Oprah on Autism - Your Thoughts?
For the first time in recent memory, she made a point of including the point of view of siblings of children on the spectrum - who, for the most part, have conflicted feelings. On the one hand, it can be embarrassing to have a "weird" sibling - but on the other hand they, unlike their friends, know the positive sides of their autistic siblings, and wish the rest of the world could share that perspective.
It was also revealed on this show that Autism Speaks has conducted some type of research study (I don't know the details, and can't find anything about this research on their website) which concluded that 80% of couples with children on the autism spectrum divorce! While I know that autism adds stress to a marriage, this was the first I'd heard of a "study" on the subject, and I have to wonder how that study was conducted, and whether there was any discussion about the type and severity of the autism.
To my mind, Oprah didn't offer much that was new: now that Autism Speaks and Suzanna Wright have become the "official" spokespersons for the autism community, we seem to be hearing and seeing the same messages (and video clips!) over and over again...Did you watch Oprah? What was your impression of her take on the subject?
Comments
I did watch this episode of Oprah and it really upset me. She kept repeating 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism, then she shows the children with the most severe symptoms. So, as any parent would do, I paniced! I went online and looked up more information regarding that statistic. On the CDC website I found that researchers asked parents (not doctors) if their child had ever been diagnosed w/ autism (didn’t ask for specific type). The researchers did not check the medical charts. For all we know, 85% of the kids could have had ADHD and their parents said Yes to the autism question. I thought it was irresponsible of Oprah not to investigate or EXPLAIN more about the statistics she was citing. It scared me and I have a Masters in Child Development. I can only imagine how other people must have reacted. To think that your normally developing child could all of a sudden, at age 2, begin to regress. Very scary. I am still very concerned.
I watched Oprah and thought it was very good, especially given the time constaints. The part of the siblings made me cry. It was really powerful.
I think the Autism Speaks film clips need to get out as much as possible. I was glad they were featured — many people haven’t seen them — but because Oprah is so very popular– they have now. She was very insightful and sensitive for someone who just learned about autism — it was much better than Larry King or The View, even.
Jalen’s grandmother called me after the show and said this was the first time she really got a sense of what living with autism can be like — that she cried during the whole show. I was relieved — she never really got it before. I see this as a healthy sign. It is no longer an abstraction to her what we’ve dealt with daily.
I am very impressed by Oprah’s show — I just wish there had been fewer kids with the regressive type of autism — my son was obviously developmentally delayed early on — (I noticed issues at four months, it took nine months for his pediatrician to admit there MIGHT be some concerning delay.
Good show. The emotion of autism needs to be shown – not just clinical stuff about how the brain is wired differently. It’s how we feel about things that prompt us to change — to help — to care.
I too watched the show and I was dissapointed. I don’t know where Oprah has been when she’s barely finding out? There’s been media coverage for several years now, in fact, her show actually called Soma (RPM)back in 2000 and wanted to do a piece on her. At the time, CAN had her out here on a fellowship and declined Oprah’s offer to do a piece on Soma. That’s a whole other story! Oh, and not to mention that some of us have been writing them for years to do a show.
I agree that the shows get so repetative. Who made Autism Speaks the voice of the autism community? I think show producers need to invest more time and diversify their content.
So many of us that have lived with it for a long time want to know what’s out there that’s working, the positive side of autism. The beauty of our kids and the joy and blessings they provide down the line. I’m not saying it’s been an easy road at all, we’ve all been there in the trenches, but I do feel that our son has given us much more than we expected – He taught us how to love unconditionally, and that is a tremendous gift. I can see the world though his eyes, his innocence and awe with nature and the world. We get rap up in life and the speed of things that it can feel like we’re in a roller coaster and can’t get off.
I’m hoping that now these shows like the view and Oprah, will move on to include more substance and show the joy piece that these kids bring, not just the negative. We want to see both so new people coming in to autism don’t think that it’s all good or all bad. So they don’t think all kids get mainstreamed or put all are bound to be in institutions.
I’m also hoping that more shows will be done with random families where there is no affiliation to any particular group or method. This would truly give us a true representation of the autism community as a whole, diversified in every aspect.
Ivonne
As a mother with an autistic daughter, (4 yrs old) I did tune in. I was for the most part impressed. My one observation, however, is that she really only featured very severe cases of autism. It is important to also feature some of the higher functioning individuals as well. I was becoming depressed at some points in the show, until it dawned on me that, “This isn’t every individual with autism’s reality.” For some it is, but not for all. Its hard to say where my daughter is on the spectrum as she is still so young. (4) She does have limited language. Speaks some words such as Mom, More, Play, etc. Much of her language is very scripted from tv shows, etc. MOST of it is echolalia. (repeating what she hears, but not necessarally with meaning or intent. It’s simply an echo.) But it’s growing little by little, one word at a time. I almost felt that the show made autism look like a death sentence. My daughter is a JOY, the best thing to ever happen to me, NOT a burden. Of course, her autism presents challenges, but I wouldn’t trade or change her for anything. She smiles, laughs, is very loving and affectionate with her immediate family. Of course, we do need to shed light on the challenges, the downsides. This is the information that gets peoples attention, and promotes change, research, etc. But I wish people could also see how GREAT these children are, instead of focusing primarily on the negative side of their condition.
“I did watch this episode of Oprah and it really upset me. She kept repeating 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism, then she shows the children with the most severe symptoms.”
Sara, my son is diagnosed as severely autistic with profound developmental delays. What is wrong with showing severely affected autistic children? Do you complain when Hollywood, CNN and others show high functioning autistic persons who accomplish great feats or write sophisticated internet essays? Should severely autistic children and adults remain hidden and invisible to society?
http://autisminnb.blogspot.com/2007/04/invisible-autistics.html
Just FYI, that 1 in 150 number did NOT come from Oprah’s researchers, but from a recent CDC finding. It is fairly reliable, and is being used “officially” in the US. Here’s a link to my blog on the subject: http://autism.about.com/b/a/257740.htm.
Lisa
I missed the Oprah show, but several friends, family, and my son’s teacher alerted me to it. I checked out the web site and also the video from Autism Speaks. I enjoyed seeing the information about what it’s like living with and raising a child with these behaviors, and the focus on raising awareness. Other people, when they see these children need to understand that we all are not bad parents, and our children are not “bad kids”, but are very gifted.
Our son was diagnosed with ADHD and has always been viewed as Emotionally Disturbed by his school, until we started learning more about autism spectrum and advocated for him. He never did respond to stimulant medication, so we didn’t maintain that approach. We’ve always watched his diet and intuitively changed his environment and our parenting to meet his unique needs, which helped him a lot. He is so high functioning, it wasn’t until we requested an Independent Evaluation through school, from a Neuro Psychologist, that we received recognition that his difficulties in communication and social skills and distruptive behaviors were really related to autism. We could have stopped there and accepted the general belief that he would always have these problems. However, over the last 14 months we have implemented intense treatments for him, many unconventional.
We have witnessed a total transformation.
I know there are so many places in the spectrum, but I want to share what we’ve done and what research is now emerging that supports these theories of “recovery”.
Last year my son could not be managed in a regular ed. classroom. He has been in speech therapy since he was two. He received counseling for 5 years and OT for two years. Still, he was out of control and wasn’t learning as he should be or was capable of. His handwriting was a problem and reading was about 2 years behind. His judgement and cognition impaired, inability to self-regulate, with daily crying, tantrums — all typical behaviors for autism.
March of last year we started the Feingold diet. Natural neuro support for attention and stress support. We tried BioResonance treatments. But it wasn’t until we started with a Dr. here in Ft. Worth, Dr. Mary Ann Block that our “real son” began to wake up. She did a lot of lab work and then set up a treatment plan for “autism encephalopathy”.
The treatment plan is individualized. For our son it includes Multivitamins, extra B-12, B-6, Zinc, Magnesium, acidophilus, probiotics, Glutathione supplementation, and neurotransmitter support (Endotrex, Calm PRT, Travacor by NeuroScience, Inc.), Colloidal minerals (to remove heavy metals and support toxin release), and Histamine. He is hypoglycemic, so we maintain dietary support for that as well – limiting the sugars/carbs.
He is on a Gluten Free/Casein Free diet, we also eliminated Eggs and Red Beans which came up off the charts on allergy/sensitivity testing. We stagger or rotate other items that were also identified.
I got information to set up a better home program for him from http://www.autisminspiration.com, and educated my family as best I could. We do as much behavioral intervention as a busy family can without going completely crazy.
I have to tell you, today, he is for the most part “Neuro Typical”. In the last 8 months, with excellent educational support at his school, continued advocacy, maintaining his diet and nutritional supports, he has excelled in Math, writing, and is at grade level in reading. Socially, although still some minor difficulties, is almost “just like the other kids”. He is handling frustration, problem solving, cognitively “awake” and “normal”, able to put together cause and effect now, re-directible, responding to behavioral interventions, and growing like a weed.
This time last year he was on the exam table in the pediatricians office in a fetal position, sucking his thumb, limited verbal skills, banging his head on the wall. He was in the 28th% for a 9 year old on the growth chart for HT. and WT.
He recently turned 10. He has grown almost 4 inches and gained 14 pounds. He no longer has circles around his eyes. His skin color is good, he doesn’t have a chronic runny nose. He is so healthy, and “normal”. To us it’s the confirmation of emerging research. See April 2007 issue Discover Magazine: “Understanding Autism – the answer may lie in the gut”. http://WWW.autism-society.org Environmental Health and Autism, and subscribe to Autism Advocate Magazine featured articles: Time to get a grip – Martha herbert, MD,PhD. Go to UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute – there are video conferences to view by leading researchers in this area.
Hope this helps. I hope Oprah follows up with information about “recovery” – which is a reduction of symptomology. Once symptoms are managed effectively, progress can be made towards more “neuro typical” development.
I disagree that everthing on Oprah’s show was negative. All of the parents said they loved their kids, and how their kids taught them extra patience, etc. The sibling who was on talked about all the bad stuff that comes from autism, but also wanted people to know there were some cool things his brother could do. For many of this, autism is extremely serious. I am not one of the people who would not change my son is I could. If I could make him neurotypical, I’d do it in a heartbeat — not only for the rest of the family, but for him. I’m his mom, I live wit him, and I know he’d be happier. His deficits are very severe. There are so many things he doesn’t understand. And it bothers him. I feel my son is frankly brain damaged, and I want to fix that damage. I also think that something went haywire in his brain’s development — and I’d like to fix it so it can develop in a normal fashion.
I do not watch a lot of television so I missed the Oprah show, I wish I could have seen it though. It seems she pushed buttons with everybody here, good and bad ones. I just wanted to say I agree with Kate, my son is an absolute JOY as well, I would not trade him for anything, he is also very affectionate with us and everyone he meets is instantly charmed by him. Children with autism are so very special. Every child that I have met that has autism is a very unique individual with thier owns “quirks” and talents. Some have been very gifted and some have been very easily upset/scared, and some are withdrawn and quiet. They all have those similiar traits though that do set them apart from “typical” children, the ones that put them on the spectrum. The statistic is scary, and for someone who may not be a parent yet or may be a very brand new parent it can be very worrisome to know this stat. Know this and be comforted by it, I look at my son as a very unique treasure from God, yes all children are blessings, but I feel as though I am privilidged to have the oppurtunity to have had God’s Favor enough to give me this very very blessed, special and simply beautiful child to love and care for while I am on this Earth. I hope this encourages someone! God Bless!
I missed Ophrah, but Nightline had a good piece on Teens with Asperger’s that everyone might be interested in. You can watch it online if you missed it:
Nightline – Asperger’s Syndrome
Geeky Kid or Asperger’s?
School can be a nightmare for kids with Asperger’s syndrome. This form of autism that causes social awkwardness and eccentric behavior, and kids who live with it often endure daily taunts and bullying.
More Nightline Links”
Asperger’s Syndrome Resources
Asperger’s Syndrome: Separating Myth From Reality
Contrary to what most have posted here, my husband and I felt the Oprah show on autism was great. We felt it was about time someone showed “real” autism, not just children who have a much lighter symptomatology. Maybe people with younger children are not comfortable seeing older children who are more severe. Our son is 17 years old and non-verbal. He has achieved many miracles, like toilet training, sleepy normally, going on vacations, etc, that we never thought would be possible when he was much younger. It can be too painful for those with younger children to accept that their children will not overcome their disability. And the world is full of opportunistic lowlifes trying to make money, including by making false and misleading claims. My personal feeling is that if you are still making your child sit at a table and do ABA therapy hours on end. While you never stop trying to help your child acheive all she or he can be, you need to accept them for who they are, even if that means they may never talk or go to college, etc. I really feel sorry for the people who constantly think only of cures and miss out on the beautiful child in front of them, who really needs their total acceptance and constant encouragement, not more therapy. You need to change how you see things because while your child will make continued growth, they are who they are and can only do what they can do, while YOU as parents CAN change.
God bless all the parents and siblings of children with autism. We must all continue supporting one another and not fall into the high functioning vs. low functioning. We are all in the same boat!
i watched the oprah show, my neice who will soon be 9yrs old was diagnosed with asd a few years ago and while i will admit i did pick up a couple of things on the show i think she missed a great chance to do two things, first to show the world that all autstic children are not a the extrem end of the spectrum that case run the gammit, and second for the world to see that yes it’s stressfull to have a asd child given a choice of not having that child or learning to deal with what you are giving you (we) say our prayers for that child . i love my neice with everything i have, and know that she is truley a gift.insead of pushing all the bad to the front why not focus on the good.
Autism is only of many diseases that the AMA does not have a handle on. Maybe in another 100 years, like the discovery that H Pylori is the principal cause of ulcers after it had been written about in the 1890’s, they will find out what DOGTORJ has found.
Just to clarify my 1st post, for some who maybe misunderstood…There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with featuring the severe cases of autism. However, we should keep in mind that each person with autism is DIFFERENT. In saying so, it would have been nice to feature children all across the spectrum. I often think showing ONLY the most extreme cases, can promote stereotypes. (I couldn’t even tell you how many people upon hearing my child is autistic respond, “Oh, like Rainman!”) Yes, we should show severe cases. Yes, we should show cases of children who are in the middle. Yes, we should show those who are high functioning. Autism is not one sided. It varies from case to case.With that said, I personally see balance as the key to effective education.
Why do most people see the glass as half empty instead of half Full. I thought Oprah’s show was wonderful. It helped to put a face to autism, the children & parents,rich, poor, white, black.I believe that putting a face to it helps people to identify and care. I say we need more shows like that.
I think it is great whenever any person or show features autism. As we know, when Oprah talks, people listen.
Jan
I watched the Oprah Show about Autism. I personally thought it was a very good show. I have a 13 year old son with severe autism. I was glad to see a show about the autism I’ve experienced in my life. Everyone needs to understand that there is no way possible to cover the entire spectrum of autism in one hour. Oprah was only giving you some of the experiences families go through when dealing with a child with autism. If a viewer is really interested about autism they will do further research to find out about all levels of autism,and how it may affect your life. Parents with children newly diagnosed could possibly be overwhelmed by what they watched on the show. Autism is just like life you never know what to expect. No matter what you may go through in the future, your child needs you to be accepting and encouraging. Loving your child unconditionally is the best therapy for them.
Rachel Cisco
They actually could have covered a lot more than what they did in the hour if you really think about it. I don’t remember how many children were featured but it was AT LEAST 3, all who appeared to have severe autism. They could have still done 3 showing 1 severe case, 1 child with moderate autism and one who was high functioning. It wouldn’t have taken any more time. It’s just about selection of the guests. And I personally believe that this would have been a more accurate portrayal of autism as a whole. Because, I will say it again…People with autism are all DIFFERENT. To imply otherwise is WRONG.
I found this pretty interesting. I am twenty years old and have lived my entire life with a severly autistic brother, four years younger than myself. I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world. He is a unique, compassionate individual, and though it has been difficult I think that every member of my family has grown because of it. I am glad to see that people are finally looking at it from a sibling’s point of view. My other brother who is a year older than my brother affected, has had a great deal of difficulty with it. Similarily my family fits into the supposed statistic of an 80% divorce rate between parents with an autistic child. Although I do not belive that to be the only reason for the divorce, my fathers ignorance in the matter really made it part of the equation. I just wish more people would look at autism with a grain of salt and see it from the shoes in which my brothers and I stand.
Oprah has been asked to do a show since at least as early as March 1999, the same year my son was born. Bandwagon is right, why did it take her so long after so many years of requests? ratings. I was also hoping to hear more about autism, than another profile of Autism Speaks video “Every Day Autism”. I was more hoping for guests that were ‘every day’ families not associated with any organization. To me? is was a show to further advertise for Autism Speaks. Not all kids with autism is the result of vaccines. Autism Speaks is also not a representative of MY child. My child smiles all the time and he makes faces, too. It was a good show on many parts of autism, considering there’s is many aspects. Info is info is how I look at it and as long as shows are airing it, it’s a good thing however I do agree with stereotyping. They did not show that well-rounded ’spectrum’, and although they did show mostly severe, they really did not state with early intervention there was and could be great hope.
I don’t understand the complaints. Any media coverage devoted to autism is good. We want coverage because coverage will eventually lead to a cure. Oprah did a fantastic job. I applaud her efforts. Autism Speaks has given us and our children a voice. I am very thankful for Bob and Suzanne Wright.
I politely disagree. Autism Speaks has done nothing for my child or any other child I know. I am my child’s voice and I did not elect them for that job. they elected themselves along with their big money.
when you decide to be a spokes person, you have to put aside your own personal opinions as to the cause of autism within your family. there can be many causes to autism and I don’t feel that ‘Autism Speaks’ speaks about how broad autism is, or the many various theories of causes, but focuses on one theory.
you cannot be the voice of all, when you don’t present all
Autism Speaks is an effective voice. Yours is not. I’m a parent of a child with autism and I’m not an effective voice either. Someone with lots of money and a television network has an effective voice. Their campaign to raise awareness is really working. I’ve noticed it in my community and around the country. It seems to be a new story at least once or twice a week now. Katie Wright didn’t say that vaccines definitely are causing our children to be autistic. She’s questioning the safety of vaccines and the effect these vaccines are having on our children. She’s reporting what most parents of children with autism believe, that our children are mercury toxic. I applaud Katie. If you’re not outraged you are not paying attention.
I respectfully disagree. media coverage will create awareness, not a cure. I am sorry if you’re not an effective voice, but I am and I am a great big voice for my child, and in my community and for other states abut awareness. just camera shy. most parents do not feel the same way about vaccines.
you cannot be the voice of all, when you don’t present and represent all.
Katie may have been ‘questioning’ vaccine safety in relatonship to autism, (to me she appeared to about be bursting to speak up) but there are many more relationships to speak about than the one.
you can be cured from mercury poisoning.
as of today, there is no known cause for autism or a cure.
Every parent has a voice!! It doesn’t always take money to help show awareness. I help with workshops at schools and help local collage students become aware of what autism is. Many parents write in to local newspapers and help promote awareness. I think sometimes what happens with the shows is that we parents that have children on the spectrum know what they are explaining. However it takes one phrase to make people who don’t know autism to begin to stereotype. Those that don’t have a clue of what autism is sometime misinterpret as to what they are saying on the shows. Those who don’t know autism may also get the impression it’s a one size fits all. I do think that it’s great that they are doing media coverage, but they need to expand on people they have on their shows. That meaning the same people and information that have been on other shows.
as for that study of divorce rates? bankruptcy? all walks of life have those issues, not just those families with autism. other disabilities within families have these issues as well. that is also the depressing aspect presented to the public for new parents to look forward to? I really will be interested in that study, and why those rates would matter or worth money on? what would be the purpose of it? and again, no support options were offered to prevent these two things from happening. it seems families also need awareness and support for coping skills and money management. all of those things should be within that study.
It’s interesting that you don’t believe creating awareness is important. Creating awareness, like Autism Speaks is doing, could possibly lead to a cure someday.
I will say it again. You are not an
effective voice.
There is no ‘easy’ way to be ‘cured’ from mercury toxicity. There are very few doctors in our country, except DAN! doctors, that know how to chelate mercury in our children. It takes years (and lots of money) in most cases. In some cases it can’t happen at all. It’s much more complicated than you’re suggesting.
I’ve learned over the years that trying to convince some people that vaccines could possibly be causing our children to be sick is like trying to convince an atheist that God exists. There is nothing that anyone could say that will change your opinion. So good luck to you and your child.
this is how easily people can misinterpret. I never said anything about important or unimportant awareness. it’s what I do for a living.
I also am not speaking of one method, or focusing on one topic. in fact, that was my point about the show. the focus not being rounded to include the whole spectrum and many theories. I’m well aware of what chelating is and it’s expense and how it works.
I have learned over the years not to be too focused one one item, be opened minded and it’s not my job to convince anyone of anything. because I said most, does not mean I placed myself with in there.
you could be an effective voice. we all can.
This is why I hate the topic the cause”cure” of autism. This is where the autism community begins it’s division. I don’t believe that anyone said they disagree with the awareness. When it comes to the causes of autism, there can be more then just one cause. We all have our own opinions as to the causes. I for one am not going to sit and push my opinion upon someone to change theirs, that is not fair and disrespectful. Every parent is important and knowledgeable, it’s all coming together to promote in helping our children. To help society to become more aware of this growing disability.
I agree with all who think Oprah did not do enough to view the real autism spectrum
I saw the show and I thought it was very hearbreaking.
I am adopted my lyounger half sister has autism. Even though I don’t live with her and I don’t see her. I still send her letters and when I was told she was diagnosed with autism, I froze because I never even heard of Autism.
I just wanted to know more about her condition. She has Autism. I just can’t believe that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed and every 20 minutes a child is being diagnosed.
I am worried that because it is in my genes or at least half of my genes anyway, that I am going to have a autistic child. But no matter if I do or not I will still love that child. But I am just worried about that it is part of our genes. It is scary to think that I could pass autism on to my child even though I am not autistic.
I am the mother of a 10 y/o son with autism. I try to watch most shows concerning it. I thought Oprah did a wonderful job – probably one of the best I’ve seen. No one can cover every topic in an hour program. I think it did alot for awareness and to give people an idea what “a day in the life of a family” is really like. As for Autism Speaks – I think they are doing a wonderful job on awareness. Personally, I couldn’t care less if its all of their money that made it happen – they are doing something and its getting noticed. I don’t see why every autism group has to have the same goals and objectives. Awareness is important. If they feel that research is where they want to spend their money – more power to them. I support all groups, Autism Speaks, ASA, CAN, etc. They each have something to offer and I don’t think it does anyone good to slam one group just because its views are different than your own.
I’m a grandmother of three grandsons of which I feel are all on “the spectrum” My daughter and I aren’t speaking because of it. I found out Oprah was doing a show on Autism and asked her to watch it. I was so disappointed. They only shown the most severe. I think my daughter probably won’t ever speak to me now. She going to say (again) that her children don’t have Autism because they don’t act like the children on the show. I thought I was going to watch something different then what was on The View. but just like everyone said, they showed the same clips. I don’t feel this subject can be fit into a one hour show. Very disappointed !!!!
I watched the Oprah show and thought it was good. It is hard to cover everything about autism in one hour so I am hoping she will do more shows in the future explaining more about autism. She does have a big audience and anything to get awareness out there of what a wide range spectrum disorder autism is and how it does affect the lives of families who deal with it. There does need to be more research, money and resources for families who have a child or children with autism. I am a divorced parent of a 13 year old son with autism and it always helps to see other parents who are going through the same thing. It helped me.
If Autism Speaks and Suzanna Wright have become the “official” spokespersons for the autism community, they need to represent all our children without their own personal opinions. I feel that if they were to bring up one potential cause, they should have then made time to included other potential causes. all of them are as important as the one and all deserve media attention. of course opinions are going to vary. however I do not claim to be an ‘official’ spokes person for the autism community. all organizations have something good to offer, however only one makes the claim to spokesperson and that being the case, they need to present and represent all within the autism community or they are a disservice to many.
Oprah did cover many area’s that were well needed media coverage. there is no denying that. she did a good job in a short hour to cover many topics. I do wonder however why on her site she asked for stories from people in the Chicago area, and didn’t have a one there. that was disappointing to me and I speak only for me.
I will also take this opportunity to point out there is a whole target audience out there hardly ever thought about: men/ daddy’s. I cant think of one man who’d sit and watch Oprah if their wife didn’t insist. I personally never watch Oprah myself and only did for what the topic was. I personal had been contacting to shows over the past year that are targeted to men. most air time is day time TV, when moms are home. Nascar does a good job with the one driver, but there needs to be more media coverage directed to dad’s in my opinion.
Rosann ~ if I was a new parent to autism, I am sure I would have stayed in denial for much longer after seeing that show. I don’t know how old each of your grand children are, but many times schools will intervene and it can be much easier to hear it from them than a family member.
I am sorry you’re not on speaking terms with your daughter. I really hope that can change. you sound like a very caring concerned grandmother.
I did not like that episode on autism. she was not touched at all. I knew one of the parents on the show, Jesse… there are different children on the spectrum..they only showed the severe cases..but what about hope…what about the children that are progressing well..the show was gloomy and hopeless..and I learned nothing new from Oprah. she didn’t seem interested at all… she cries more for men cheating on their wives episodes… i really was not feeling her at all. Surprising enough..she spent time filming people for a day while on crystal meth…why not on a day in the life of autism..like I offered when I wrote and e-mailed her over a dozen times.. Just goes to show you what other people find to be important..what is this world coming to?
I am 25 years old, and have high functioning autism, and when I can I watch any of the shows or new reports they show on TV reguarding Auttism. While the children shown were much more severe than me I can relate to them. The family members of them bothered me though. They seemed lack insight into what their children are going through, and did not seem to want to. They had a lot of complaints, and seemed to be preoccupied with wanting their children to behave ‘normally’ (like them). I will never be like most other people, and I am not particularly convinced that it is actually better. So long as they can take care of themselves (and if they are like me it will take them longer to learn these things) then I hope parents will be content with their children.
I am a one-to-one Para-Educator (assistant) to a little girl that has autism. I have been a Para-Educator for the last eight years. I did watch the Oprah show. In the time that was allowed for the show I thought it was pretty good.
I think I have to agree with most of the rest of you about showing just the severe children. I think they could have covered autism a lot better if they had maybe taken a few days to a week. There is enough information out there. After all this is Autism Awareness Month.
I know that if I were a new parent in the world of autism, honestly the show would have scared me to death.
I think more fears would have been settled if they had gone into showing children that are on every level of the spectrum. I think they could have even gone more indepth on the educational side of autism. I know of several children that are functioning in regular classrooms and that are living in the world today just fine.
I think it is important to make people aware of autism and to get the word out about it. But I also think people need to have all the information that is avalible. Everything from the symptoms to what can be done to help children with the disorder.
I have watched many shows where all they show are the higher functioning autism. As the mother of a 15 year old with severe autism, I was glad to see this end of the spectrum shown. Hopefully it will help someone understand when my son has a meltdown in the middle of the grocery store or walks around holding his ears to block out too much stimulation.
GREAT JOB OPRAH!!!
I watched the show and I’m a disappointed that there wasn’t anything new. My concern is that if the talk show circut is going to conduct a show on autism and the subject matter doesn’t change and the same video clips are repeated over and over then the message will not get across. The message being that there are varying degrees and that the degree of autism is as individual as the child.
Any Autism publicity helps awareness, and hopefully involvement/fundraising/research. Just because Oprah showed low functioning kids isn’t the end of the world. There have been plenty of shows, articles, etc describing other levels on the Spectrum. Maybe she should have diversified – let’s just be happy that is was addressed on the Oprah Winfrey show – she is a powerful celebrity whether anyone personally cares for her or not.
As for the information presented, I felt it was nothing new. Seen it, heard it before.
The sibling angle was novel – but we’ve seen it, heard it as well.
It all comes down to making the public aware of Autism – most people have no idea at all – zero.
Maybe a bit of fear seeing a low functioning ASD child would be the motivation for someone to get involved, or keep watching for any signs in their own kids, or donate to research.
If it opened some eyes for people to know what we deal with on a daily basis with an ASD child, that’s wonderful, but it doesn’t change what we have to deal with on a daily basis.
One of the ASD families I advise told me that her mother-in-law (living in another state) called her after watching the show to say she “get’s it now”.
The only part of the entire show that I found provocative was the quick mention of vaccine safety.
It is unheard of that a network television program would allow the “V-word” to be included in a story on Autism as a possible cause. It threatens pharmeceutical advertisers/sponsors.
I believe bundled vaccines such as MMR, AND thimerosal (mercury) are the “environmental triggers” causing ASD. *Don’t forget mercury is in RhoGam shots for Rh- pregnant moms. One explanation for newborns with delays.
I feel we should try to stay positive in regards to “any voice” speaking on our behalf. And for those of you who feel you have just as powerful a voice as Autism Speaks – step up!
-Devin’s Mom
I read her online transcripts and wasn’t impressed. My daughter has high functioning autism. She is 6 years old and in a normal first grade class. Her neurologist has seen her since she was a 6 month old baby and says that she does have autism — Bill Gates even has Asperger’s syndrome (a form of autism.) My daughter appears to be normal. She takes Risperdal and it helps her tremendously – its worked miracles for her! She frequently has meltdowns but they aren’t as bad with her medicine. She is a gorgeous little girl – one would never guess by looking at her picture that she has a neurological problem in her head. I’m dissappointed that Oprah didn’t show chidren with Asperger’s or others with higher functioning Autism. Our kids don’t look different but they are too! When my daughter goes crazy at a store, strangers have said some very rude comments. I just reply, “She has Autism and sometimes has outbursts. Please leave us alone.” Sometimes these strangers will claim to be experts on the subject and actually say that she is not Autistic! They don’t know! Its very hard to deal with sometimes when your child appears to be normal and doesn’t look physically deformed in any way. I really wish Oprah would do a show on that! Maybe she could just do a show on parenting in general and how people need to stop judging so much! If I see a kid throwing a fit, I usually think to myself,”I’m glad I’m not dealing with that right now. I wonder if that parent is dealing with a medical problem too….. maybe its just a hard day…. maybe they are grieving over a recent death.” I don’t judge them. Please don’t judge my family.
My son is 10 and autistic. He is just like the kids on Oprah’s show. I personally, was totally tired of seeing kids that are in no way autistic, singing, talking, playing,reading, relating, and mainstreamed, that seem to be labeled autistic?. I think more people need to go to the diagnosis code book and see if their kids meet all SIX of the autistic criteria. Most of the shows i have seen in 10 yrs, had very little representation of what my son is like…autistic. yes, it’s a spectrum. but autism is…very distinct and has a specific diagnosis, not pdd, not aspergers, ADD, or speech delayed etc. I think Oprah did an okay job, but needed to pick more dynamic speakers for a first time show! The media needs to address the reality of ALL aspects autism/ and other spectrum disorders we face today. There should be more shows, obviously. I am thankful she FINALLY did a show, after thousands(literally) of emails!!! any appropriate show from her needed to be shown a long time ago!
it’s sometimes sad to think about. kids often start out severe and do have all 6 criteria and instead of focusing on the criteria level they’re at now, often it’s over looked of all the hard work a child has done to get to where they are today and the many people who worked so hard right along with them, including their parents. my first question would be is what therapies and interventions did they try for their child than to judge if they’re autistic at all. a lot of times a person hears a child with autism speaking, and thinks they cant have autism. they fail to listen to the manner of communication and lack of meaning to those words. on-looking appearances does not show the whole picture of a child and their many difficulties.
as an individual with aspergers, i find the media portrayal of the autism spectrum to be sensationalist and misleading, causing more harm than good to those of us in the spectrum. Oprah sensationalizes every issue she touches, and brings it down to the level of her main audience. I view autism speaks like jews viewed the gestapo
I’m glad Oprah finally did a show on Autism but I think the only reason she did was because of who Katie Wright is and how important her father is. I bet there have been thousands of moms like me who have been writing to Oprah since our children were diagnosed (for me that was 14 years ago this month)and felt ignored. The CDC statistics of 1 in 150 to me is not credible – I wouldn’t be surprised if in some places like California, New York or New Jersey it will be more like 1 in 175 – the CDC left out some very important states when it put together it’s “survey” and as some of us know, government statistics aren’t always at that viable anyway. If it were 1 in 150 men who were were suddenly being diagnosed with prostrate cancer, you bet Congress, the pharmaceutical industry, the CDC and the American Medical Association would all be panicked. Instead we spend millions on medications for other things and not enough money to help families with Autism.
I watched part of the show. I was disappointed. I was looking for new information and awareness about Autism. Oprah has a lot to learn about Autism.
I watched the show and I was impressed. As a mom with a child with autism, I feel ANY voice out there helps! It sounds like a lot of you talk and complain about everything. I love my child, I will do anything to help him, I play with him and I am happy. Oprah tried – can you imagine when you first found out about your children? You didn’t have all the answers either. I loved it and will copy it and give it to family members so they can finally understand. As for Autism Speaks – they are doing an amazing job. If you feel you could do better – do it! We all need to get out there. And frankly everyone needs to hear that vaccines might play a part. I wish I would have known… now my little man pays for it everyday. People need to wake up and realize they are a huge problem!
I’m sorry, I just don’t feel opinions are the same as complaining. this forum allowed for our impressons, and we freely gave them. I think it’s great this forum is here to be able to share our opinions, no matter what they may be.
in my opinion, I have never liked comparing autism to cancer. I wonder why there isn’t research demanded for bi-polar, ADHD (the high rise in that came long before autism’s rates), ADD… or cures for those. those things you generally do not die from. cancer you do. my dad was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and I am thankful they had researched in order to find ways to save his life. I myself would panic if there was such an increase rise in any cancer and I’d be right there if there were a rise in prostrate cancer too. a lot of daddy’s, husbands, grandfathers lives would be at sake. those loss of lives would affect us. my cousin recently died at a young age of incurable cancer.
the comparison of cancer and autism to my and my opinion, is not fair.
I think what people are talking about i sthat in only showing the more severe end of the spectrum, it makes people think, “Well, my kid isn’t like that so they couldn’t have autism.” autism never has the same face to it. And we all know that the earlier your child is diagnosed, the more progress can be made for your child. as a PDD-NOS 3 yr old, I’m often wanting to tell people because while she is on the less severe end, “higher functioning” as some would call her–this is autism. And we usually get the droppped jaws because they don’t think this is what autism looks like, acts like, etc.. It looks like a variety of things. THAT is why it is called a spectrum disorder. She has the clinical diagnosis. and because she does speak, and interact with people, it’s not what folks think autism is. she knows there is language and she should say something, but she doesn’t understand and we’re working hard to help her w/ ABA. But that is just it. Autism is so much more than “Rainman” and kids who are nonverbal. it’s all over the place. And the more people who are aware of this disorder and how varied it can be, the more kids that can be helped out at an earlier age.
I liked the Oprah show and I came
away from it with more compassion
for the Autism. I have a son with
Autism who is 5. He is high functioning.
While I have my share of struggles
with him, they have other struggle’s
that I do not have. I dont know some of
their most severe struggle’s. I alway’’s
had alot of compassion for parent’s
of any child special need’s or not.
I do wish there had been some less
severe Autistic Children. I came away
admiring the determiniation of each
parent. I think the information was
incredible, but again having some
Autistic children that were less severe
may have helped those like me better
that noticed odd behavior’s but because
of it being not as severe waited a
long time before going to evaluate.
I taped the Oprah show. I would agree that it is the same information over and over. I was surprise to hear Oprah saw this was her first show on Autism. The best thing that will come from the show is the amout of viewers she can touch. I wish she had done a week’s study on Autism and presented more treatments and the cost of the those treatments and the various level on ASD. What Oprah did was the highlights and those of us with Autism all know that and live it each day. But maybe the next time I am in a store and my son is on sensory overload, the world will not look at me as a bad mother but maybe ask how they could help at that momement in time just because they seen the Oprah show and understand a little better.
It is wonderful to see autism and other disabilities making it to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Check the facts! The sudden surge in the number of cases of autism reported has been in part caused by the changes in the spectum of what autism is as well as the reporting that now must be done by schools. It is not so much the epidemic as it seems. Again, it is great that we are paying attention to autism and other disabilities.
For all of those out there trying to make a difference in our local autism organizations, this peice was great! Remember, that people are unable to take it all in at once. It took most of us a while before we all recognized that there were various levels of autism. We need awareness and this did just that.
Intervention does make a difference for children with autism including ABA.
Intensive ABA makes a huge difference for many children. Most of the parents we know want the best for their child. If they are working an intensive program, they still love their child. We also need to recognize that. That it is also imporant to not go against each other over therapy and interventions.
If I child is not progressing after hours of sitting through ABA therapy, sometimes we have to consider medical issues,dietary issues, reinforcers being used, or a therapist change.
My child was diagnosed severe and now has unbelievable skills thanks to many interventions including ABA. A small group of children will not improve regardless, but that is usually due to underlying medical issues (viral components, immune deficiencies, unrecognized gastrointestinal problems, or more). Treating does not mean a parent does not love or accept…that is the same as saying that if your child has a stroke you should just accept them and love them anyway without treatment.
in case others would want to know… my son had not any ABA and still progressed alot. kids can progress with out ABA. all kids are different, some may respond differently to all interventons.
I don’t think the criticism that much of the information had been explored before is relevant. Oprah reaches millions of people — many of who know very little about autism. Several people I know weren’t aware of much of the information. Also, as I learned in journalism school, people often need to hear information at least three times before they remember and/or internalize it. This was an autism 101 type show — at that’s at the level many people who don’t have kids with autism are at. So she did a good job of raising awareness. Of course, as parents this is old hat — but I think it was great for people not so intimately connected.
As for the 80 percent of parents who end up in divorce — I’ve heard that statistic before, and seen it written in a couple of places — the first time I saw it was several years ago. You may have missed it Lisa, but I’m very familar with the stat. I think the researchers came up with it after surveying a number of families, but it’s been awhile, and I can’t recall exactly.
Absolutely, there are many interventions that can make a difference.
When my son was diagnosed 17 years ago with PDDNOS, the Autism Society of America was the only non-profit that was dealing with Autism. The volunteers involved worked very hard to make public a very difficult and life altering condition. But they had no money and now ‘big name’ behind them. Autism Speaks has done in two years what AS could not do in 10. Why? Because politicians, media stars and wealthy individuals have come forward. And money talks. As a result, Town and Country did a 16 page spread on Autism in July. Jon Stewart hosted a fundraiser this winter on Comedy Central. Toni Braxton, whose son was diagnosed, did a concert with proceeds going to Autism Speaks.
All this attention is positive, but it’s a double edged sword. We need to remember that these people are in the business of raising money. The theory here is that potential givers are more inclined to give money or time if they see the ‘worst, or less fortunate’ cases. If they see stories on high functioning individuals [like my son], they may think that the need is not is not as great. Sad cases sell, and gets ratings as well.
I wrote to Oprah six years ago to do a show on Autism. I included the success of my son, who, even at that time was already making great strides. After seeing enough worst case senarios and little press about kids who are achieving inspite of Autism, I wrote Autism Speaks and told them that there are countless cases that can inspire and provide hope. No answer. I called Autism Speaks again after The View aired and implored them to share some uplifting stories on their website. The Publicity Director listened, told me that she would like to do a story on my son, but never called back.
Parents who have a recently diagnosed son or daughter need to know that there is hope and help. And with a great deal of work and a team of willing, creative teachers, kids on the spectrum CAN grow up to be productive and happy. But I don’t think we can rely on the media to tell us that. The focus just isn’t there.
Next year we will begin to look at colleges for my son. If anyone would have told me when he was three years old and non verbal that college was even a remote possibility, I might have been skeptical. But we saw the light in his eyes when many did not. Now that light shines for all to see. When he lettered in high school swimming again this year, we saw the light. When he calls his friends to go out, we see the light. It would be nice for Oprah and all the rest to focus on kids like this more often, but until they do, we as parents can continue to advocate on their behalf. Trust me, parents are a powerful voice.
I thought the show Ophra did was very good. I wish she or someone would talk about the spectrum of autism. What have you read or seen on highly funtional children with autism. In public, a lot of people don’t understand when a highly funtional child with autism is having difficulties. They look at them as spoiled brats and that’s very hard. On Ophra’s show she just show’d the families with serve autism and that part of the show really disappointed met.
Hi
I missed the show but being in the field for a couple of years now,I know what i read in the comments maybe true.For one I know that there is now a big rise in Autism.I can see this all around me,in the neighborhood,friends,friends friends tells me they have relatives and cousins that have been diagnosed.Yes it is alarming and scary.My heart goes to these children and their parents as well.There are so many children with special educational needs nowadays.There are even some who have no diagnosis simply because doctors cant really say whats the problem in an hour or two of observation.As a Sped Teacher I have been helping parents from the school I am now teaching on what to best to help their kids,whether they are Autistic or not.I guess we just all have to do our best and help in anyway we can these children.
I did not like the show simply because she had the same 3 panel members that Larry King did on his show a week before and she showed the same parents and same kids during the breaks – show kids on all levels of the spectrum – I have 2 sons with autism and they are pretty manageable – plus, talk about how parents that are not rich can get ABA services for their kids
I haven’t gotten to see the show yet, but my friend taped it for me. I have been told that it was very good. And I agree with Sara’s comments(#2). Any awareness that be gotten to the general public will make life easier. We live in a rural community and the bulk of the general population here don’t know squat about Autism including the educational and medical community. We need all the help we can get to educate people. It sucks to take your child out in the community and be stared at the whole time you are trying to enjoy an activity with your child or teach him some basic life skills. People in the public can be so cruel and after 10 years of living with Autism it still hurts terribly. And the #1 comment person, you should be scared. Autism is an epidemic and it’s heartbreaking to live with for tons of reasons. And your perfectly developing child can suddenly regress at 2. It happened to my son. And the last thing I want to say is that I am sick to death of hering about Asperger’s and high functioning Autism. There isn’t as much out there for those of us who struggle and get worn to a frazzle with what we live through. Our friends, family and neighbors need to see what it’s really like. There are so many different levels on the spectrum that no one could do a one hour show and show everything. After all, there are no two children with Autism that have the exact same characteristics. I say, Thank you Oprah and thanks to the View. The more awareness we can get, the better!!
I viewed Miss O’s show believing I would see a different perspective regarding Autism and Spectrum Disorders.
It appears that the “Fore Father” of Autism, Dr. Bernard Rimland, was not mentioned. Although he has gone to a better place, I owe him more than I could ever repay for his research, advice and constant demands to discover more for all parents of autistic children.
I directed an email to Miss O’s site indicating she should have a Second Follow-up regarding Autistics who become adults, Asperger Syndrome individuals and views from Dr. Rimland, Temple Grandin and George Stehli’s mother, Anabel Stehli.
I am a storehouse of information both researched, learned and you could “guinea pig” trial-error. My 17-yr. old is Asperger Syndrome, Honors student and I am so proud YET so afraid what adulthood will bring forth.
I will continue to write Miss O with my pleas to bring forth what I have learned and possibly I may write a book from a single mother’s perspective.
That’s my two-cents
I watched Oprah and I thought it was needed! I cried all the way through it! I have a 13 yr old son with PDD! He does really well now. At one time, we went through all that the parents on the program talked about. I also have a daughter that is 18 now and at one time she felt very left out. I think the program showed a different side of autism and what parents and siblings go through. I am also Divorced! I would think that is a good percentage. Lots of single parents out there. Oprah also let the doctor speak and she mentioned that both her sons do really well now. Of course she should of brought them on the show in order to let the world know that Autistic children can improve with early intervention. Overall, I thought it was a good program.
there was no actual child in person on that show. just video and pictures. maybe actually inviting children would have caused those children alot of anxieties. a camera or video camera would make my son very uncomfortable too, along with all those lights on a set, and people looking at him.
I also watched the Oprah show on Autism. I was happy that she finally did a show on it but disappointed that she only showcased children with severe Autism. Not that I do not think these children don’t deserve attention but that is not every child who is diagnosed with an Austic disorders reality. My son is 6 and was diagnosed with Aspergers and ADHD after years of me trying to get the doctors to evaluate him. I wish she would of at least touched on the children with high functioning such as Aspergers. Also, as happy as I am that Autism is being featured on more and more shows, its the same people with the same video over and over. There needs to be a broader range of children shown to give people the understanding of what Autism is – its a spectrum disorder it will nto effect two children with the same diagnosis exactly the same. I did also like how Oprah had siblings of these children on the show. I am hoping the more and more Autism is given attention these people will realize they need to cover the spectrum not just children who are severly affected and delayed because those of us with high functioning children while our children are not so delayed its still hard and its still alot to deal with no matter what your child is diagnosed with.
i work at center that treatys autistic kids, i’m only a technician and although i have only worked here for nearly 6 months, i’ve have gotten attachedwith all these kids and i want to be able to help them, i recently have changed my major to become a speech pathologist because i love kids and i want to help them.
I don’t what took so long for a show like this to view. I didn’t find out any new information and it wouldhave been helpful to have a high functioning child or adult on the show. Viewers were not able to understand the different levels by just viewing that one segment. Hopefully she inspired Dr. Phil to do something as well.
I was just delighted to see autism portrayed from the parents’ point of view in this show and the Larry King Live show. I have no problem with the scope of affectedness, and was very happy to see earlier shows focusing on the children, but it was such a relief to have someone portray the intensity of parenting involved–and be frank that our child’s behaviors can be crazy-making while showing how dedicated we are nonetheless. I think wherever our children are on the spectrum, we deal with people who just don’t know how stretched we are. I wrote a piece for my local paper and got lots of great replies–maybe there will more understanding and tolerance in the coming years. I too want to know more about that divorce statistic. As for Autism Speaks, it is great to have some incredibly well connected people bring autism to the big leagues of public outreach, research and philanthropy. We need all the help we can get.
What are the links between Autism and the use of Aspartame, Nutra Sweet, sweetners by mothers during pregnancy that may have damaged the fetus immune system,DNA causing those children to be more susceptible to developing autism when given to immunizations containing mercury than children who were not exposed to Neurotoxin Aspartame?
I would like to hear from teachers who have had these children in their regular classrooms. We are not trained in this field and yet are expected to educate other while one is screaming. I need to know how to deal with this.
Sandy – Thank you for the comforting message. My grandchildren are 6,4,2 1/2. My daughter and I have been speaking to each other, I just will not mention the word “autism”. I have to be comforted in the fact that the oldest boy had been in early intervention since he was two ( and not speaking ) Now he goes to a special class half a day and kindergarten the other half. He is doing so much better. He is a highly intelligent “Chatterbox.”
The four year old goes to Primary School for a couple of hours and the youngest is also in early intervention. Even though the teachers haven’t said anything to her, I am just satisfied that they are getting the help they need.