yesterday, a friend posted a link to this blog post on his Facebook page...i read it & was unbelievably touched - so proud of "Sarah" & how she stood up for "Boo"...the post has gone viral & this awesome mom was even interviewed on CNN this morning
all i have to say is...THIS is how we all should parent our children!
this post was written by autistic college student, Cale...posted on his unbelievably interesting blog, Spectrum Siblings...i really like what he had to say, so i'm posting it here...
So, as you are all probably aware, April is autism awareness month. And if you ever leave your home, you’ll probably find flyers hung up just about everywhere broadcasting things like:
Autism affects as many as 1 in 150 children and 1 in 94 boys
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, & AIDS combined
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
Autism has no cure!
There will mostly likely be a collection of exclamation points after each line, and possibly the web address for Autism Speaks. No doubt there will be a puzzle piece or perhaps several on the flyer. But all this scaremongering does little to actually help autistics or the individuals who care for them. Sure, they’re raising awareness, but not all publicity is good publicity.
If you are thinking about hanging up an autism awareness flyer, here are some things you might want to write instead:
There are autistic people employed in every imaginable profession.
Autism is not a synonym for stupid or retarded. In fact, many autistics have average IQ’s, and some have IQ’s far above the normal range.
Autistics fall in love, get married, and even have children.
With proper support, most autistic adults can live independent or semi-independent lives. However, the majority of states have little to no support for autistics above the age of 18.
Autism is incurable. But when asked, many autistics respond that they do not want to be cured.
Autistic children have a profound effect on their families. Their siblings are more empathetic, nurturing, and accepting of other’s differences than their peers. Their parents learn to enjoy life’s small joys, and celebrate each new development.
Although their expression may be atypical, autistics can still feel emotions. Autistic or not, it hurts when someone stares at you, calls you names, or belittles your existence.
Let’s get the ball rolling on changing the public’s opinion of autism.
i've noticed something on my morning drive lately...
depending on what time i leave in the mornings, i get stuck behind a few school buses here & there on my commute...sometimes, i'm only trapped for a stop or 2...sometimes, i have to ride behind a bus for what seems like their entire route
& i've discovered something...
kids are slow & disrespectful these days!
now, don't get me wrong...i totally get that on cold/wet mornings, you want your mom or dad out at the stop with you - letting you hang out in their warm vehicle until the bus arrives...i'm not talking about those situations...i'm also not talking about kindergartners or even elementary school kids for that matter!
i'm talking about a beautiful 50-65 degree morning...not a cloud in the sky...the birds are chirping & the sun is shining
i'm talking about middle schoolers & high schoolers...kids old enough to have a stinking job for goodness sake!
i sit behind the school bus some mornings & witness said teenager, waiting until the bus has shown up at their stop...it has to come to a complete stop outside their house...lights flashing, stop sign out so that traffic coming both ways knows to stop & wait for children to board
THEN, at that moment (& not a minute earlier - i mean that bus has to be sitting & waiting dammit!), said teenager will emerge from their home...they will nonchalantly make their way down their front steps...cooly stroll across their front yard...maybe adjust their backpack, or take their time zipping up their jacket in the process...then stop at the edge of the road & look up at the bus driver to make sure they've got the go ahead to cross...then s. l. o. w. l. y. they'll make their way across the road...taking their time to make sure all eyes are on them...maybe even eyeball a commuter or 2 as if to say, "you in a hurry dude? tough bro. cause i'm not."
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
does anyone else want to slap today's youth sometimes?!
i mean seriously, what the hell is the hold up?! if i had pulled some shit like that when i rode the bus back in the day, one of 2 things would have happened...
1 - my mom woulda slapped the snot outta me for being so slow & disrespectful of others' time!
or
2 - my bus driver would said screw this & pulled off, leaving my slow & disrespectful ass at the bus stop!
seriously, what's up with kids today?!
if it isn't the clothes (or lack there of)...or the attitude...or the constant freaking texting!!! it's just blatant laziness & disrespect!
ugh.
ok, thx for listening...i'm done...i'll go lay down now...& when i get up from my nap, i'll watch Wheel of Fortune* with the volume turned up really loud...then i'll drink some Metamucil before my dinner time at 4:30pm...cause yeah, i get it - i guess i'm turning into an old fart! ~lol~
*don't laugh - i really watch that in the evenings sometimes...now that the only channel we get is NBC! ~lol~
yesterday, i went with Gabrielle & her 1st grade class on a field trip 2 the Luray Zoo
the bus ride was a long & bumpy 1...& of course Gabby picked a seat in the back - the bumpiest in the house! ~lol~
these BFF's played lots of hand slap games & were just being plain sweet the whole trip up
the class lined up 4 a pic when we arrived
there were lots of animals 2 see...monkeys, a tiger, all kinds of birds, wallaby's...
lemurs (or King Julian 2 most of the kiddos - u'll know what i'm talking about if u've seen Madagascar), a porcupine, a bobcat & a lynx...
there's a petting zoo section with goats, donkeys, a camel, yaks, deer...u can buy pellets & totally overfeed all those animals ~lol~
inside is the reptile center...all kinds of snakes, lizards, turtles & frogs...even 2 gators & an alligator turtle that they guess is 190 years old (it's 190lbs!)
we went back outside 4 a small show & demonstration...1st we saw the difference between a baby rat snake & full grown 1...then they brought out an armadillo that was born in the zoo
fun fact that we learned - armadillos can hold off on having their babies if the time isn't right 4 them - for up to 5 years! they also always have 4 babies - & they're always the same sex...either 4 boys or 4 girls - always!
the kiddos had a blast on this trip...they really enjoyed checking out all the animals!
on the way home, Gabby immediately went 2 sleep on me...she was a little teary too - she wanted me 2 stay & have lunch with her once they got back 2 school, but i had 2 get 2 work...so i chucked it up 2 her being upset about that...but it turns out she was trying 2 get sick!
Curtis called after picking the kiddos up from after-school care, saying Gabby was complaining she didn't feel good...by the time i got home, she was asleep in bed & felt a little warm...i woke her up 4 dinner, but she wasn't interested at all...she slept on thru the rest of the night, then woke up at 4am vomiting...she still felt a little warm when i left her home with daddy this morn, but she was back sleeping again
Jaden also went 2 bed with a migraine last night & Corinn said she "didn't feel well"...but i'm hoping it's all totally unrelated (& that Corinn is just wanting some attention too) & that this isn't the beginning of some virus or the flu!
say a prayer 4 us...that the sickies run their course thru Gab quickly & that they're then gone from our house completely!
thx lovelies!!! ♥
*side note about the zoo:
2 b honest, i struggled with the whole visit...i totally appreciate that this is a rescue zoo & that these exotic animals were once abused or not taken care of - that they're giving them a better life...but it's really hard 4 me 2 see these animals in little 4x4' pens or being fed pellet after pellet as field trip crews come in & out...some have barely enough room 2 walk/turn around in their cage, let alone run & feel free like an animal should
i don't know, maybe i'm not seeing the whole situation...maybe there's tons of room in the back somewhere & they do make sure the animals get plenty of exercise...they seem like nice people that genuinely care 4 the animals...i just felt sad touring the place :0(
how do you think it would make you feel if you were Autistic?
yeah, i think the ending part about family always being there, supporting their Autistic child, is great...but seriously - what is this video trying to say?
the same thing Autism Speaks has always been about...finding a "cure" for this horrible "disease"..."fixing" our Autistic kiddos - making them "normal"...finding out what causes Autism so that we can stop other Autistics from ever being born!
say what?!
i posted a video last week that was made in response to the current Autism conversation going on in the media...there's even a group on Facebook called Autistics against Autism Speaks (which i'm a proud member of)...tons of the blogsi read on aregular basis (who's authors also happen to be Autistic themselves) have weighed in on the topic
i've never been a supporter of Autism Speaks...other advocate moms clued me in to their nonsense in the very beginning...here's some reasons why:
-Despite claiming to be a non-profit charity, many employees and execs at Autism Speaks are payed over $100,000 a year - some as high as $600,000 a year!
-Autism Speaks does not have even one Autistic person on the board of directors or even employ one Autistic person, they have said this is because it would be "inappropriate"
-Prenatal testing (which Autism Speaks support and fund) will KILL many Autistic people, despite the fact the greatest minds in the world where thought to be Autistic (the majority of people on the Autism spectrum do not want a cure or prenatal testing)
-Autism Speaks have sued many Autistic teenagers for doing nothing more then expressing their views or parodying the Autism Speaks website
-Autism Speaks tells people that Autism is a horrible disease which must be cured, and basically refuse to acknowledge the existence of high-functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
-Very little money donated to Autism Speaks goes towards helping Autistic people & their families: according to their 2008 annual report, only 4% of their budget goes towards the "Family Services" grants
-While the bulk of Autism Speaks’ budget (65%) goes toward genetic and biomedical research, only a small minority of Autism Speaks’ research budget goes towards research oriented around improving services, supports, treatments and educational methodologies, with most funding going towards basic research oriented around causation and genetic research, including the prospect of prenatal testing
it makes me sad to know that some big name celebs are supporting this "charity"...& probably don't even really know what exactly they're supporting...i wish they'd read this & read this before signing up...before they endorse Autism Speaks 1 more second & gear any more parents to newly diagnosed Autistic children down that sad, lonely & misinformed path
ps. thx 4 being patient with me & my lack of posts lately...on top of our every day busy lives, we're making the big move this weekend...hopefully this rain will go away & make our job a lot easier! i'll b back with some pics & posts next week...have a FABULOUS weekend guys!!!
i had big plans 4 the kiddos' valentines this year...we were going 2 get crafty (at least us girls were - jaden LOVES to draw, but isn't big into getting "crafty")...but the week started slipping by - & i could tell, it probably wasn't going 2 happen this year
so tuesday night, we went by good ol' wally world on our way home from our nightly kiddo activities, & picked up the ever-so-popular themed/boxed valentines & candy
the kiddos were still psyched - they got 2 pick out their fav characters...corinn picked out hannah montana, gabby grabbed some bratz ones (ugh!) & jaden picked up kung fu panda & some cool hologramed dino ones (he has a HUGE after-school daycare class, on top of his 2nd grade class & resource rooms, so he needed 2 boxes)...they didn't really care that they wouldn't b giving out handmade cards
i still had plans 4 us 2 work on these each night - leading up 2 today, when they have their big parties...but as usual, our eves r jam packed & it just didn't happen
so last night, we nixed martial arts training (i was draggin' ass tired anyway) & went home 2 get em all busted out!
all 114 of them!
seriously! would i lie 2 you?!
including all classmates, daycare friends & teachers - the grand total was a whopping 114 valentines!
the girls made it thru theirs just fine...they only had 15-20 to do (each), & even tho they started complaining about the "hard work" as they neared the end of their lists, they managed 2 make it thru
jaden, on the other hand, made it about 1/2 way thru his 2nd grade class list & the frustration set in...i'd catch him staring at the same name 4 a few minutes & when i'd ask him what the hold up was, i'd get "i'm concentrating!" (his go 2 come-back when he's really just daydreaming or not wanting 2 move along with his work)...we battled some tears & made it thru a few more, b4 i finally took over...i began writing out all the friend's names & just had him sign his name on the rest...no concentration needed - just write "jaden" over & over! problem solved
then of course, i wasn't even going 2 begin trying 2 have all 3 help me tape the candy 2 the cards...so mama spent her thursday night ER watching time, doing that...& i swear, i didn't eat not even 1 piece of candy! ;0)
is it just me, or is this not excessive? what ever happened 2 working on valentines at school?! in elementary school, i remember decorating cute shoebox containers 2 collect our cards in...then we'd sit 2gether as a class throughout the week, & cut/paste/color/address...stick em in the boxes, then have our party on the big day
i know, i know - most ppl don't have 3 kiddos all around the same age, that need 2 bring in quite so many cards...& school is different now-a-days...there's so much curriculum 2 get 2, i'm sure the teachers would have a terrible time fitting in more crafts
& it is only once a year...but that's kinda my issue too...i want my kiddos 2 love & appreciate all that they have every day - their family & friends, their classmates & helpers at school...their health & happiness...their Heavenly Father, that showers down His blessings on us each & every day!
curtis & i have never been big in2 celebrating valentine's day...we both appreciate the love & admiration that we try 2 give each other on a regular basis (plus, who can find a sitter on VD anyway?!)...having my husband by my side, there 2 always lend a helping hand & b my rock - that speaks volumes, compared 2 some roses or chocolates on that one day a year!
regardless of how big or small u & ur loved ones celebrate 2moro - i hope u all have a FABULOUS valentine's day! take the time 2 show those special ppl in ur life that u love them...don't just say it with a card - show it!
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on a totally separate note, 2nite isjaden's sleep study...& boy, is he ever excited?! he woke up this morning saying "i'm so proud it's friday ma!" ;0)
he pestered me about letting him stay home from school 1st...then asked if i would pick him up from school, instead of him riding the bus 2 after-school daycare...luckily, i had that special VD party 2 fall back on (u know, his 2nd or 3rd one of the day?!) - he wouldn't want 2 miss that! but i reassured him that as soon as ma got home from work, we'd gather up our pj's & snacks & head over the mountain (or volcano, as jaden calls it - ever since our one trip in thick fog - u know, volcano smoke?!)
we'll check in2 the UVA sleep center around 8pm 2nite, then check out around 6am in the morning...i'm hoping it goes smoothly
jaden is super excited about: 1- taking a special trip with ma, that doesn't include the girls 2- getting 2 watch tv in bed until lights out time (he calls the tv on the arm that comes from the wall "auto pilot") 3- getting 2 sleep in a "huge" hospital bed that adjusts
ma is not excited about: 1- dealing with any issues jaden may have with the whole hook-up...he's prob going 2 b fine with the wires taped 2 his head, but i suspect he'll have trouble dealing with the oxygen monitors around his nose/mouth 2- sleeping on a sofa bed - nuff said! 3- driving 4 over an hour, over a mountain, in the dark, on friday the 13th 4- not waking up beside my hubby on valentine's day!
wish us luck!
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& on another separate note, i'm off work on monday - whoo hoo! & the best part? the kiddos have school!!! ~lol~ yep, i'll get 2 spend the 1st 1/2 of the day with my hubby, b4 he heads in2 work...kiddo free!
now, that's what i call a good VD gift! ;0)
i'll b back with my usual weekend recap post on monday or tuesday - have a great weekend friends!!!
i just got an email from my daughter's KINDERGARTEN teacher...i'm so angry at ignorant people & the shameful things they teach their innocent children!!!!!!!!!!
the email...
"I just wanted to let you know of an incident that occurred at lunch today just in case Gabby comes home mentioning it or asking any questions about what happened. One student called another student a "nigger." That student was dealt with and then apparently (since I was not there) Gabby asked another teacher what the word meant and why it was bad. The teacher just ended it by saying, it is a bad word and we don't say it."
i am soooo proud to be a part of this historical event!
i don't want to get into politics here, but i'm also not one to censor my feelings/opinions because of being afraid of what others will say/think
i come from a family FULL of republicans - my brother Joe & I are the black sheep of the family because we don't always vote republican - just to vote republican.....i also work with a TON of hard-core republicans.....shoot, my BFF is a republican!
i value each & everyone of my friends & families opinions!
and as i tell them... i am NOT a democrat!
there are things that Obama stands for, that i don't agree with
there are values & morals that McCain has, that i also have & support
but i don't vote for an individual, just because he/she is a democrat/republican....i vote for who i think will do what's best for this country....who i feel will work for the people & will do whatever it takes to turn this country around....and i think Obama will
i'm proud to say that i cast my vote for him!
and i have to admit, i'm surprised by the numbers...
51% of white America voted for Obama! 53% of households making $200,000 or more voted for Obama!
Curtis & i didn't really let the kids know who we would be voting for.....they'd talked about both candidates at school.....Jaden even got to participate in a mock election.....without having a clue who his parents would be voting for, he chose Obama - saying "i'm Barack Obama's biggest fan!" ~teehee~ (McCain won the school)
Gabby showed a lot of interest in the election - not so much on who we'd b voting for, she just wanted to know about the candidates....if they had kids, what their wives names were, where they live & how to spell their name ;0).....especially the night that Obama came to Harrisonburg - when we got home that night, Gab wanted to see a picture of Obama, and then of course of McCain too.....she so did not want to go to bed last night either - she begged to stay up & see who won....but i explained to her that it would b pretty late before we knew for sure....i was so tempted to wake her up once Obama was declared the winner, just to give her the news - but i didn't ;0)
it definitely was a close race if u look at the popular vote (which i wish we would - i don't agree with the whole electoral votes thing)....America is ready for change, ready to thrive again, ready to be proud of this country again!
and i'm excited to see what's in store for our future!
--- edited to say...thx to BC who posted this about this today well said!!!
I mentionedDanielle back in July when she was about to testify in front of the Joint Economic Committee in DC about the price gouging going on at Questcor, the manufacturer of Acthar Gel (ACTH) for infantile spasms (IS).
Please hop over there & show her your support. Just post a comment to say hi & let her know you're praying for her & her family.
She's currently going through a relapse of her son's IS - Trevor went 8 months seizure-free, after Danielle & her hubby fought to get his first 5 vials of the ACTH (at $25,000 a vial!!!). But they just found out last week that his seizures have returned. She's currently playing the waiting game AGAIN - for the vital drug from Questor, that's needed to stop Trevor's seizures.
No mother should have to go through this!
Hugs & Kisses Danielle! I can't stop thinking about & praying for your family! Love you girl! Sharon
and I agree with everything she said - so instead of trying to re-phrase what she's already said so very well, I've just included her comments here (in red, under this extremely thought-provoking video).
"Are you comfortable with your autistic child rocking, flapping, and displaying other "autistic" behaviors? I have always tried to let Samuel do these things (and I'm talking about rocking and flapping as well as scripting) as much as possible, but I will admit that as he gets older I am trying to develop the awareness in him that these behaviors are different and that it might be a good idea to do them in private if he can. I do this not because I want him to appear "normal" but because his stimming behaviors seem to get in the way of other things he needs to do. I'd gladly let Samuel rock his way through his school work, like Bill Gates was rocking in his meetings in this video. Right now, however, Samuel repeatedly tunes in and out of his work and his involvement with us as he scripts. I'm moving very slowly in talking to Samuel about this. As far as I'm concerned, I have his whole entire childhood (and maybe longer, if necessary) to educate him and help him learn to cope with life!
I appreciate the opinions that autistic people are making public about the importance of behaviors that convention has held as being "non-functional." That seems to not be the case. They ARE purposeful and functional and we parents should be careful when we try to limit them. We have so much to learn about autism. My gosh, we're still just coming out of the days when autistic people were thought merely to be mentally deficient. We're just beginning to understand that they have a different way of experiencing their surroundings and that they have a different way of learning. Let's be patient and try to understand them better before we go trying to change them in ways that are harmful!"
Since Jaden is high on the spectrum, his stimming isn't as noticeable or severe as what most people see as "autistic behavior". He scripts a LOT, & like Samuel, it sometimes distracts him from what he should be doing or working on. He also rocks or fidgets with his hands if he's nervous, stressed out or upset about something. I don't discourage him from doing these things - I recognize that this is how he copes. But I do try to get him to understand that sometimes, it's not the right time to be quoting his fav movie of the moment - that we're supposed to be working on homework, or paying attention to the Sunday sermon, etc.
And you know what? Just like the video pointed out, I stim too! I rock/sway back & forth when I'm nervous. Or I cross my legs & twitch my foot when things are busy/stressful at work. Why is it normal for me to do these things, but not acceptable for Jaden?
I don't pretend to understand autism fully & I know that there are sooooo many more things we're going to learn about Jaden's Asperger's. But I do know my son - and I know that regardless of how quirky he might appear to others, or how bizarre his coping techniques might be......I love him with all my heart & accept him for EVERYTHING that he is - beautifully & wonderfully made - a gift, a blessing...given to us by God! :0)
and for your viewing pleasure....some comic strip like drawings that my extremely artistic son made for me last night....you ought to click on them, to enlarge them - so you can check out his wonderful details (like his & the monster's eyes & facial expressions)
Jaden punching out a monster - then the monster learned his lesson & behaved ~teehee~ uh, oh - here's comes another one.....give him a karate kick!all he had to do was roar at the 2-headed monster & they started biting their fingernails, they were so scared! this monster is his friend....they were chatting, when they heard a loud noise & were startled.....so jaden whipped out his telescope to see what was going on ;0)
Today, ASAN and other organizations including The Autism Acceptance Project released Outrage over Michael Savage's Remarks Grow: ASA, UCP and The Arc and many others join the disability community's joint statement:
We, organizations representing people with disabilities, family members, professionals and other concerned citizens, are calling upon you to withdraw support for Talk Radio Networks in response to the outrageous comments by TRN personality Micahel Alan Weiner, also known as Michael Savage.
On July 16th, Weiner announced: "Now you want me to tell you my opinion on autism since I'm not talking about autism? A fraud, a racket...You know what autism is? I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 per cent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is. What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straigten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot."
These comments represent dangerous misinformation. The refusal by Talk Radio Networks to condemn the comments or undertake any steps in response to them, as well as Michael Savage's refusal to apologize, is absolutely unacceptable. The autism spectrum is a very real developmental disability affecting millions of Americans [and Canadians]. It includes a series of impairments in social interaction and communication, executive functioning, sensory processing, and motor skills. Adults and children on the autism spectrum often require substantial supports and services and education across the lifespan.
Comments like those on the Savage Nation do real damage to autistic people by increasing public ignorance and misinformation about autism, thereby putting at risk vital education supports and services. Contrary to the remarks by Mr. Weiner, there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that autism is over-diagnosed -- in face, research suggests that there is substantial under-identification of the autism spectrum, resulting in lack of vitally needed services and education. In addition, these remarks revive outdated and damaging misconceptions about the source of autism, recalling the "refridgerator mother" myth in which parents were blamed for having autistic children.
Talk Radio Network's sponsors must consider whether or not to associate with the hateful and offensive comments spoken by Michael Weiner. Because TRN has taken no action, we urge you to communicate the need for Mr. Weiner's immediate removal by withdrawing sponsorship for TRN's programming. There are over 50 million people with disabilities in the United States representing approximately $200 billion disposable income. We represent a market that cannot be ignored. By disassociating your businesses from the ignorant and hateful remarks made this past week and taking practical steps to help educate the public about the true nature of the autism spectrum with other disabilities, we can move forward towards creating a world that will recognize the rights of all people to respect, dignity,support and inclusion.
I wanted to 2nd what Shanna said & give my best wishes to our dear blogger friend Danielle! Danielle will be testifying tomorrow in front of a Joint Economic Committee in DC about the price gouging going on at Questcor, the manufacturer of Acthar Gel (ACTH) for infantile spasms. Read the article. And read about her invite to speak here.
I can't imagine what these mother's go through - having their tiny child riddled with seizures & not knowing how/if they can afford the meds that are so desperately needed to stop the them!
Shanna said it perfectly... "Thank goodness for strong people like Danielle Foltz giving the families affected by IS a voice. Please take the time to post a comment and show your support for Danielle and her tenacity in putting a stop to drug companies trying to profit at the expense of our children's health."
Thanks to Laa&Family for posting about this! I'm so happy to hear that FINALLY main stream media is talking about autism acceptance!
Good Morning America aired this story. I love Ari (a proud aspie) & all that he & this advocacy group are promoting.....see the tag on the side of my blog? CELEBRATE NEURODIVERSITY!!! (btw Dianne Sawyer, this isn't a new word ~lol~ but i'm glad that you and others are finally using it!)
As Ari says in this interview, "prejudice causes difficulties" & "anti-cure doesn't mean anti-progress". Let's stop wasting time/resources looking for a "cure" & let's start helping our children learn to be proud of who they are (and all that God has blessed them with)....teach them to face challenges throughout life, head on! just like parents of neurotypical children have to teach them.....life is challenging! for everyone! u rise to the challenge & be all that you can be.....ASD kids just might have to try a little harder or go at it a little differently
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i also really liked this article on about.com by Lisa Jo Rudy & wanted to share it...
A diagnosis of autism is not the end of love and hope. But media stories thrive on the most overwhelming and horrifying circumstances. Here are just a few of the myths perpetuated by TV, magazines and movies -- myths that, at least in my opinion, deserve to be blown away!
1. Autistic People Are All Alike
Myth: If I’ve met an autistic person (or seen the movie Rain Man), I have a good idea of what all autistic people are like.
Fact: Autistic people are as different from one another as they could be. The only elements that ALL autistic people seem to have in common are unusual difficulty with social communication.
2. Autistic People Don't Have Feelings
Myth: Autistic people cannot feel or express love or empathy.
Fact: Many -- in fact, most -- autistic people are extremely capable of feeling and expressing love, though sometimes in idiosyncratic ways! What's more, many autistic people are far more empathetic than the average person, though they may express their empathy in unusual ways.
3. Autistic People Don't Build Relationships
Myth: Autistic people cannot build solid relationships with others.
Fact: While it’s unlikely that an autistic child will be a cheerleader, it is very likely that they will have solid relationships with, at the very least, their closest family members. And many autistic people do build strong friendships through shared passionate interests. There are also plenty of autistic people who marry and have satisfying romantic relationships.
4. Autistic People Are a Danger to Society
Myth: Autistic people are dangerous.
Fact: Recent news reports of an individual with Asperger Syndrome committing violent acts have led to fears about violence and autism. While there are many autistic individuals who exhibit violent behaviors, those behaviors are almost always caused by frustration, physical and/or sensory overload, and similar issues. It’s very rare for an autistic person to act violently out of malice.
5. All Autistic People Are Savants
Myth: Autistic people have amazing “savant” abilities, such as extraordinary math skills or musical skills.
Fact: It is true that a relatively few autistic people are “savants.” These individuals have what are called “splinter skills” which relate only to one or two areas of extraordinary ability. By far the majority of autistic people, though, have ordinary or even less-than-ordinary skill sets.
6. Autistic People Have No Language Skills
Myth: Most autistic people are non-verbal or close to non-verbal.
Fact: Individuals with a classic autism diagnosis are sometimes non-verbal or nearly non-verbal. But the autism spectrum also includes extremely verbal individuals with very high reading skills. Diagnoses at the higher end of the spectrum are increasing much faster than diagnoses at the lower end of the spectrum.
7. Autistic People Can't Do Much of Anything
Myth: I shouldn’t expect much of an autistic person.
Fact: This is one myth that, in my opinion, truly injures our children. Autistic individuals can achieve great things -- but only if they're supported by people who believe in their potential. Autistic people are often the creative innovators in our midst. They see the world through a different lens -- and when their perspective is respected, they can change the world.
hate to be a downer this morning, but i've seen posts about this article on 2 other blogs now & practically bawled both times i read it.....my heart aches thinking about how this little boy must have felt - and how this might effect him & his relationships with others for the rest of his life!
one of the things that jaden says every night when we pray together is "thank you Jesus for making me special"
i will FOREVER teach my children to celebrate their differences....not to feel that they need to learn to fit in with others, but instead, to teach others about what makes them special.....to celebrate diversity & to show others that being different is a what it's all about.....that the fact that God made us each unique, one of a kind, different from ANYONE else - indicates we are wonderfully made!
To Each His Own
I cannot change the way I am, I never really try, God made me different and unique, I never ask him why. If I appear peculiar, There's nothing I can do, You must accept me as I am, As I've accepted you. God made a casting of each life, Then threw the mold away, Each child is different from the rest, Unlike as night from day. So often we will criticize, The things that others do, But, do you know, they do not think, The same as me and you. So God in all his wisdom, Who knows us all by name, He didn't want us to be bored, That's why we're not the same.
Even though I don't believe that vaccines had anything to do with Jaden's autism (read my blog about a chromosome abnormality that has been scientifically linked to autism), I do believe that there are parents out there, living this horror - they take their child to be vaccinated & they come home completely different - running high fevers, they quit speaking, quit making eye contact. And believe me, from now on, I will always checktheliststo see what vaccines do and do not contain toxins before my children receive ANY vaccine or flu shot (unfortunately, my kidshad received most of their vaccines before I had ever heard any of this).
Curtis & I would love to attend this rally to show our support, but since it's on a Wednesday, we can't get off of work to make the trip.
I do believe that regardless of whether or not vaccines "cause" autism, ALL toxins should be removed! Why are mercury,formaldehyde& aluminum (just to name a few) added as preservatives?! These vaccines are injected into our children!!! Any why is a 10lb. baby given the same dose of a polio vaccination that an adult would?! The whole "green our vaccine" concept is not just a movement to remove the toxins from ALL vaccines - it's also a movement to encourage parents to see a "green" doctor or a pediatrician that will arrange an alternate schedule for your child's vaccinations - "too many, too soon" is the slogan being used in this rally. We need more doctors that will work with our children on a case by case basis - weight, age, immune system deficiencies, etc. should all be factors in deciding which vaccinations your child should receive & when!
