Palin and Autism - Share What You Know, What You Want to Know
Sunday September 7, 2008
Today's New York Times features a story about Vice Presidential hopeful Sarah Palin and her possible advocacy for families with special needs:
Gov. Sarah Palin directed an emotional appeal to the hearts of millions of parents with children who have special needs, promising they would “have a friend and advocate in the White House” in a McCain-Palin administration.Here, in fact, are Palin's words from her convention speech:
You know, from the inside, no family ever seems typical, and that’s how it is with us. Our family has the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys, sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a very, very special love. To the families of special needs — (cheers, applause) — to the families of special needs children all across this country, I have a message for you. For years, you’ve sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. And I pledge to you that if we’re elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.So far, though, information about Palin and special needs is a bit sparse and contradictory. On the one hand, she's signed progressive legislation; on the other hand, the state of Alaska is not known for its focus on special needs (in fact, there are law suits pending on the issue). The autism community has been eager to learn more about Palin's specific ideas - but while there are plenty of questions being asked, there are few answers to be had as of yet.
Age of Autism Mark Blaxill, for example, wants to know how Palin will vaccinate her son, Trig, born with Down Syndrome.
Over at WrongPlanet, there's an "open letter" to Palin from the autism advocacy community.
Canadian Harold Doherty has a long piece on Palin, raising interesting questions and concerns.
John McCain's own website has a small page on autism advocacy, but so far there's no mention of Gov. Palin on that page.
If you know more about Gov. Palin and her stand on special needs and autism (I know some readers are actually living in Alaska), please let us know what you know. And, as always, if you have opinions you'd like to share on Palin and special needs - please join the conversation!
Comments
I seen on the news Palin knew her baby had down syndrome and hid that from her whole family other than her hubby. I they also said she hid her pregnancy from the public. I also don’t think her medical choices for her child has to be public.
I don’t put too much stock in hopeful elects promises. Alaska itself lacks in services for those with autism and I’m not sure this hopeful will keep any promises. I think she’s just going after a population that wants change in order to gain a vote.
McCain also mentioned autism in his acceptance speech.
Bill and Hillary mentioned autism in their speeches too. It seems to be hot on the pander-list. I put no stock in any party these days, but it will be nice to see autism getting some more attention this time around.
From what I’ve read Mrs. Palin didn’t think much about special needs prior to Trig, but I am sure that applies to a lot of us.
My blog addresses many of these points.
Blaxill asks if Palin will give Trig “the recommended mercury-containing flu shot when his next well baby visit arises,” apparently unaware that thimerosal-free versions of the flu are widely available for infants. But hey, Blaxill is also unaware it’s called “Down Syndrome”, not “Down’s”.
Palin is such a hypocrite! She obviously cares more about herself than her children. Let’s face it! She is using this poor little baby to get some votes — how sick is that? She should be ashamed of herself. I think this woman will use her autistic child, her pregnant teen daughter and anyone else she can to get where she wants to go. I know mothers with autistic children and they are 24/7 involved and they would never parade a baby for political use the way Palin has done. She completely disgusts me! I am a Republican but I can assure you that I will never vote for McCain as a result of Palin
Amen, Holly. Palin says her son is a “gift from God.” But God made that gift to her and her husband, not to the various therapists and nannies she will hire to raise her kid. I’m a passionate feminist, but Sarah Palin made a commitment when she had that baby. And there is no way she can live up to that commitment and be vice-president. As the mother of two autistic sons, I know that it takes an incredible amount of time, energy and sacrifice to do what’s best for a special-needs child. Apparently, Palin can’t put aside her ambition long enough to do what’s best for her family.
Hi webmaster!
For one, Palin’s son has Down’s Syndrome, not autism. If she were a man, no one would be commenting on her ability to care for this child. If I had the money, I too would hire every person I could to help my autistic son, while I work FULL time. Get a grip America, just because she’s a woman running for office she’s a bad person for it because she has a family. You know, DAD can certainly help care for this child too!!!
Is it possible that John Mc Cain is the father of Sarah Palin’s Down Syndrome baby
We all make choices, how can Palin serve our country and give her all when she should be expected to drop everything at a moment’s notice to put her family first…and from the make-up of her family don’t you see that happening at some point??
Look at Conde Rice, she’s not married and has no children. As Sec’y of State she clearly gives 100% without a doubt to our country and has sacrificed marriage and family to do so. Say what you want, but to be the best sometimes you can’t have it all.
Exactly Jodi. I keep wondering why Autism is mentioned in association with Palin’s son. He has Down’s Syndrome. I understand that this makes it likely that he may ALSO end up being Autistic, but in my view, that will only be one of the disabilities he’ll have. It makes me wonder if the McCain/Palin camp is exploiting the fact that Autism diagnosis are on the rise and thus it’s a hot topic. So, they’ve conveniently switched diagnoses so they can ‘relate to the people’. I could be wrong, but this is my gut feeling.
Don’t worry too much Kate. Hopefully they won’t be elected.
Sarah Palin’s nephew is autistic. He is the son of her sister Heather. Her family is very close. So, she knows the challenges of autism.
Besides the mercury theory….Old female eggs and old sperm are being studied for the cause of Autism. How many amniosentisis(sp) procedures are administered to pregnant women over 35???? I am pretty sure intelligent couples know the risks of these pregnancies. Palin must of had one. Why did the superior being give human beings the intelliegence to develop pretnatal tests and give us a choice. I wonder which one of her many children will take in her son when he is 35 years old.
I have written a blog about my views of Sarh Palin in this role of autism advocate. I think these are points that all parents of kids with Autism should consider before voting.
My link was not displayed, but you can paste it.
http://hubpages.com/hub/5-Reasons-Why-Sarah-Palin-does-NOT-Represent-This-Special-Needs-Family
You all realize that in Gov Palin’s speech on autism she cruelly mocked fruit fly research which has been one of the cornerstones in helping us understand autism? Why do we want an administration that doesn’t understand the fundamentals of what they claim to hold dear?
Governor Palin is perhaps not among the most eloquent of speakers, but I remain unconvinced that she is the bumbling idiot that U.S. media would make her out to be. Failing to grasp the importance of (sometimes governmentally-funded) research is nearly unforgivable however. Of what benefit are federal research grants if the knowledge gained from such research is not understood or applied by our elected officials?
UH4L, Naresh. UH4L.