Warning: This Is Nothing To Laugh At

If someone feels they are an Indigo and they believe in this concept, that is one thing. I don't agree, but who am I to judge? However, if your beliefs are in any way detrimental to children, I take issue. Major issue. Here is the start of my concerns over the Indigo concept.

From here, it is suggested that "vibrations" will interrupt seizures, among other startling claims:

From vibrations sounded mentally that will interrupt seizures and stabilize brain function to attitude adjustments which free mind and body from long-standing, stagnation-producing concepts to the mental and emotional state of the comatose, the research is astounding and deserves to be noted, explored, and utilized more widely.

This site offers ill-advice for a febrile seizure:

If a seizure occurs, keep your child upright if possible and make sure she is breathing well. Reassure her. If she vomits, turn her on her side.

As a mother of a child who has seizures, this is awful advice. We have always been told to immediately put our child on a safe, flat surface (it would be impossible, at least during my child's grand-mal/tonic-clonic seizures to sit her up). If she begins to vomit, we turn her slightly on her side so she doesn't choke. Here is what NINDS advises:

To prevent accidental injury, the child should be placed on a protected surface such as the floor or ground. The child should not be held or restrained during a convulsion. To prevent choking, the child should be placed on his or her side or stomach.

I fear that there may be children out there who are not being properly treated for seizures (thankfully, it seems Jenny does take her son's seizures seriously and he is treated medically for them, but others may not be so wise). It seems likely that a child diagnosed with ADHD, autism bipolar, etc. whose parents feel s/he is a Crystal, may not be afforded all available help or treatments. There are people who, despite the best efforts (at alternatives like talk therapy), they need antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. Without, they can be at risk for suicide or other negative outcomes.

As I read more into the Indigo concept, I couldn't help but draw even more similarities to Scientology. The dangers that have come from Scientology's stance against all things psychiatric have been widely, and tragically, documented. I came upon this, and it would seem that New Earth Magazine looks highly upon L. Ron Hubbard (founder of Scientology):

As an aside, L.Ron Hubbard of Scientology says that the more they can avoid the indoctrination of the school system, the better off they are in this world.

I think extreme caution has to be used when a group disregards medically-accepted diagnoses and treatments. They continually dispute scientific studies, promote conspiracy theories, and regurgitate the same information and sound bites over and over again. When this group storms Washington, D.C. and promotes an ongoing campaign to alter the (historically substantial and successful) vaccine system in the U.S., it is concerning. When this same group and its bombshell messenger employs tactics in an attempt to oust a government official, we need to take note. When they are given nearly free range on the media, to push their propaganda, we cannot sit idly by.

I've mentioned my concerns previously with regard to Ms. McCarthy and her message. Personally, I have nothing against her as a human being. I can relate to her, when she speaks of her son's seizures. However, the reality I face is that there is a startling lack of services for teen and adult autistics. My daughter is still rather young, and I do have time. However, I know plenty of other families and individuals who are in great need of those lacking services NOW. And, it's clear that unless major initiatives are made soon, we'll face the same issues with our daughter in a few years.

Jenny, despite what some will claim, has done nothing to further this effort. She continues the stigma that autistics have been "kidnapped" or her personal favorite, "hit by a bus." She focuses on recovery, telling the world she doesn't know of any adult autistics (so why bother creating any new programs?). Her loud cries that she would never vaccinate a child again and that she feels you should alter a proven vaccine program, is risky.

I worry for what the future will bring my child--will she have proper assistance? paths to independence? acceptance? And now I fear if I can protect her from outbreaks of whooping cough, measles, and the like. It's clear that this disturbing message will sink even further from my goals. We have no time to waste, to get programs created and funded for teen and adult autistics. This is all a huge distraction, one that unfortunately, all of the public is listening to.

You now know where this is headed. There is nothing funny here at all.

Today Autism & Recovery, Tomorrow Crystals & the New Earth

These previous writings have led to this. There has been talk amongst the autism community as to whether Jenny still believed her son was a crystal and she, an indigo. Her Indigo Moms website disappeared without explanation overnight. Many had wondered and assumed she had left these beliefs behind, and her focus was on autism recovery and vaccines.

Well, we now have an answer. As you learned from the previous entries, much of the Indigo/Crystal belief system revolves around the idea of over-diagnosis and overuse of medication with regard to Autism and ADHD. Not to mention messages from Kryon himself that say we give too many vaccines today. So, Jenny's new message actually isn't much different from her Indigo identity.

The Phoenix has another view on the Indigo thing. For those who have missed her Indigo Moms website, have no fear, it shall return soon. And, it seems, Jenny's next book is self-described as an "Indigo book." She is leading a movement alright. But perhaps not the same one that thousands (1,500-8,000 strong--depending on your source) of her "followers" believe in. It seems that her mission is to come out with the autism/recovery and anti-vaccine message first, and all of this will slowly lead into full-blown indoctrination of Indigos and Crystals.

To listen to this interview from The World Puja Network, you have to log-in to this site. It's a quick sign-up procedure. The show is called “CosmiKids' Inspired Parenting” with host, Sandie Sedgbeer. I have emphasized in bold the terms and words related to Indigos. The interview begins around roughly 26:00 minutes, it took place a couple of weeks prior to June 1, 2008 (it's air-date). The highlights (my rough summary and amateur transcripts):

JM: "I believe that without a doubt, Evan's vaccinations triggered his autism."

She then expands on other "triggers" of autism such as environmental mercury, pesticides, herpes, etc. Not surprisingly, zero mention of genetics. She clarifies with,

JM: "But the major one that's playing the biggest role right now are the vaccinations."

Talk continues on about the number of vaccines given compared to previous years. Discussion of the GFCF diet and supplements. Jenny says that sentences came after GFCF diet, recovery from autism (became "fully conversational" as she puts it) after treating her son's yeast issue.

JM: "It's like a ticking time bomb of you know and I...you know what a really good scenario is--is these kids,these kids with autism are really the canaries in the coal mine, you know, they're the ones that are showing us the effects of what is happening around us and they just happen to be more sensitive to it. And we can either take their warning and do what I did, and alter my lifestyle to a healthier one, or you can, you know, go down with the ship or be stuck in the mine with no oxygen. It's really them "tweet, tweeting" I keep saying. These are our canaries, and everyone needs take a look, listen to the messengers and let's start doing something about it."

We heard Jim Carrey declare the "canary in the coal mine" metaphor at the Green Our Vaccines (now also known perhaps as "Kryonize Our Vaccines") rally. Expanding on this generation of parents (the moms who follow their intuition and don't just sit around and let things happen to our children), Jenny says:

JM: "We're definitely the Indigos, you know, breaking down these walls so this, you know, New Earth behind us can happen."

I had honestly missed most of the "Indigo" language, until this point. I heard "Indigos" and was rather surprised at that. When I listened again to write it down, I heard "New Earth," but it didn't mean much to me, until I learned it's a part of Indigo (see Children of the New Earth) After the following statements, I looked into the Indigo "concept," and learned what those terms mean. Now realizing the significance of those words, it's clear that Jenny is still well-immersed in the Indigo/Crystal deal. At 45:34, this question is asked:

SS: "You mention the word Indigo. What happened to your Indigo Moms website?" JM: "You know I had to take that down and I was so sad to take it down, for a while anyways, it'll be coming back up. People got really confused because I was coming out with Evan's autism at the same time. And, they thought that I was healing Evan through Tarot cards instead of biomedical treatments.

So I realized I had to separate my messages and I had to take down one message which is the indigo and crystals, for now. I said, 'oh the world is getting confused with these two different paths,' you know. I consider them to be one. But people aren't quite there yet and I kinda had to, not lower my vibration, change my vibration to focusing on the world hearing that message. Hearing that biomedical treatment does help these kids.

And then, slowly, you know I can put it in my speeches. and then in my last book I talked about the indigos and crystals. And I'm just like, I'm really following source, kind of I felt the need to do that, I'm just kind of dribbling it here and there until people, you know, have that spiritual awakening of spirituality."

Either immediately after this statement, or later on, she reiterates this,

JM: "I was definitely feeling that from source."

When speaking about her new book, JM says:

JM: "It's really an Indigo book."

The interview ends with Jenny's message to the listeners:

JM: "The parents...the parents. It is time to take back your power. It's time to remember your power. Go within. Remember you have a voice. We are the seekers and doers of change and it is possible as long as you believe it. So join me in this collective awakening, in this new world, so we can have a perfect world for our kids."

And they call us radical? This last "rally cry" could just as easily be found on any Indigo site or message board. This same type of language and message are seen time and time again by the Indigo/Crystal believers.

So, I pose this question: How will the anti-vaccine group be altered once Jenny goes all-out with her Indigo message? Since it's apparent that Kryon and the Indigo concept is against most vaccines, at least that message will remain the same. But will the entire group get behind her, and also believe in the Indigos, Crystals, and Kryon? I wonder how many of those who follow the DAN! protocol and are against vaccines already believe their child is a Crystal?

Kryon On Vaccines

Yes, Kryon, the entity behind the Indigo child concept. Here is what he says, apparently having been channeled, on vaccines:

QUESTION: Dear Kryon: I've read and heard information for and against immunizing against various diseases, particularly those that affect children. Can you help me understand immunization? There are many options for immunization now. Are all necessary for children?

ANSWER: This is good science and was brought to you early so that you and your children could extend your lives. The original "mixture" for immunization that was created for the few basic diseases is still good for you and your children. However, there is now a tendency to increase the immunization to include over 17 different targets (or more). There's a problem with this, and it has already shown itself, but is not yet understood.

Ask for the original mixture if you can get it. It's the safest and most viable.


QUESTION: Dear Kryon, I have a new grandson. He's going for his first vaccination in the next few weeks. If we're beginning to transmute toxins with reconnections to our endocrine system through our DNA, then what happens to our babies, who by law have to be vaccinated? What are your thoughts on this subject?

ANSWER: First, know that vaccinations are a God-given science that humanity earned. They're a tried and proven homeopathic method that have been with you for years. You were probably vaccinated yourself, and it worked.

We have three answers: (1) God is not in a vacuum. Even the vaccinated Human Being who's older can modify and rework their DNA. So there's no time limit, and there are no rules that say "Once vaccinated, you're ruined." (2) The Human who is of the age of awareness can say, even as they are vaccinated, "Let nothing inappropriate enter my chemistry." This is a conscious instruction given to your "intelligent cellular structure" (the same one responsible for kinesiology and homeopathic results). This will result in your cells only using what they need and casting away everything else. (3) Finally, about babies: There has been a push by your science lately to vaccinate against many things at the same time. You'd be advised to seek out a doctor who will only vaccinate your child for only the basic diseases that have been known in the last 40 years. Eliminate the vaccinations for the new ones. This leaves you with approximately seven or eight - the very ones that have been used for years. What your science is not appreciating yet is the results of combining all the vaccination substances together. There's a problem that will show itself in time. Stick with the basic ones.

Now, it becomes more clear perhaps what Jenny means when she and her followers state "too many too soon" and "change the schedule!" Perhaps "Kryonize Our Vaccines" just didn't flow as well as "Green Our Vaccines."

Is Jenny Really An Autism Mom? (Part 2)

A Look At Auditory Processing, Allergies, and Autism:

Aside from, or in addition to, the possibility of epilepsy being the cause of developmental delays (and hence leading to a wrong diagnosis of autism) in Jenny's son, we can also look at auditory processing symptoms being similar to those of autism. In addition, a child suffering from food intolerances and/or allergies can have behavioral issues (or what looks like behavioral problems, from pain, discomfort, etc.). In recent interviews, Jenny has said her son continues to have some "auditory processing" issues.

More on Central Auditory Processing Disorder:

Early Signs & Symptoms:

* Difficulty following verbal directions.
* Echolalia (repeating back words and phrases without comprehension).
* Re-auditorization (repeating back what was heard, and then showing comprehension).
* A child who says "huh" or "what" and requires more repetitions of verbal input messages.
* Speech sound discrimination difficulties, especially in noise.
* Highly distractible/active.
* Unintelligible speech, but with adequate vocal inflection and gestures.
* Difficulty with memorizing names and places.
* Difficulty repeating words or numbers in sequence.
* May have speech or language "delays."

Nearly all of the CAPD symptoms can be seen in autistic children (specifically those with speech delays or language impairments), but again, there is more to the diagnostic criteria for autism than the symptoms listed for CAPD. Doctors really need to use caution when they throw out an "autism" diagnosis, especially when language and speech disorders can mirror symptoms of ASD's. I've seen this type of "warning" on speech apraxia websites, cautioning that there are some similarities with autism. So, is it possible that Jenny's son's proper diagnosis could be CAPD, with epilepsy?

With regard to allergies or food intolerances causing or worsening behavioral or psychiatric issues, we can look at this study (Untreated Celiac Disease and Development of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents):

The two adolescents described in these cases had suffered from episodes of major depression and other mental disorders before receiving a diagnosis of CD. The subject in case 2 had severe psychiatric symptoms years before adolescence. Soon after commencement of a gluten-free diet, coinciding with a decrease in circulating IgA antiendomysium and IgA antitransglutaminase antibodies, both youngsters considerably improved without any specific psychiatric treatment, and both remained in remission for at least 1.5 years of follow-up. Although the possible role of unrecognized psychosocial factors in explaining the remission cannot be excluded, it seems likely that in these cases major depression and severe behavioral problems, along with their improvement, were causally related to CD and its treatment with a gluten-free diet.

Since unrecognized CD may predispose the sufferer to serious mental disorders and behavioral problems, it should be taken into account in differential diagnosis in all age groups. The mechanisms involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of mental and behavioral disorders related to CD, and even to celiac-type gluten sensitivity, remain unresolved.

Certainly not direct proof of food intolerances (or in this case specifically Celiac Disease) can lead to or cause psychiatric disorders, but enough information to consider the possibility. So, again, if Jenny's son is a child with epilepsy (and associated delays) along with CAPD and/or food intolerances, all of that could add up to what looks like autism. It also would further explain this so-called "recovery" and why such improvement (apparently in speech and behavior) supposedly followed a switch to the GFCF diet (keep in mind, it may have been the epilepsy treatment helping the speech).

JUST MORE HYPOTHETICAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT...


*Disclaimer: I do not have any personal knowledge of Jenny McCarthy or her son's medical history, other than that made available to the public (via media outlets, et al). These are simply questions I feel worth raising, and ideas worth investigating.

Jenny McCarthy: On The Record

Well, I have to say I'm rather disappointed by this interview with Jenny McCarthy. Greta Van Susteren is typically (as far as I have seen) a good interviewer, challenging her guests and asking tough questions. This was nothing more than a fluff piece. It was a "autism is horrific" and then Jenny spatting her lies. Too bad.

Some of the falsehoods:

*That this rally was "for people to see the true faces of autism"
*11 shots contain mercury, again suggesting your child is receiving 11 shots with mercury
*Conspiracy theory: government is lying, the same old story from these folks
*"too many too soon" an idea that remains completely unproven
*Jenny says she uses a "great analogy" for autism, it's like "getting hit by a bus"
*Hannah Poling...government has conceded that "autism was triggered by vaccines" UM NO!
*8,000 people from across the country

Some rather questionable statements about autism from Greta:
"terrible for the child and the family if you're on the bottom range"
"how horrible"
"completely disruptive to the family"

To which Jenny asks us to imagine "having a perfect child" and "then all of sudden that child is gone before your eyes." She also says many mothers liken autism to having a spaceship come and steal your child. I absolutely detest those statements. How could a parent say their child lost their soul? Further lack of respect toward autistics.

Jenny continues to say, "us moms aren't treating autism", they are treating a "vaccine injury." First, let me say, I'm glad to hear it's the moms who are "treating" their child's "condition." Okay, fine. Your children have a "vaccine injury," mine and the rest of us in the "autism community" you claim to represent, our kids have autism. So, go rally for your so-called "vaccine injuries" and leave our children alone! You are only harming the future for our kids, for those who won't "recover" and doing nothing to help autistic children, teens, or adults.

Jenny confirms what I questioned in my recent post: neurologists are now saying that her son never had autism. He is not autistic. She argues this by saying he was diagnosed by the state of California and doctors (at UCLA, I believe). Well guess what Ms. McCarthy? Doctors make mistakes. You'd think the one who claims the government and doctors are "poisoning" children would be the first to think that doctors might have messed up. Really though, many doctors will tell you that an autism diagnosis at a young age (I believe Evan was around 2 1/2, more on this in an upcoming entry), may not remain accurate as the child gets older. For that precise reason, our neurologist advised us to wait for the evaluation until after our daughter was 3. She already has several neurological diagnoses (and recognized developmental delays), and he always assured us that regardless of diagnosis, we were doing all the right things. Again, I will write more on this shortly.

The interview (rather brief) ends and they give a statement by the AAP.

From earlier:
Okay, due to breaking news, the Jenny McCarthy interview by Greta Van Susteren is being a bit delayed. However, on the GretaWire blog, you can add comments now and throughout the show. Thus far, I've seen many "I love Jenny & finally this message is getting out..." and so on. Make our side heard!

Here's what I've written so far, I imagine I'll be adding more as the interview & so on airs:

Honestly, why should a woman who admits she's never even met an autistic adult be the chosen representative for autism? She does not represent me (and yes, I AM an autism mom). My child was born with autism, she never had any reaction to vaccines. She has not improved with any special diets, and due to medical concerns, pursuing the GFCF or DAN! Protocol is not feasible (nor could I see shoving 20 pills down her throat along with injections, none of which is proven to be of benefit).

So what is Jenny doing for my child? She won't "recover," she won't be the child I can parade in front of others getting credit for "fixing" my child. My daughter is precious, and yes we have ups and downs, and life can be extremely rough--but first and foremost she is my child (not kidnapped or soul-less), and I love her. The public perceives autistics (due to these cure & recovery message) as unteachable, unworthy, and even unlovable. They are not respected--wherever they fall on the spectrum. I fear for what the future brings for her. Will society change by then?

Currently, there are extremely limited adult services (including independent or semi-independent living situations, vocational or career programs, etc.) and help for teens is difficult to attain as well. The public views my child and others like her as damaged, not worthy of civil or human rights, something to be gotten rid of. What is Jenny and Jim doing to help change that???? Have they done anything incredible to raise public awareness on this dire need? I fear for when my daughter reaches adulthood--what services will be there for her? Yes, she will make progress, as she continues to do so. But, we still don't know exactly how much assistance she will need. What happens when we can no longer take care of her? That is what keeps me up at night.

I refuse to waste my time, and my daughter's, by believing in some PR guy's claims that the government is "damaging" our children via vaccines. Do your research, read REAL scientific studies (done across the globe), and realize there is ZERO proof of any link between vaccines and autism. Even in the case of Hannah Poling. If you do not understand the science of that particular case, do not even bother discussing it. The government did not concede that vaccines gave her autism. Also, learn the difference between causation and correlation.

I advise you too, read the Omnibus proceedings of the last few weeks--then let's see how much faith you have in the DAN! docs' "heavy metal screenings" and "treatments." It's amazing what these docs must admit while under oath.

The Autism Whisperer Cometh

From Jim Carrey's speech during the "Green Our Vaccines" really.

Autism is everywhere. It's on every street, in every town. It's a warning from the universe that there is a serious imbalance in our environment and that immediate changes must be made.

Woah--almost sounds like some of that new-age Indigo type of talk. I wonder if he is a crystal? He continues on,

To quote Burton Goldberg, an expert on the new age of medicine, 'autism is the canary in the coal mine.'

Bev at Asperger Square 8 has a different take on the canary metaphor (which apparently is also popular with a one Dr. Bryan Jepson). Dr. Burton Goldberg, I feel it should be noted (since we are referencing autistic children, vaccines, and other medical-related issues) received his Doctor of Humanities Hon. from a Capital University of Integrated Medicine (it may also be of interest that this school closed down in June 2006). He is a publisher, and the self-proclaimed "Voice of Alternative Medicine." That's right--he is not a medical physician.

Mr. Carrey continued on with the importance of trusting a mother's instinct, not trusting the government, and bashing the drug companies. He then adds, in reference to the pharmaceutical companies:

...they are far too busy fighting the scourge of restless leg syndrome.

Roars of laughter, hollering, and applause. He continues,

Also known as lazy ass disease.

This also is met with screams and yelps and more laughter. I loved it the one time when I was at a fund-raiser for cancer research, the speaker cracked a joke about people with diabetes. It was hysterical! Oh, wait, that never happened. That would never happen--would it? No, I think only people with the mindset that autistic individuals (along with any person with a neurological or mental difference, disability, or disorder) are not afforded the same respect or rights as others would say such a thing.

There is making light of one's differences, and then there is outright bashing. This was not funny (although it appears the audience was rather entertained), and certainly not amusing to the people who really do suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome. My mother has it. She is not on one of the new medications for it, but on some nights she does take Ambien. It is something that has plagued her for as long as I can remember. She simply has had an official name for it in recent years; but she stayed awake many a night well before a name existed for this condition. I simply can't imagine making fun of someone else in such a manner, at such an event. But, then again, we are speaking of the same group of people who time and time again present themselves as less than professional (see below for more on that!).

Jim Carrey does actually say that "these children have a purpose" at the end of the speech. However, the tape shifts to Jenny's speech. So, I'm unsure what he perceives as the purpose of "these" children. Is it to be a part of society, respected and welcomed? Or is it to make some great change via the "greening" of vaccines?

Jenny goes on to speak, and describes herself as a mom of a child "who had autism." I wonder if she's changed her mantra--which used to be that he'd never be "cured" of autism. In every article, they define her as the mother of an autistic child. I believe my favorite Jennyism from that day was this:

"...and the ingredients like the freakin' mercury..."

What class. Once again, please don't group me in with the "autism community" and the "autism moms" you, Jenny, claim to represent.

Can someone who has watched the YouTube video posted here, please explain what the headless child sculptures are at the end? Please, please, tell me that is in no way related to this rally or to autistic people.

Maybe It IS Easy To Be Green?

As Kristina at Autism Vox points out, the message of "change the schedule!" is rather diluted, and fairly innocuous. We never saw a difference post-vaccines with our child. She was diagnosed with developmental delays by 6 months of age, likewise she had issues at birth. So, we would opt to have our child get fewer pokes. Also, as Dr. Chew points out, this also amounts to less doctor visits and fewer co-pays as well.

That being said, anyone who opts to space them out (vaccines), I don't have much issue over that. I would feel rather different, however, if this "spacing out" of immunizations included complete avoidance of any specific vaccines currently available for our children. This is often the rallying cry, to not "expose" your child to the MMR (although let's all remember that the MMR never contained thimerosal, and I'm unsure what they believe is truly achieved by splitting it up). I'm fairly certain Ms. McCarthy has said publicly if she had to do it again, she would not vaccinate her child (or at the least, she'd avoid the "autism shot" as she refers to it; she'd prefer measles to autism remember).

Perhaps further down the road, we'll get a more accurate definition of "Green Vaccines" by Jenny, Generation Rescue, TACA, or others. At this stage, it sure sounds like amongst the antivaxxers, this term means many different things to many different people.

The Whole Green Mess...

I've been busy lately. You can tell, as I've been absent from my blog. I had even forgotten what today was. We were headed to Speech Therapy when the ABC radio reporter issued a brief statement about the rally. I called my husband to see if he had seen any coverage on the T.V. This evening, I searched and searched, but could not find a single morsel. The majority of the coverage was on the presidential race.

This particular clip of the whole "rally" seemed utterly surreal (it's from ET Online, go figure). That's all I'll say, you judge for yourself.

What I heard Jenny say was how 10 vaccines still have mercury in them (in the guise of thimerosal, Big Bad Pharma at it again). She said how it's right there on the FDA website. I had to immediately check it out (TEN vaccines??!!??). Well, this is, I presume, the page she refers to. I'm baffled. It's late, so I could be wrong...but I don't get how it adds up to 10. Well, I take that back. Yes, there are several vaccines that contain trace amounts of thimerosal (which, would then contain trace amounts of mercury, so in the vaccine, you are getting trace amounts of trace amounts of a preservative). However, it's declared as if your child is getting TEN vaccines with mercury. No, that's not the case. If you look at Table I, you will see that of the "vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger," only one particular brand of DTaP (Tripedia) contains trace amounts (≤0.3 µg Hg/0.5mL dose) and that the other vaccine is for influenza (which, has thimerosal-free versions, FluZone thimerosal free and FluMist). Both vaccines are available in thimerosal-free formulations. There is a second table, with a list of additional vaccines, such as Japanese Encephalitis (containing 0.007%), that our children do not typically receive. On that table, the highest percentage of thimerosal content was 0.01%. Startling. I thank Jenny for sharing such a valuable resource with all of us.

There was also this picture, courtesy of the Chicago Tribune. Now, I'm all for showing affection for your sweetheart. And, I love my husband very much. But I can state with 99.9% certainty that if we were ever at a rally (say for funding for programs aimed toward autistic teens and adults), we would not be making out. Sure, we may hug, but a passionate kiss? Leave it at the hotel room people. This seem to be a theme for Jenny, being less than professional (ex. shouting bulls**t on Larry King Live) while on this "crusade." You are celebrities, people are taking your picture, act accordingly--if you want your message to get out. I wouldn't want an image like this to be one of the first few listings on Google (c'mon, Jenny, you have your Google degree, don't you?) for a rally that was of the utmost importance to me. Just my two cents, a little advice for Jim and Jenny.

It also appears that the turmoil is bubbling over with regard to Jenny's public messages on vaccines (that she is NOT anti-vaccine at all, just for safer, more spaced out, yada, yada, yada). The anti-vaxers are angry with her, and upset that the rally today was apparently not open to those preaching a total anti-vaccine message.

To be honest, the ABC link I mentioned previously is the only substantial mention or article I have found. For the most part, the media is clinging onto the celebrity factor (and even more, the celeb-couple factor). This may have been a big, fun story for ET and Extra!, but as for making a real impact and being treated as a serious issue, it seems to have missed its mark.

Apparently 8,000 people showed up today. I'm not sure if that is more or less than what anyone anticipated. I for one was a bit appalled at the message to parents about how to do whatever they can to get to D.C. Borrow from family, do fund raisers, etc. Here's the thing, the majority of us "autism families," don't have bundles of extra cash stowed away to fly to a rally (or for anything else!). I could never, would never, ask anyone for money so that I could attend a march (of any sort). My family would surely think I had gone over the edge entirely. Please give me money so I can fly to D.C. for a rally. Yes, I know I have medical bills. Yes, I know my child has therapy. Yes, I know we may need to hire an advocate to get better school services. But, this is really important! WHAT??? Outrageous! Again, I see a disconnect from celebrities and the rest of us. Flying or driving anywhere these days is awfully expensive, I can think of a hundred ways that money may be better spent for a family like ours (and, like many "autism families," I suspect).

Edited to add: From reports, it appears that 8,000 figure may have been rather inflated. It seems the numbers were more like 500-1,000 people in attendance (and, apparently, half of those were children).