I hear Jenny McCarthy's argument and understand that some parents may really truly believe that the vaccines given to their child may be the cause behind their autism....and maybe toxins in the vaccines or in their child's environment triggered the signs of their child's autism (there's not enough research to prove or disprove this)....but you can't deny the facts....you can't ignore the research done, the genetic proof that science has discovered....and maybe these "triggers" are God's way of opening up a parent's eyes to their child's autism....they've proven that the earlier the therapy, the better.
And I guess it's easy for me to not jump on the "vaccines caused autism" band wagon (please read my note below regarding this)....for us, there really never was an overnight manifestation of Jaden's autism like some parents say they experience. Jaden was autistic from day one - I recognize that now....he was always such an easy, mellow, go-with-the-flow baby....stuck to a strict routine (yet, was easily distracted)....I thought I had gotten super lucky - this mama stuff is a breeze! How much easier can it get?!
But we've been watching some old home movies recently that I hadn't looked at for some time....and I see the signs plain as day now. And as Jaden got older, things weren't so easy....the speech delays became really apparent - I, in fact, became Jaden's translator (and this is how our whole discovery of Jaden's autism began...the speech delays caused us to have Jaden evaluated at a developmental clinic, get him in speech therapy, etc....it wasn't until Jaden started school and we could see him in learning mode that we were able to nail it down to autism/asperger's).....he would constantly wander off, wanting to tell everyone (even strangers) about his bat (he toted around/slept with a plastic bat for about 3 years) or introduce them to his imaginary friends. He was always preoccupied with his own world, not so interested in what we were trying to talk to him about. Back then, they were just Jaden's quirks....and things I thought every mother of a 2/3/4year old boy dealt with. Now, I watch these videos and see Jaden's version of hand flapping - he didn't flap, he would move/bend/scrunch his fingers a lot....I see that our moments of true eye contact with him were few and far between.....I see his constant scripting - something I thought he just had a nack at - maybe he'll be an actor, I thought....his complete obsession with animals....his wonderful artistic ability.....the way he'd line up his toys/blocks in a perfect row, clear across the house.....the many, many signs - signs, that after learning more about autism/asperger's, i recognize clearly now.
This just confirms for me that we're moving in the right direction....that maybe we didn't see it as early as we could have, but we recognize it now - and that's a whole lot earlier than some. It's amazing to watch these videos from 2004 & 2005 and see Jaden's progress.....he's totally different kid now! Of course, Jaden still does the scripting, and he still wants to talk to everyone he meets.....he still LOVES animals and is an amazing artist! I don't want those things to change - but Jaden knows what is & isn't appropriate now. Me saying, "Jaden, we're not talking about Home Alone right now. We're doing your homework." completely reels him back in and he's able to focus on the task at hand. Reminding him that we don't talk to strangers, is enough to keep him by my side at the grocery store.
The whole point of April being Autism Awareness Month is to gain more Autism Acceptance. Help us to protect our children's fundamental right to be autistic and treated with respect.
The whole point of April being Autism Awareness Month is to gain more Autism Acceptance. Help us to protect our children's fundamental right to be autistic and treated with respect.
Like Estee, I don't see autism/asperger's as an "ugly disease" or "epidemic infecting our children"....and I don't think Jaden needs to be "cured"....I see Jaden for Jaden - beautifully and wonderfully made by God!
*the autism-vaccine controversy side note....
read on Estee's blog about Kathleen Seidel & her being subpoenaed in a trial she has absolutely no involvement with....simply blogging her research has landed her a subpoena to appear in court for deposition & to produce all documentation regarding her website....she's fighting this - she's a smart lady who knows her rights....but really, what is this world coming to?!
*one other note - fellow bloggers, the Kirtons, were on this special as well....they weren't thrilled about how they were portrayed but were thankful for the opportunity to appear and get the word out
2 comments:
So well put. I love how you have embraced Jaden for the wonderful boy that he is and loving EVERY thing about him. True unconditional love. Sounds like you are so knowledgeable about this whole topic. Thanks for sharing current research and news on this topic so I too can stay informed!
Thanks for commenting on the Seidel subpoena.
I am one of the 100+ bloggers mentioned in item 5 of the subpoena.
I am keeping a running list of responses to the Seidel subpoena at I Speak of Dreams. I've added your blog.
Post a Comment