems are often stretched to the limit — parents and siblings! Something needs to be done! My life with Jalen was (and in some ways still is ) very dramatic. He ran away, we thought he might have gotten killed several times, he somehow got on the roof and jumped off, he had tantrums for hours, he was aggressive, etc. And I know I’m not the only one.

Thank you so much for your perspective. With all that is know about the scope of autism, it seems that we always see either the kids that have been “cured” or the ones banging their heads on the floor with grief struck parents. My son is 20 what some would say “high functioning”-but he is so socially awkward-desperate for friends-brutally honest. It’s quite a combination and we struggle. But Matthew brings out the best (and worst) in people. Those who have seen him struggle through the years have also seen him triumph in many areas and they root for him-In the end, they’ve been inspired to tolerate the differences in others. Life goes on!!!

It upsets me that all the work that my parents put in to make me a successful autistic adult seems to count for nothing and that I, as an autistic adult don’t get recognised for what I have achieved. Nor does it get recognised that as autistic adults we suffer from bullying in the workplace and all that that entails. No matter how good we are at our work we still cop what we copped as children. As adults we are all bullied because we make excellent targets and usually excel at our jobs if we can get passed the interview. I don’t want to be the object of pity, just the right to exist and contribute.

For those of us with children NOT on the Spectrum this show is another example where people are given the impression anyone can diagnose autirm. My son has a rare disorder CAPD it has similar features but the treatment approach differs. I constantly have to explain the difference especially to educators despite extensive medical info on my son to the contrary. I wish they would explain that othefr disorders esp rare as CAPD can look a little like autism but are not.

Sorry your teeth are on edge. And I am sorry that this “About Autism” site is embracing the view of those who object to frank discussion of autism realities. Is this site still “About Autism” or is it now “About Neurodiversity”?

Unless you have a child or a close family member wiyj autism than you really should not say anything. We can not get our daughter the help she needs because of all the red tape. Put on parents who are struggling with this issue evertday,

I absolutely agree that the red tape and lack of standards for autism care are ridiculous, exhausting, and often impossible to manage. One of the issues, I think, is that each state, each county, and even each district has the ability to offer different services offered in different ways. I would LOVE to see some kind of standardization of testing, diagnosis, service provision and coverage! At least we’d know where we stand and what to expect. I’m often shocked by the way in which some agencies, districts and municipalities deliberately withhold information and services – presumably to save money!

Lisa

What a thrill to see the light shine on autism! The public needs to be shocked into dealing with this disorder: insurance companies need to pay, governments need to help out more, and schools need to brace themselves–because an avalanche of autism is going to cripple our school system if the Federal government doesn’t help out more.

Autism is now impacting people in the media and people with political clout are experiencing autism within their families, and while that is sad, I guess that what it takes for more attention to be paid to this disorder.

Life is really hard with a severely autistic child. It is okay for people to understand, empathize, become more tolerant, and help out!!!

Toni Braxton also described apraxia as a speech delay. This is something that needs to be cleared up immediately as it is not a delay at all. Many parents of children dealing with this diagnosis should be furious at her making it somehow sound benign.

I have a child with autism and I had a child with cancer, who died.

The statement that having a child with autism is worse than having a child that died is essentially saying that we would be better off if our child with autism was dead.

Even comparing having a child that survived cancer, versus having a child with autism is completely ridiculous. Children who survive cancer have many of the same issues as children with autism. Many of them suffer with learning disabilities as a result of their treatment. They endure life long worries and serious health issues.

I know at least two families who have individual children with both autism and cancer. If one and only one of the conditions could be cured, I’m sure the parents would choose the cancer.

Neither children with cancer nor children with autism need pity. They need solutions to the problems that there respective conditions cause. They both need solutions that don’t end up causing them additional harm.

This will sound insenstive but enough is enough with this so-called spectrum disorder. Autism has become the mental condition of choice for many people with problem children or adults “who just don’t fit in.” Some adult (not really autistic) claim to be Indigo adults! There is no autism epidemic-just alot of people who can’t or won’t deal with being a bit different. As evident above-the real Autism is still there.

What about the gluten-free, Casein-free diet? It seems clear that as babies progress into toddlerhood, something has changed, most obviously their diet as they now start eating and drinking cow’s milk, dairy, beef, nuts, and other proteins and/or chemically processed foods into their diet.
Some children may be “allergic” to certain foods, which can possibly cause neurological problems.

There’s a very good gluten-free, casein-free website. Check it out!

My family has been plagued by this disorder. I am an aunt of a 10 year old boy who suffers from autism and a mother of a 4 year old child who has issues with eye contact and has been delayed from a speech and social perspective and has yet to be diagnosed. My heart goes out to families who struggle daily and worry aobut the future of their children and their ability to function in society once they no longer walk this earth. I stay up night with worry. The health impact affects families and the health and eductional systems. The government(s) world wide need to focus there money on finding the causation for this epidemic. Vaccines, environmental and perhaps food sensitivities need to be addressed. Why is this disease so prevalent in north america?

My son has been diagnosed with autism, MR, OCD and ptsd. While I understand that there are alot of peole looking for a diagnosis to explain their child’s behavior, sometimes it really is autism and it really is a huge problem. My son is 8 with a mental capacity of 3. We had to move 6 hrs. away to get some help for him. Why can’t people understand that autism is not going away and parents are not willing to accept that this is all we can do.I will fight until my last breath to help my son have a better quality of life.

Autism speaks on larry king live has done Somethig that is badly required and long over due focusing attention on Autistic /Aspergers children and thier parents , I have a wonderful daughter with aspergers , it is very traumatic to live with these God Given and God Gifted children it is a emotional roller coaster sometimes heaven and some times Public hell, all the parents affected were speaking under trauma , tears easily flowed , in Mumbai we have a marvelous school SP Jain sadhana school for developmentally challenged , sadly there is no support from the government and our school is short of 8 teachers and desperately short of funds, shows like this will focus attention & bring in funds for research /school and extra ciricular activities ,we need to develop not just an American Organization but A World Organization , if the figure of 1 in 94 is correct then this is a very serious Global Problem worse than Aids or Nuclear war , we need world prayers to God , prayers from the heart O Lord If this is all right with you and your will Please heal all the children and adults with Aspergers /autism , please help us find a cure Please God Beautiful help us Amen

I too have a 14 year old with Asperger and a 12 year old with Autism. My youngest son’s school tried for years to make me put him on medicine so that they could “handle” him. His tantrums were not very often, though they could be aggressive if handled wrong. I had to change schools because of their unwillingness to deal with him on a daily basis. They even had him suspended for a week and a half due to a few tantrums. We need a better system

Good TV or not, it goes to show that some people care. These folks did not need the lime lights. America is a country of celebrities, probably less than 10% of them care about or stand for anything. Everytime we criticize those that do, the other knuckle-heads laugh.

Present autism for what it is, “SPECIAL” as in “Genuis” They have EXCEPTIONAL ABILITIES, and I’m not talking about just RAIN MAN. My son is 27 y/o. I quit my job as a lab tech after I was told to give him Retlin & that he’d never speak. Today, he not only talks, he also reads & write music, & also helped deliver his dog’s puppies while I was away in Japan. I insisted that his school made EVERYONE aware of Autism, because “Normal” people need to be educated from their ignorance. We can learn from their special talents. I’ve learned that frankincense, smells like “HEAVEN”!

Autism/asperger’s is not a disease nor is it an epidemic. It is an overworked diagnosis used to explain everything from poor eye contact to shyness or self abusive behavior. These same symtoms have been around for years and were usually called OCD, oppositional/defiant disorde, schizo-affective disorder or just plain Developmentally Delayed. They are not special or exceptional at all, just people on the only true spectrum-the human ability spectrum.

! Lisa Jo Rudy Your big news here…

Anyone who says Autism is not an epidemic should be absolutely ashamed, and it’s quite evident that certain people who have posted (toby) do not have a child who is effected by autism. My son has very little functioning language, does not socialize, has health issues, and is so far gone into a world of repetetive behavior that I fear we will never reach him. This is with extensive therapy since he was 13 months old and he is now 5. You should honestly be ashamed. These kids don’t simply avoid eye contact, they are forever left out of the world as we know it. The mere definition of a sepectrum is varying degrees…..I am thrilled for the parents who’s children function so highly and sympathize with the parents whose children face the challenges of my son. How dare ANYONE claim that this is not an epidemic. Unforutnately, all of you will eventually eat your words. With the numbers raising as highly as they are, you will undboutedly, in time, have a family member with autism. Ignorance is such bliss..

I don’t think any of us parents of autistic children want sympathy, we want help. Unfortunately there are a few tried methods that have proven sucessful, but the price is out of reach for the average family.
Toby needs to quit trying to get a reaction out of us by spouting ingnorance.
Not only do we need insurance companies, the states, and federal governments to offer more for working with affected children, we still need to stop the disorder from growing even more out of hand. For most there is no genetic link; it is typically noticed after vaccinations/antibiotics after we had a normally developing child.
Awareness helps!

I am the mom of two children diagnosed with severe autism, I just want to say that those who think this is an overworked diagnoses and that it is used to explain every other type of personality disorder obviously have not done any research. In order to meet the requirements of the diagnoses of autism a child must have multiple symptoms of a specific sort. A child with merely poor eye contact would never get a diagnoses of autism. Get your facts a bit straight before making yourself sound so ignorant and have some respect for the children and families who are dealing with this disorder.

Ratio has it that out of 166 children with Autism/PDD. There are over 74,000 + in Pennsylvania of all ages struggling with autism. When The reach an adult age there are no services and they are lost in the cracks.. Insurance carrier as an example Capital Blue Cross/Keystone HMO’s does not cover Speech therapy for Psychosocial speech delay, Mental Retardation except when disorders such as aphasia or ddysathria arc are present. Pervassive disorder (Autism). I am sure there are other health carriers who have thesse exclusions. It is now thime Regardless of what disabilities additional monies /waivers are need. People with autism spectrum disorder tend to have problems with social and communication skills, many have unusaual ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to different sensations. A lot of parents can not afford out of pocket medical services. These parents with AUSTIC/PDD CHILDREN WANT THEM BACK.

I am a mother of 2 children w/ ASD. A 9yr old daughter (high functioning/Asperger’s) and a 7 yr old son who I would call a “classic” case (non-verbal, spinner, etc..)
As far as the Larry King Show is concerned, I was only dissappointed because I didn’t learn anything new. I was glad to hear the Fed. Govt. is finally appropriating some funds for research. I hope that Bill Cosby’s name and the names of the other celebrities draw more attention and publicity to ASD research. I thought Mr. Cosby sounded ill-informed. I would have hoped that Larry King would have bothered to read up on the subject of ASD enough to know that Dustin Hoffman’s character in “Rainman” is not the best, stereotypical example. It annoyed me that he brought it up twice.

I was also disappointed that there was no mention of the diet connection (gluten/casein) and there was no mention of the thimersol/vaccine connection. I think, time will tell that drug companies have been trying very hard to cover up that whole part of the issue. I also think, over the next several years, we will see the number of children being diagnosed will go down again, since thimersol can no longer be used. I hope the money that is being put into research will try to CONNECT ALL THE PUZZLE PIECES. It’s not just genetics or just environment or just mercury poisoning or just dairy and gluten. Someone needs to find the connection!

I thought the most interesting statistic was about 1 in 3000 people being diagnosed with Polio at the time it was a national epidemic and everyone was on the bandwagon to find a cure. WHERE in the world have the DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS AND DRUG COMPANIES been over the last several years? Do they think there is NO MONEY in curing autism because only a minority of the children/adults are treated with drugs? Did the men who cured polio do it for the money?

To the person TOBY, who doesn’t believe there is an epidemic……I think this person is misinformed. Yes, it is true that the criteria for diagnosis has changed and that is making the number of cases go up. HOWEVER, no one ASKS for this diagnosis. Our children are not “misbehaved”. We don’t have parenting “issues”. In fact, most parents are hard pressed to even get a diagnosis in the first place. There aren’t any pediatricians lining up to put a Post-It note on a 100 kids foreheads a day giving them a label of AUTISTIC.

I picked up and looked at a couple of the books about “Indigo Children” and Indigo Adults. I did not buy them or read them through. I SINCERELY hope that TOBY doesn’t think this theory has anything to do with ASD and the rise in number of diagnoses. Just holding the books for 5 minutes disgusted me. I pray that there aren’t many people who waste their money on those “indigo” books.

My heart goes out to all families touched by ASD. (ok, toby, maybe it’s not a DISEASE. But, disease rolls off the tongue during an interview on the Larry King Show more easily than NEUROBIOLOGICAL DISORDER.)

Also, I certainly wouldn’t criticize Toni Braxton for getting the definition of apraxia wrong. I remember the state my mind was in during the first 6 months after my son’s diagnosis. She deserves a lot of credit for already being out in public and getting ready for a benefit concert next month.

First of all, Exposure is great for the world of autism, I have the hardest time telling poeple statistics because they don’t believe me when I say how high they are and then they see them on t.v and are like “oh, how sad!” Secondly, NOT EVERYONE HAS A HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISTIC!!!! Some of us have it worse. Not all kids on the spectrum are like rainman! Some are 9-12 years+ and are still in diapers watching sesame street, with severe gut issues and extreme aggression. This type of child is a lot more difficult to take care of than a child who excels in every class in school but recess! So whoever wrote that on this website, get your damn facts straight before you go spouting off about who would or wouldn’t catch the heartstrings of the american public. Try selling everything you have in your name to pay for doctor bills that aren’t covered by insurance and then take your broke butt and watch your child bang his head on the floor, throw up, scream from the top of his lungs, cry for no apparent reason like his mother just died and then take his diaper off and poop on the floor……..and then keep telling yourself that this is just a kid who doesn’t “quite fit in”. ……………………………………Not the same experience is it?

I don’t agree that presenting the hard nitty-gritty of kids with severe problems because of autism is a plea for pity. It does mean we are asking for understanding and help. People need to understand our lives are much, much more complicated and extremely stressful! I don’t see how pretending it isn’t so is helpful. People did not start to change conditions for children working in harsh conditions in factories until reporters and writers talked about how hard it was for the kids, the accidents, the stress and pain. If they had just focused kids who worked a few hours after school, even if they were a bit tired and a bit behind, nothing would have changed. They needed to focus on the kids who were really suffering. The same needs to happen with autism. There are many, many families who are truly racked with difficulty and pain because of the severe behaviors of autism — running away, screaming for hours, not understanding, unable to communicate, frustrated and angry, sad and depressed, etc. etc. Hey, it may not be cancer, but it’s also not just a minor cut! And cancer often is resolved eventually — either with the a remission or cure, or with a death. Severe autism goes on for many, many years leaving families in chronic crisis. It’s different than cancer, you can’t really compare them — and why should we? Autism, unfortunately, can certainly be serious enough on its own, and can lead to severe, chronic problems.

Wow! I learned a lot from reading everyone’s comments. How sobering. Autism affects my family and it is heartbreaking. But I must admit that every time my grandson makes progress,we are very proud of him. He is almost five and just starting to “understand” things. He is naming objects correctly, including himself and pointing out family members in pictures correctly. To me, it is like Helen Keller when she first understood what water means. People who have the gall to criticize families who need so little to feel like progress is being made, should look in the mirror and ask themselves why they are like cruel bullies. Grow up Toby. You are a joke.

AMEN Joanne!!!

I’ve been away a long time. I lost the website address and got involved with my daughter, Pam’s, other concerns. I can so relate to Laura’s comment. Through grade school and high school, Pam has never had a friend. She has cousins and siblings, but no friends. Is a 3.492 GPA at the local community college a trade-off? How will she communicate well enough to hold a job? I haven’t had the time to read all of the 5 articles, myself, but for anyone interested check-out http://discovermagazine.com/2007/apr/autism-it2019s-not-just-in-the-head

I’m concerned that parents are being told this $60,000 a year treatment is the only chance for their child/ren. I urge everyone to check out http://www.irlen.com which describes a sensitivity to light, Irlen Syndrome, named after Helen Irlen who developed a treatment in the form of coloured glasses, top price? At the most–$800.00. Call Helen herself at the Irlen Institute, reach through the website.

I am a speech-language pathologist, and I work with children who has present on various ends of the autism spectrum. Autism is an epidemic (TOBY),and children are diagnosed on various levels of criteria. Social skills (including limited use of eye contact) is just merely one condition base a decision on.

I also wanted to clarify the earlier comment that Toni Braxton made about her son having apraxia, “a speech delay.” Apraxia is a motor speech disorder, which affects the sequencing and planning in the facial muscles for speech production. This is a disorder that leaves many people hard to understand their speech, and it is not a delay. It is not often present as a concomitant factor with Autism either.

I am glad Larry did this show.People need to be aware that this is an epidemic.Guess what kids with Down Syndrome are 10 times more likely to get autism than the general population but no one ever talks about this.My son is not only Down syndrome but autistic.Try getting a child dual diagnoised this is nearly impossible. Dr. kept telling me alot of kids with DS act like your son.My son was typical autistic, rocking, stemming,hand flapping, no eye contact, screaming for no reason,head banging and fecal smearing.Everyone says bring these childen into this world there is help out there.Well I would like to know where is my help.Because baby no one works for free and even if they get paid like respite care workers.Most respite/child care sitters did not want to watch my child when they find out he is 11 yrs old not potty trained, screams, and does fecal smearing.So where is our help??

It would be nice if, for just a moment, we could stop the sniping and name calling to focus on what we can do and what we still need to do for our family members, friends and others who deal with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Toby, like all people (including my own parents who willingly choose to discriminate against my fiance because he has Asperger’s Syndrome, which they “don’t understand and choose not to learn about, even though you gave us literature about it and have explained it ad infinitum”) need to be educated. Why? Why not? Our children, spouses and family members will have to deal with these people- as bosses, as co-workers, as strangers at the bus stop. Why let them exist under the banner of ignorance and intolerance? Why let only the people who have an honestly caring and open nature come in contact with our loved ones?

Not only am I an advocate for more research, more funding, more tolerance, more acceptance.. but I’ll be damned if I just accept a determined statement of cruelty born of ignorance. I will educate that person until they run screaming in the other direction and I will not give it up.

So, Toby, to you I say..accept the reality. It is here, it is now, and it is not going to go away.

First of all, “Toby”, no one here want to read your opinion, as it is a warped one, and a very ignorant one.
My son is 9 1/2 yrs old, and recieved his diagnosis of aspergers in February. It was while he was inpatient in the psychiatric unit. So, yes, we already knew he has problems. His current dx are: ADHD, ODD, PTSD, aspergers, tourettes, and bipolar disorder. I know, my son has been diagnosed to the hilt. But I can see these diagnoses in him, in his daily behavior. My son, however, is not a burden to us, he is a blessing, and I love my children equally for who they are. I also have a 12 yr old daughter.
I don’t see how anyone can sit there and say, “there is no such thing as autism spectrum disorders”. Talk about ignorance.
My son is very intellegent. He has always gone to public school, and has always had A’s and B’s on his report card. Just this past Friday, he recieved a hoody sweatshirt for being in the advanced/proficient area for both reading and math. So, are children on the Spectrum stupid? Heck, NO!
JMO-Monica J. Erickson

I just find it strange that people can focus so much on a particular topic and completely ignore other things almost similar or related to such topics. This country seems to be one that thrives on who can make the most noise or whose voice is loudest is the one that would be heard! There are so many children with different disabilities and birth defects that require so much attention too not just Autism. These parents too struggle daily to meet the medical and physical needs of these children and they are also faced with the financial stress that accompany providing these needs. There are children that have Down’s syndrome, blood disorders, are immune compromised, there are those that are completely disabled that are wheel chair bound, cannot move or talk and I just find it strange that Autism gets this much attention as if this is the only birth defect or abnormality that plague children in this country. I find it very disturbing that with all the technology that this country boasts of, people still give birth to babies with Down’s Syndrome without it being detected first in their prenatal examinations when this is a genetic defect that they claim can be detected through certain tests like amniocentesis. It’s even stranger now that they are beginning to link the likelihood of having a child with autism to old age in women, the same theory they had linked with Down’s syndrome and sadly mothers younger than 35 years have been givin birth to babies with Down’s Syndrome.

The Health Insurance aspect is another issue that is beyond commenting on, because most average “normal” humans cannot afford the cost, it’s only expected that there would be no hope for those average parents that have children with special needs that require expensive intervensions and treatment to stabilize them somewhat and the sad thing is that it looks like its going to be this way for a long time. Obviously the state of health insurance and the delivery of heath care in this country needs to be revamped if the epidemic of birth defects and other health issues are anything to be considered.

In defense of all the focus on autism, I have to say, this IS a message board at AUTISM.ABOUT.COM. So, that is what we are here to read and vent About.

I agree that more attention needs to be paid to the big picture of health issues, birth defects, environmental triggers and the future of all of Earth’s children.

One of many places to start…..Dr. Martha Herbert. We will be hearing her name more in the near future. I just listened to her speak this week. She is mentioned quite a bit in an article about autism in the current April issue of DISCOVER Magazine. She also wrote an article in Autism Advocate(Fifth Edition 2006) titled “Time to Get A Grip”. She has a website marthaherbert.com

These are the kinds of resources that parents of special needs children might find more beneficial than “Autism 101″ on Oprah or Larry King.

Dr. Herbert also mentioned some books and articles that I’ve added to my reading list such as:
“Living Downstream”(about effects of chemicals and industry on environment)
“Evidence of Harm”(about the issue of thimersol/mercury in vaccinations
“Fast Food Nation”(about fast food industry and chemicals in the food)
“The Pollution Within”(National Geographic October 2006)

Hey Toby,
You seem to have a lot of free time on you hands. How about babysitting my kids this weekend? Then maybe you will have a new outlook on Autism. I would like to say to the world that the only thing more difficult than raising an Autistic child is dealing with the ignorance of the general public.

My boyfriend of 4 years recently learned that his son(4 in July) has probably, a low level of autism. Of course, with some ‘treatment’ regimes, that diagnosis may alter or change. To all who know him, he is still the little boy he was prior to the ‘label’. However, the label will be what everyone in his future will use in relating to him. THAT is what concerns me. Whatever his ability may or may not be, the label will define his future. Don’t get me wrong, I still am worried about some things that he may never be able to do, but as one comment above said; all who know him now, cheer each and every new thing learned, achieved and shared. Fortunately for him, he is not as severe as some are and I agree that these people should not be pitied. Yes, some require certain assistance and others can function quite well without assisstance. From what I understand, though, most autistic people have a hard time with the social skills that most of us take for granted. That can be a major stumbling block for anyone lacking the ‘normal’ skills.
I will just say that I am really uninformed about autism, so if I say/said anything incorrect or offensive, I apologize.
I, too, think that insurance companies should not be allowed to refuse coverage for autistic folks. They make those judgements because they know that they will have to pay out $’s over the years. However, on the other hand, I believe that the government should have programs to look after the costs of education programs, daycare programs, socialization programs, etc.. In our case, living in Canada, we are fortunate to have some of these programs covered with our provincial/federal healthcare systems.
These don’t, hawever, erase the ‘labelling’ attitudes of the majority of society. People may not look at an autistic person as ‘bad’ or ’scary’, but as unemployable, not suitable play mates for their children, even as disrespectful or ‘out-of-control’. That scares me, for this little guy’s future.
And to address one comment above (Toby) which said, basically, that autism is a cop-out, I’d like to say that, until you are in those shoes and understand some of the difficulties involved, you will never understand how saying, ‘it’s a cop-out and blanket phrase for children that are difficult’, is really the thing that is a cop-out. Because lack of understanding and knowledge make it very easy to say that and to believe that you are justified in turning your back on hiring, playing with, trying to converse with, etc., those that have autism. It also suggest fear and not a healthy fear for some one you know, but a fear of ‘different’. Slavery or Native reserves or holocaust(sp?) mean anything to you?
For the sake of those people who are fortunate to be able to function very well with this trait, please do not let the label be what makes your decision in how to relate to them.
Also, I was under the impression that the madical field feels that maybe there is a genetic basis for having developed autism. Not the only thing, but perhaps a contributing factor. Am not sure on that.
This little guy has a lot of the ’symptoms’(I know that’s not the right term, but I can’t come up with the proper one) of autism, but he doesn’t have problem with being touched. As a matter of fact he likes to cuddle, especially when he is tired. He does make eye contact when he wants to share an important part of a Thomas the Tank Engine video (example). There are so many things that make him seem like maybe he doesn’t have autism, yet there are many that point definitively in that direction. Can you tell that I am still in the denial stage?
I love this little guy like he were my own and I’m scared spitless for him. What will his function plateau at? How will people be with him? Will any physiological issues arise because of this? How will he manage when no one that loves him now, is left on this planet? How many cracks will he fall into? Will he be OK? I am scared and yet I feel he, at least, is up for the challenge because, as far as he is concerned, ‘all systems are go!!’. He doesn’t care that someone put a label on him. He doesn’t care that the world may get tougher. All he cares about is that he gets his hugs, he gets to eat his favorite foods, he gets to watch Thomas, he gets to spend time with his Dad (he hates it when his dad drops him off after a visit, but doesn’t scream, he is just sad and tries to keep his dad there), etc. The people it affects right now are the ones who care about him, and its really not all about us, is it?
Having rambled on, I suppose I am having a hard time with this diagnosis and don’t want to add to his dad’s worry, so I am checking as many web sites and forums as I can, on this subject. Thanks for letting me, much appreciated. s

I just have to reply to the comment by FOLASADA regarding “how we can still have Children born with Down Syndrome while hainng all of this modern technology”. I have to say I was quite saddened by your comments. I have a son with down syndrome who has not formally been diagnosed with Autism also- but has been evaluated and we have been told he has autistic characteristics”-(Duh, like we could not tell that ourselves.)Anyway-just because we have the capability to detect DS prior to birth does not mean we should not have any. That is an ignorant attitude. My little boy is the light of my life. Please tell me your definition of “perfect” in a human being? I would not trade my child for the world.and I bet if you asked most allof the parents of a child with DS you would get the same response. All the families I know with a chiold with DS feel blessed to have them in their lives. He brings such joy to me and has helped me to become a better person. Maybe you should spend some time with him????? Can it be harder and more stresful than having a “typical” child…you bet– but on the other hand I can not put into words what I get back from this child…but i do not think someone with your outlook would understand …so i won’t even try. eihtm

I am setting up website to sell greeting cards and donating from every card to autism,I need help to promo my site..not worried about selling I have what it takes but need to attract people to the site..cards will cost 3.00 and we will give .50 per card.. just starting can only do so much for now thank you for any response.

In defense of the interview… if you include time in school (30 hours a week) plus therapy (2 hours a week) plus care at home (varies) you could easily arrive at 40 hours of intervention. This is my schedule with my 2 autistic children.

I have read at an advocacy site that the divorce rate for parents of an autistic child is 85%. Other site say it is no different for any other disabiltiy. But I did read it at a respecatble site. If you Google “autism care giver stress” there are a number of sources which state that autism is the most stressful care-giver scenario, more so than a terminally ill child, etc.

So while these statements may sound dramatic, I have heard them in various articles.

Like you, I would prefer to see public action for insurance coverage. But the first step must be outrage in the public forum.

I aouldn’t want Toby to babysit, stressed out as I am.
I was diagnosed as Autistic 38 years ago. I am female, 44. My Daughter `12, was feral for years, brilliant talented, rude ackward, tall, lanky. Diagnosed with PDD.and ptsd and dissociative disorder.With years of therapy and role playing and multisensory reading intervention, she seems just quirky. She is still vulnerable in social situations any other child could easily master.
She still has odd and “rude” and some scary behavior.
It took me years 30? 35? 39?to learn all the complicated and contradictory rules of human interaction and social acceptability.I so fear for her in this intolerant weird world.
Her younger brother, diagnosed with adhd, sensory integration disorder and social issues, at 6 is just not getting the same help she got, because he has no accompanying learning disability.
He is flunking free time, lunch and recess, has been lost by the school 6 times total. He can’t tie his shoes, remember to zip his fly or be relied on to take care of his bathroom duties alone.
I am exhausted, but I adore them and their neurotypical brother. I am worn out and cranky and need much more help but-
I would not trade them for a child dying of cancer or wish them out of my life.
My husband and I will be married 14 years this week-
Because God is in our lives and keeps us together.

I have a grandson that is a genius in the making and he was diagnosed autistic when he was young. He has improved dramatically and is attending regular school. He has a talent for getting involved all the way with anything he takes a notion to. Right now it’s the weather. He lives near Orlando, fl. and recentally he was invited to come to Channel 9 to present his version of the weather (not on the air) He fascinated the whole station, and one employee took him to meet somneone. That someone was Bill Cosby. My daughter was asked if he was enthused by Bill. She said all he wanted to do was get back to his weather. I’m sure Bill will remember Mason Kresge. I would like to talk to Bill about something I’m sure he will be very interested in, but I don’t know how to contact him. Any help from anyone? Dallas McCoy, 314 434 3528

I raise my 6 year old grandson who is Autistic and when TV has different shows about Autism I have to watch. It is almost a joke. Why bring out just the stars that have a child of special needs when they can afford the therapy needed for some of these children. Bring in some of the families that don’t have that income and depend on the state to help. An autistic child is high matainence and can cost a small fortune for everything they need, but I have not heard of or seen a show that talks to the middle class family that has to do without because of the cost. I have been raising my grandson since he was 1 1/2 years old and I would not know what to do with myself if I didn’t have him. He is a part of my day and I would be lost if the routines ever changed. I am going to school for Early Childhood Education and hope to one day open a childcare center for special needs children. Why not do a segment going undercover trying to find a childcare center that takes in special needs children. I had a hard time finding one and that is why my goal is to open one and give the special need child a place to play and just be happy. This is also a big releif for the parent/s to have so they can get some needed rest or just to be able to shop without having to take the child/ren with all the time. Start doing shows that hit the real family and not the people that make a fortune.

THANK YOU ROBIN!!!! I read all of these comments ( and ignored Toby’s as best I coulc), and your comment hit home with me. I have a 5 year old son with moderate to severe autism. I am scratched, scarred, bruised, bitten regularly as is his 6 year old sister. My house has been flooded, all of the lamp shades broken, tvs thrown, chairs and furniture thrown, fecal smearing and flinging on ceilings, walls, you name it. I also want to say that my little boy is my heart! He is gift, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world. While I am happy that these celbs are drawing moire attention to autism, I am very angry at the “cure” rates they seem to have. Tell you what Jenny McCarthy, and the other cel;ebs, why don’t you throw a little money my way so I can give my son everything and every therapy I want to give him? I am a single full time employed Mom who is currently fundraising to bring my son to the Son-Rise program in Mass. I won’t give up!

I truly believe that ADD, ADHD and Autism are caused by chemicals and additives in our foods rather than immunizations. I do know people through my lifetime that have said there child reacted to them, but there was usually something else related to that. I have found a website Waisays.com which goes into lengthy detail over what our diet has done to us and I totally believe these facts.

There are many truths and many factors. My son did start displaying symptoms after his MMR immunizations at 17 months. I believe he had an underlying genetic predisposition that was triggered by the combination of viruses which then compromised his immune system. After that time he began to be overly affected by chemicals, dyes, preservatives, and various foods. After changing his diet his immune system improves. But he would not have overcome and been able to function and speak properly without the one-one-one therapies he received. I agree with the above entries that these treatments should be available to EVERY family regardless of their income. I couldn’t have done what I did without money and help received from family members. It isn’t fair that money determines the level of treatment available. My heart breaks for ALL children with autism and their families, and I believe everyone deserves the same options for their children. However, I would not trade my experience even if given the opportunity. My son has changed my life and I wouldn’t be the same person today without him. I am grateful for the privilege of being his mother.

Where is a good place to sale my old wrecked car? Please help me by sugesting some sites or companies.

The definition of autism has expanded greatly over the past thirty years. There is no question that the symptoms and behaviors etc of “classic” autism are heartbreaking and to date do not have a predictable cure. To keep expanding and redefining does not appear to be helping the most severely affected children. What is needed is a better understanding of the underlying etiology so that hopefully we can find more effective treatmenst. I am not sure that expanding the spectrum without the development or the discovery of a cleary identifiable objective sign that indicates a child has th disorder or is on the spectrum helps it seems to be further confusing matters rather than finding answers. Why after all this time are we still not able to pinpoint the area of the brain impacted in those most severely affected? That we get us closer to finding an answer. At least for my son they can pinpoint by audiological testing what is going on they still can’t cure it but they have a better understanding of how to approach it scientifically and are working on specific hearing devices althoughti is not a hearing problem in the usual sense . My oter concern is that some children who really have CAPD are being mislabelled as autistic. Again the approach used is different .