Plenty to choose from, here is what I jotted down today, bits and pieces that made me cringe (or at times, laugh even):
- Lou Dobbs referring to autism as a "rapidly advancing and spreading disease." Was he confused, perhaps he thought it was the eighties and the topic was A.I.D.S.? Autism isn't spread, Mr. Dobbs, it is not contagious.
- On their commercial for today's programming, that families (with autistic children) wonder if friends will ever think we are normal. I've never worried if anyone thought I was normal, and surely these days, I don't have much time to be concerned with what people are thinking about me.
- That autism "tears families apart" from Larry King's intro.
- Autism referred to as a "dreadful disease" by Larry King
- "This debate is over. Vaccines can trigger autism." David Kirby says he's confirmed it, so it MUST be true.
- "The tide has come in." From Jenny, claiming the CDC is "softening" and realizing that vaccines do cause autism. Can we say reaching?
- Viruses & environmental triggers cause autism, with vaccines most to blame, according to Jenny. Um, so no genetic cases? I'm scratching my head, trying to figure this one out. She essentially denied any genetic instances of autism occurring. I'd love to send her my child's medical records, and perhaps she can tell me what trigger "gave" my child autism.
- Jenny suggests immune tests. Test infants for immune system issues? Would most of these actually show up at birth? Would any of this actually do anything to prevent autism?
- Jim Carrey adding anything to this discussion.
- Jenny bringing up the Amish. Perhaps she should look here, here or here, and realize that autism is in the Amish community, or here where a genetic link has been found, in the Amish community. This disorder features seizures followed by regression, with onset at 14-16 months. Oh, wait, it sounds like Jenny is trying to say that autism is never genetic. So perhaps these Amish children, and my child don't have autism?
- Jenny raising her voice, cursing at, and interrupting two respected physicians.
- Dr. Jay Gordon insisting that the vaccines "disordered" Hanna Poling's mitochondria. Funny that I don't recall the government ever stating that, nor is is there any proven evidence to support such a statement.
- Jenny repeatedly bashing the CDC, saying that Julie Gerberding will "eat her words," and soon admit that the government is poisoning children via vaccines.
- Kirby going silent once the doctors joined the group. Hmm...
This Way of Life
"Autism is a way of being. It is pervasive; it colors every experience, every sensation, perception, thought, emotion, and encounter, every aspect of existence. It is not possible to separate the autism from the person."
- Jim Sinclair
7 comments:
Larry King gave more time the histrionic ramblings of a self proclaimed autism expert than to the actual experts. I am disgusted.
I really wanted to learn something from this program and all I got was a bunch of wind from a woman who can't stand to let the debate happen. There was a debate to be had - too bad for all of us she is too immature to attend such a debate. We do need to discuss what is happening and what she did was stop anyone from getting out full sentences.
If you are interested in her other self-proclaimed expertise - visit her site indigomoms.com - about how her child has a special aura and is part of an evolved group of children . . .
To paraphrase a comment I made yesterday on my own blog, that wasn't a debate; that was a shouting match.
Quite a shame, really.
Anon:
I hear ya, I'd have loved an accurate and respectable debate. As a woman, and as a mother of an autistic child, I was embarrassed to watch how she carried herself. Last night was a big shame, a whole hour wasted. I have seen her indigomoms site...OH BOY!!!
codeman38:
A shouting match indeed, mostly one-sided, which is bizarre. I still can't believe she yelled out "bulls**t" to the two doctors. CLASS ACT. Yeah...
McCarthy does more to discredit the anti-vaccine movement all be her lonesome than a thousand evidence-based bloggers ever could. Let her talk. Let her have her own show - The Jenny McCarthy Hour of Mom Power. Sponsored by Lipitor.
Thank God CNN and Larry King gave autism some coverage. In case you haven't noticed, our families are desperate for answers. I am so happy Jenny McCarthy is standing up for families with children with autism, it is a truly selfless act, because her child is already recovered.
Thank you for echoing my own sentiments about the Lou Dobbs piece. it was such a short piece and yet it did so much to uneducate, misrepresent and spread fear about Autism. I crossed this blog as I was searching for more information to help complete my letter to CNN/Lou Dobbs.
autismnewsbeat: Right on!! You are right, I only hope that the public realizes she isn't speaking for the rest of us! What a train wreck...
elizabeth: I respectfully disagree. While I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of positive pieces on autism and especially on autistic adults, I do not want anyone to think that Jenny McCarthy speaks for me. It is a shame that she has a public forum, and is doing NOTHING to help adult autistics. I have more fear and concern for when my child turns 18 than I have had or will ever have about vaccines.
anne: Thank you. I'm glad to hear you are writing a letter, it is irresponsible journalism that must be kept in check.
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