An Autism "Valentine" on Larry King
Monday February 11, 2008
If you're looking for a positive slant on autism, you may find it on Larry King Live this Thursday, February 14.
Larry's invited autism celebs, including Holly Robinson Peete, Doug Flutie and Toni Braxton, to talk about autism on Valentine's day. He's also invited Jason McElwain, the young man with an autism spectrum diagnosis who made a tricky basketball shot and won the heart of the world.
CNN describes the show as "an uplifting hour with those who know." Will you tune in?
Comments
Absolutely not. Flutie and his foundation are looking for a cure for autism, something patently offensive to autistics. Any autistic I know is boycotting Larry king’s show on that day.
I wish my son was functioning enough to someday understand what “boycotting” is. Sorry the idea of a cure is offensive to you, but it’s your disorder and the accompanying lack of empathy that keeps you from appreciating that a cure needed. I never watch Larry King, but I will be TIVOing it this time.
Uplifting? Really? So you think putting an autistic kid who did something extraordinary for ANY high schooler with a woman who mocks her son by saying “That’s aw-tist-ck” is UPLIFTING?
Not to even mention the other so called wonderful people involved. If that’s what lifts people up, I wonder what it takes to DEPRESS them.
*vomits*
To JB:
Do you know for sure I am autistic?
This is the first time I have been to this blog site. Our adopted daughter was just recently diagnosed on the spectrum. I doubt I will ever visit again since the tone of the readers is offensive. Doesn’t sound like you’re on the same team- to enlighten others to the uniqueness of our children and encourage the medical and educational fields to assist us/them in any way possible. The bloggers just seem bitter and not at all supportive to each other- much less those of us new to the diagnosis.
ZB — Just wanted to assure you that NOT all comments on this blog are as negative as those you just read!
You might find the support you’re looking for in the sections of the site entitled Inspired by Autism (http://autism.about.com/od/inspirationideas/Inspirations_Ideas_and_Success_Stories.htm) or New to Autism (http://autism.about.com/od/newtoautism/New_to_Autism.htm) - and you will certainly find some terrific and knowledgeable people in the Forum (http://autism.about.com/mpboards.htm).
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa Jo Rudy
About.com Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Tom - I sincerely doubt that you speak (pardon the pun) on behalf of “autistics” - especially my 11 y/o twin sons, both of whom are on the spectrum. Interestingly enough, “autistics” is a term, a label if you will, that many in the autism community find patently offensive — our loved ones are diagnosed with ASD.
Kassiane - you are clearly a sad and bitter person. Best wishes.
ZB - My first visit as well and I share your sentiments. Best of luck to you and your daughter.
And for the record, J-Mac made not just a single “tricky shot” but six 3-pointers at the end of a vasity game. See it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fw1CcxCUgg.
I couldn’t say it better than Kassiane did:
“Uplifting? Really? So you think putting an autistic kid who did something extraordinary for ANY high schooler with a woman who mocks her son by saying “That’s aw-tist-ck” is UPLIFTING?
Not to even mention the other so called wonderful people involved. If that’s what lifts people up, I wonder what it takes to DEPRESS them.”
I second her nausea.
Worse than mocking her son, Holly Robinson Peete taught her son to treat himself as so much trash. On the news program, “Good Day LA,” she is quoted as saying when he did anything that bugged Holly that was autistic she called him on it. From someone who watched the program:
:Holly says to her son: “How are you acting?!?!”; and then he replies (in a classic, “hollywood”, MR voice): “Uh, I’m acting so aww-tees-tick!”
The woman ought be publicly humiliated in a similar way if life was fair.
Many of us would love to experience the joy of having conversations and sharing experiences with our autistic children! If that means a “cure,” I’m in. ASD is not the same for every child. Keep that in mind.
I am sad that all of you are being negative towards Larry Kings efforts in bringing autism out front. Whatever it takes to make people aware of ASD I am for it. Maybe in the store when you are with your child,whom has ASD, people will no longer look at you funny because they will understand. God Bless.
ZB~ this really is a great blog site. I think many posters cant relate to the parent’s point of view, not everyone will agree on point of views, what what everyone believes in. Come and give it another try.
It doesn’t matter really who Larry King decides to have on his show, not all will be happy and is there such a thing as perfect guests?? I myself love to see Jason McElwain on any given day
autism coverage is coverage. I think a Valentine show is way cool no matter who they have on there.
And on a side note, no matter who the person is, be it Holly Robinson Peete, Doug Flutie and Toni Braxton, or Jason McElwain, why be so critical towards them?? They’re people just like anyone else.
Just my opinion, not sure if Tom is speaking from ignorance, but possibly just the opposite. He may be speaking of acceptance….not everything NEEDS to be cured…..Advances made to provide a better quality of life, sure. I know for my child, it is HIM that I love, autism and extra chromosome, too………without those factors, he wouldn’t be HIM.
I’m not a fan of Larry King and I doubt he would appreciate autism. There has been too much negativity about autism in the spot light. Why don’t we show their abilities? Why can’t we show the world through their eyes and not ours? Why can’t there be more of an appreciation for people with autism and their abilities? People have a right to be disabled!
I am a proud parent of 2 young sons, ages 6 and 9 who are nonverbal. I don’t want a cure for them. It is our desire for them to feel comfortable in their own skin like any other human being on this earth. Why would I want to change them from the children I have grown to love and accept?
It is about acceptance, not a cure! Sometimes I think the NT’s need a cure!
Granted, living with autism is not an easy thing to do by any stretch. But, they are the ones that have taught me understanding, patience, and acceptance and move on to educate and help others.
I choose to use the person first language, only because I want people to move beyond that label. People with autism also share their view that they would rather be called, autistic and that’s obviously fine, too.
It’s unfortunate that the autism community is divided. It’s divided we stand, but in the end, together we fall. It is what it is.
Would it be so bad if it was a start of an evolution? I don’t think so! I bet it would be a happier, flapping place, that’s for sure!
Remember, people with autism are people first!
We are doing the very best we can as a family and I depend on them to tell me what their needs are, not what I think it should be.
MOM of Jim and Tim
As an educator and Aunt of a wonderful little boy, who happens to be autistic, I have to agree with ZB, the father of newly diagnosed child. The tone of the first few blogs is hateful. Everyone is intitled to express thier views, but not at the expanse of someone else.
Autism at first diagnosis feels like a blow to the face. Ingnorance causes us to fear what we do not understand. Initially, as a family, we focused on the things that that he (nephew) would not be able to do. Then, we learned that nothing is for sure. Every single day my nephew changes, grows. We see regression sure, but we see and focus on advancement. My nephew is lucky in that his advancements outnumber his regressions.
Would I trade in my nephew for a non-autistic child - NEVER. Do I want to know what caused this, or what other families can do to prevent or hesitate this condition - YES, IMMEDIATELY - IF NOT SOONER.
Any show that brings awareness, whether I agree with the views or not, is a step in the direction of other families becoming more aware.
Awareness is overdone.
Time for acceptance. This is 20 steps backwards in acceptance.
And maybe yall should put your kids in Jason’s shoes: being on a show with 4 adults who consider him defective.
Happy friggin valentines day to him, huh? It’s too bad you refuse to see truth because it isn’t “nice”.
Kassiane and others - I honestly think the Larry King folks are doing their best to include a broad range of people with or coping with autism… and to include positive and accepting role models as well as “curebie” perspectives.
It’ll be interesting to see whether they succeed in this, of course - and that’s a whole other issue. I have no idea what Jason’s take is on all this - whether he feels that he’s perceived as “defective” or heroic… maybe he’ll speak up on this on the show?
Bottom line, though, this being Valentines day… I hate to have people leave the site because they feel overwhelmed by anger and disputation. Parents new to autism don’t really know a thing about the politics of autism, and I’d like them to have a chance to get their feet back on the ground before having to take sides!
Best,
Lisa
So who on that list accepts autism?
*hears the silence*
Mhm.
Tell Larry King to sit in the corner, k? He’s the one who wouldnt know a balanced panel if it bit him in the ass.
Its so sad to see adults at each other throats about a subject that effects each and everyone of you. All of your kids are special, no matter what diagnoses they have been given. Im with Lisa, all the show is doing is showing a different side. In one blog ppl were complaining about the “Rain Man” perspective…ok…so not all kids that suffer with autism have those special abilities…but they all have at least SOMETHING that makes them unique. So whats wrong with them showing ordinary ppl…forget that they are celebrities…their kids arent…they’re still special. I think it would be cool if you all sat down with your children and allowed them to watch…let them see someone who is just like them doing different things. I dont know that much about autism or autistic kids…but I’m a father and I know that encouraging your child to be the best at what they can do can be more helpful than anything. Just look at your beautiful kids and stop downing everything that’s related to them that YOU think is negative. Just my opinion.
I don’t think there’s yet enough awareness. Not when I still hear ‘Huh?’ when I say the word. Not when children are still in schools and their peers say ‘Huh?’.
Jason did not have to accept the invitation to the show, and I would think his loving parents have prepared him for this and what to expect the best they can. I think it’s great he accepted to be on this show. The rest of the guests are all related to the autism community, like it or not. They have a right to hope for and work towards any goal that they want.
All parents around the world all would like things for their kids. Acceptance really is already being aware and offering their children things to help them. It simply is not as simple as acceptance alone. It’s much more than that and as a parent, we must all strive for more than that or our kids would never make it in school, in the community or home. If we all just accepted our children without offering anything else, we’d be doing our kids no good. Not any one of us needs another to tell us what is best for our kids, and that’s probably not what this show will be about so why each topic has to turn into that is quite sad in itself. It really has no constructiveness at all or anything to learn, and at one time this wonderful blog was plum full of people who had a common goal: autism and how it affects our loved one or someone we know. Points can also be better listened to when bad language isn’t used. My child often sits with me while I’m at my computer and the last thing I’d want him to see is a trusted site with swearing on it.
If this is how comments end up after every single show on TV, I can imagine no one will want to participate. Many new parents who once came here who are ready in shock will be even more shocked.
“The heartbreak …and hope of autism. Jason “J-Mac” McElwain inspired the world with his incredible shot-making at a high school basketball game. Larry talks to the teen and others about the disorder. Holly Robinson Peete, Doug Flutie and Toni Braxton join the discussion to bust myths and present breakthroughs. It’s an uplifting hour with those who know!
http://www.cnn.com:80/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/ ”
What’s the big deal? It’s sounds great to me!
Kassiane - How does one not accept Autism, and not want to learn more. If watching any program, reading any article, talking to any one else effected or linked in some way to Autism is not accepting it, than what is?
Autism is still a mystery in that it effects every child/person differently. If I know of a treatment or theory that will make the life of a child better - happier - (with or without Autism) than why would I not want to consider it.
Watch the show - or don’t watch the show. That is your decision. I do not get CNN so I have made arrangements to see it at a family members home. I will be watching because I want to know what others have to say - how they are helping their children live the best life possible.
Hi Kassiane, KUDOS to you!
Hear me?? I accept autism!!
There is A LOT of autism awareness out there, and not enough is said about postive treatments and interventions. Not enough said about, “how are they doing?”, Not enough said about those wonderful educators who work with our kids, like OT’s, SLP’s, PT’s, etc.
There isn’t enough appreciation being displayed towards our kids.
Most families today, do have an autism connection out there and everyone IS affected.
Kassiane, it’s time for acceptance!! Autism is here and it’s here to stay!
I think the neurotypicals need more intervention than our kids because they are still not getting it..
It’s important for our kids to accept who they are and be comfortable in their own skin and STOP the people from treating them as if they were broken and needing fixing!!!
Acceptance does not mean to give up!
Acceptance does not mean to stop striving for your child to be all that they can be, but accept how they learn and understand that they have limits, too!
Mom of 2 boys with Autism
(accepting parent)
AWARENESS is only critical if it propels ACTION! Whether Larry King’s invitation to parents of autism is “sensational” remains to be seen.
It is clear that all comments regarding the portrayal of autsim on Larry King or other shows, remain heated and emotional.
The root of all emotion is passion, in this case,about autism. We are passionate about our children and how they are accepted in this world.
Acceptance should not be catapulted by scoring basketball points. It should be a moral obligation for every man, woman, and child, whatever their strength or weakness.
I can’t see the larry king show. In the 10 years that I have been personally connected to autism through my son, or even longer if I am on the spectrum too, I have always applauded those celebrities, actors, sportsmen and others - especially if they are also parents of autistic children - that have stood up to be counted on the Autism awareness front. Regardless of whether they are supporting CAN, DAN, Autism Speaks or the local parents support group ‘down your way’, they deserve some credit for getting up there. I don’t agree with everything that is said, or with all the differing organisations, but some people doing ’something’ is better than not doing anything.
Of course the blog entries are offensive. Newbies — meet the neurodiverse community. Those individuals with autism who love to chastise and berate parents who are trying to help their children.
Like anyone with autism, they lack empathy and perspective-taking, which is why they are so offensive in their style of communication. It’s the disorder.
So take it with a grain of salt because it’s coming from people without the capacity to understand others.
Alittle disappointed by McCain getting the attention of Larry King instead of the show that was suppose to go on. Im glad that they are showing it on February 28. http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/
Lisa Jo, I watched the show yesterday Feb 27th and whether it was a rerun or not, It was uplifting! Every part of it! My son is a high functioning autistic who lives independently, works and even can drive. He was profoundly autistic till 9 and couldn’t even talk!
I’m currently in a school that has a student with Autism. I don’t know his exact age but I know that he’s in his 20’s. Everyone at my school picks on him behind his back and laughs about the way he tries to understand what is beigh taught to him. I’m in a horse school in West Virginia.
What’s worse is there’s a riding instructor who puts him down in her class all the time. And he’s not the only one she picks on.
She finds the ones with the weakest minds and cuts them down as much and as often as she can.
She’ll say things like: “You make me sick every time I see you ride”. “You’re nothing but a waste of my time in my class”.
I’m trying to find information on the effects negativity has on people with Autism. But I’m not having much luck. I’m working on writing up a paper that explains his condition more detailed and how badly he’s being affected by the way he’s being treated. Then I want to to put a copy in all of his instructors mail boxes (with his permission) so they lay off of him. And try more positive redirection and reinforcment rather than negative verbal abuse. Him being a vulnerable adult and being treated the way he is here is highly illegal, but when ever anyone tries to bring it up to the School advisor about the way this particular instructor treats her students it get’s thrown on the back burner and forgotten about.
If there is anyone out there who can help me find some information about the different ways positive and negative criticism affects someone with Autism I would be most appreciative. Thank you so much!