On Vacation...

Hi all,

Just checking in to let you know I am on vacation. It's a long one this year, just about 3 weeks. We've traveled quite a bit (plenty of stories to write about in the following weeks!), visited with family & old friends, and, as always, hopefully are changing others' ideas of Autism every day. I have lots to write when I get back. For now, it's too hectic for me to find time to blog. Which is a good thing, it means we are having fun. Thanks for stopping by.

If this is your first visit to my blog, hello and welcome. Here are some of my personal favorite posts:

Autism Knocked On The Right Door
Autistic and Proud
High Functioning? Then Shut Up!
More Inspiration (From Joshua Eisenstat's Family)
My Autism Everyday
Where Is All The Autism Awareness?

I've written extensively on Jenny McCarthy as well:
Is Jenny Really An Autism Mom?
Yes...she still is very much into the whole Indigo & Crystal thing, plus it seems she gets her vaccine advice from an entity known as Kryon, and there's more I've compiled here.

For the next week, I most likely will not be blogging. But, check back after 7/24 for new entries.

Thank you,
S.L.

The Indigo and The Crystal

I've gathered some information, a primer if you will, on the Indigo and Crystal belief system. You will find these terms and definitions helpful for my next couple of entries. I have opted to not make an outright judgment call on the believers in this, except for how it may interfere with autism (and ADHD). Checking out the Skeptic's Dictionary is also helpful, there is a lot of background information on this.

Terms/Definitions

"Source" also known as "Spirit" as in:

"The color associated with the Crown chakra is white or deep purple and its function is the direct connection to Source or Spirit."
"They are so directly linked with Source that they can easily understand and tap into the Divine resources."
"We can in turn heal our children of imbalances by going directly to Source and filling our hearts to be healed with Divine love and light."

The New Earth, as mentioned here:

GOLDEN AURAS, HUMAN ANGELS AND MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS

The Indigo and Crystal children that come to the planet are known as "starchildren". Often this is because their souls are more at home in the stars, and they have not incarnated on Earth before. They come at this time as a "special assignment" team to assist Earth and her inhabitants with their transition and rebirth as a higher dimensional "New Earth".

Many Indigo and crystal children are already almost at this point of awareness, if not fully within it. As are many of the Indigo-Crystal adults who have made the transition to this state. It is these new beings, able to claim both their human and angelic inheritances, who will create the New Earth.

For Human Angels there is work to do. Creating a New Earth that will bring Heaven to Earth. And since "heaven" is not so much a place as a state of consciousness, these Human Angels must work to bring the higher dimensional states of consciousness to the Earth plane. Once this is achieved, then a planetary culture will be birthed that will respect all beings as manifestations of the Divine Essence. And this culture will reflect that respect in its peace, harmony and creativity.

Indigo and Crystal Children

Indigo
Indigo children usher in a new energy that is transforming the planet around us. They are groundbreakers, creative rebels and independent thinkers, people who will go their own route and leave people and things around them changed.

Crystal
Crystals instinctively channel healing energy. Their crystal nature enables them to pick up energy and aura colors from the people around them. They are acutely sensitive and are even more likely to become healers and lightworkers than indigos, but need space to themselves and a lot of care.

Many crystal children are born autistic or die in infancy because they are so remarkably sensitive. It has been suggested that the indigos are here to transform the world to one in which the crystal children can survive and do their work.

More "facts" on Crystal children can be found here.

Vibrations, further explained here:

They are called higher vibrational because of the way their auras work. All colours (and all things, for that matter, since everything is made of some kind of energy) vibrate at different levels. The higher an object's vibration, the less connected it is to this physical world. Colours such as Red, Green, Orange, and Magenta are low level vibrations and so they associate more closely with the physical world. Yellow, Tan, and Lavender are examples of Central colours (between a low vibration and a high one) and Indigo, Crystal, Blue and Violet are known as the Higher vibrations.

Just as the lower vibrational people are connected to the physical world, higher vibrational people are connected to things outside of our reality. Although they all vibrate at a high level, each colour has a different level at which they reverberate. This makes each one different.

Perhaps this is another "rebranding" that Kirby himself can reveal when he's ready to change his beliefs, yet again:

The trouble comes about when the Crystals are judged by medical and educational personnel as having "abnormal" speaking patterns. It's no coincidence that as the number of Crystals are born, that the number of diagnoses for autism is at a record high.

One other note, on where the "Indigo child concept" was born:

"The Indigo child concept was first publicized in 1999 by the book The Indigo Children: The New Kids Have Arrived, written by the husband-and-wife team of Lee Carroll and Jan Tober. Carroll insists that the concept was obtained via conversations with a spiritual entity known as Kryon."

*For clarification, because my husband asked this question and I don't want anyone else reading this to get confused: The spiritual entity involved in the creation of the "Indigo child concept" is known as "Kryon." Not a "Klingon."

Their own day at the movies...

By Karen Nitkin |Special To The Sun

It all started because Meaghan Ross wanted to dance.

Last summer, Meaghan's mother, Marianne Ross, took her to see the movie Hairspray. Because Meaghan has autism, and Marianne knows she can get excited during movies, she chose an early-in-the-day showing, when the theater would be nearly empty.

During the show, the Elkridge 8-year-old was so enchanted by the upbeat music and energetic dancing that she began to move her body. She wanted to dance in the aisles, but instead she was asked to leave the theater, her mother said.

"She got kicked out because she can't really sit still," said Ross. "She flaps her hands and gets really excited. ... I was just so upset when she was kicked out. She was just the picture of pure joy."

Pure joy--that's often how I describe my daughter in those moments. Those times when she is dancing, jumping, flapping, and giggling. I'd never think my child would get in trouble for being happy. Go figure.

Meaghan's mom was amazed that the AMC general manager agreed to her request: create a showing just for children with special needs. The first movie had 300 people in attendance, and they've had them monthly since November. The movies are at 9:30 in the morning, there are no trailers, and special care is taken with regard to the sound and lighting. AMC is considering adding this to other markets. I've heard of similar programs at other theaters. I think many of us can relate to what these parents have to say:

"It's just ... everybody understands," said Ross. Before the show starts, the lights are adjusted until "everybody is satisfied," she said. The sound is likewise adjusted, and during the movie, people often move around or talk. "Anything goes," she said. "We're all in the same boat."

"The world is so cruel to people who are different," said Michele Schwarzman. But at the AMC films, she said, "we can sit in the theater and nobody will comment."

This story was in the June 6, 2008 Baltimore Sun, you can read the complete article here.

TUNE IN!

I'm very much anticipating this one! Will you be watching too? And, really, it should air TUESDAY, June 10!!!!

Tomorrow, Good Morning America will air a segment discussing the neurodiversity movement, featuring comments from myself, Kristina Chew of the Autism Vox blog and Dr. Thomas Insel of the National Institute of Mental Health. Please tune in between 8 AM and 8:30 on ABC. Click here for local listings.



Regards,
Ari Ne'eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530

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.

Neurodiversity on Good Morning America?

I ran across this today and wanted to share. I'm awaiting confirmation via email as to whether this is something ABC really is doing.

From "Good Morning America":

Good Morning America is doing a report on autism activism and neurodiversity. As part of the story, we'd like to include a photo montage of those who are a part of the community. If you or anyone you know is a part of this community and would be willing to be shown in the photo montage that would appear on Good Morning America, please send us your photos. The photos will provide a visual example of the diverse group of people behind autism activism celebrating the voices of autistic people. Please send the photos to Michelle.d.major@abc.com Thank you!


Edited to add:
Thank you to Angela and Camille for the confirmation. Bravo to ABC, let's see how it turns out when the cameras actually roll. Updates to follow...

Doctors & Scents

I brought my youngest to the doctor the other day. Her regular physician was not available, so we met with a nurse practitioner. Most everyone at the pediatrician's office knows my daughter, and more importantly, how to make her feel comfortable. This NP, just our luck, was new and one we'd never met. The NP was really sweet, I think she must have gotten a primer on how to approach my daughter by the nurse (I'm not kidding!). I have to say, my little one did great, despite having never met her.

What wasn't so great, was the overpowering smell of the NP's perfume. It was very strong. I will never understand why someone in the field of medicine would wear any scent, or at least not a very strong one. I'm not sick, and it made me feel like I needed to cough.

Now, I will admit, I may be a bit biased to begin with. I have never really enjoyed heavy scents. When I do wear perfume, it is a very light scent. I myself do not wear any perfume or scented lotion if we are headed to a doctor's office.I do this generally because I consider those with asthma and other breathing difficulties, allergies, colds, nausea, etc. who are more than likely sitting in the waiting room. Another reason, is because I consider those who may be extra-sensitive to such smells, like my child.

My daughter is very much affected by smell (a super smeller and taster here!). She will gag in the grocery store, pick up on odors I never even catch, and refuses to sit by us if we are eating certain foods (plain lettuce for one, believe it or not). So, in our home, we've all taken note of that and try our best not to insult her delicate olfactory system. And also, to not be insulted ourselves should she gag or scrunch up her nose at us or our food.

I realize I can't create some bubble around her to prevent her from smelling odors. There's far too many people, food varieties, buses, and so on in this world! I do hope that one day she is able to tolerate at least some of the day to day smells--like various foods. But, it would be nice if those in the medical profession would take into account their patients' needs (and not just my sensory-sensitive kiddo, the patients with the ailments I listed above too). One would think, that those who work in hospitals and doctor's offices, would take that into consideration.

That's just my two scents...

Earth Day 2008

I'm tired, so I don't have anything real insightful to post on this. Just a funny story:

In a gift shop today, my eldest alerts me, "Do not buy things that are made from animals!" I smiled at the statement, as it was only one of several declarations she made to me, on how I could be more green (most of which, I replied with "We already do that, sweetie."). I asked her why. She said "because it's from animals." I pressed her further, to see if she was just repeating what she had heard, or if she understood it it. I should know better by now. She then goes on to explain how animals suffer from it. Side note: to which I then add "well, that's partly why I don't eat meat." to which she adds, "WELL, no, that's not it, we NEED meat for that [to eat]!!!"

So, we continue walking through the gift shop. She looks down and says "THIS is animal," pointing to the rug (made from some type of animal skin). I told her "yes, it is." I distracted her by showing some of the decorations. We land on yet another animal skin rug (this store had at least 5 of them, and they appeared to be real--go figure, being there on Earth Day!). Now, she is getting angered. "Why would anyone make a rug from an animal? Don't they know they shouldn't do that????" I spoke in a low tone, assured her they probably do and maybe they were just recycling these? I also told her while it's good she has learned that lesson, perhaps this store wasn't the best place to preach on it.

She has a t-shirt declaring "Future President" and I have no doubt she will go very far. I've seen her advocate for her younger sister, debate adults on issues from politics to Barbies, and she always stands strong on her beliefs. This began very young, a few months shy of her 4th birthday, my husband and I took her to vote with us. While in line, she began chanting & singing songs about her favorite candidate. We promptly and gently gave her a lesson on campaigning at voting stations. My husband and I laughed at the thought of us getting kicked out because our preschooler was taunting other voters!

I will add--because I feel obligated to... My husband & I do all we can to be "green." We recycle, conserve water and electricity, use reusable grocery bags, buy organic and local, and so on. All of which, after today, my eldest is breathing a sigh of relief over. :)

Moved & Inspired

I watched the ABC special last night on Randy Pausch, a truly amazing human being. I typically don't watch these types of programs, but this one sparked my interest. I am so glad I watched it. To be honest, I don't think I've ever been so inspired by someone on television. I've spoken before on how the different challenges my daughter has faced, has given me tremendous perspective on our daily life, and on autism. Dr. Pausch has a perspective and a view on life, that is very rare (although, he says he's "not unique"). I was so moved by this program, by his lecture, and on this family's life.

I think for anyone dealing with any challenges in life (and that would be the majority of people in this world, I suspect), this is crucial to read or see. A lecture like this, these words of wisdom, really challenges you to look at your life in ways you may not have before. I know that raising an autistic child or a child with disabilities, is not easy. There are sleepless nights, doctors' and therapy appointments, meltdowns, etc. When you hear a man who is dying of pancreatic cancer, telling you he is happy and to not pity him, it really makes you think. I speak of "choosing" to focus on the positive, with my daughter and autism. For Dr. Pausch, that would translate into my being a Tigger versus an Eeyore. I love that!

For more information on pancreatic cancer, please visit the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. They are giving away 5,000 copies of "The Last Lecture" from 4/9 - 4/11 (as supplies last).

Here is the "Last Lecture," if you missed it:



We've been painting our home the last couple of weeks. After our master bedroom, it's time for the girls' rooms to be painted. We have been talking to them about choosing a color (for the older, it's between a light blue or lavender, for the youngest, it's yellow or red). I had planned on painting a mural or some fun designs on the wall. But, after being so moved last night, I think we will let the girls paint the pictures on their walls, if they want. I promise, Dr. Pausch (and I will post pictures here when they're done).

"If you lead your life the right way, the Karma will take care of itself, the dreams will come to you. And anybody who is out there who's a parent - if your kids want to paint the bedroom - as a favor to me, let them do it. It will be OK. Don't worry about the resale value of the house."

Thank you, to Dr. Pausch and his beautiful family for sharing their life, their story, and his lecture with the world.

Random Ramblings...

I'm currently working on about 8 different posts. One by one, I'll get them finished & ready to add here. I've read some great posts this week:

*As always, Dr. Kristina Chew on AutismVox has a week's worth of incredible writings. My favorite has to do with an upcoming art show, The Artistic Spectrum, something near and dear to me. I'm an artist, but more importantly, my youngest daughter is showing us signs of some incredible artistic streaks (one of her "savant" abilities beautifully shining through--yes, my child is "one" of those that the autism charities hate for the world to hear about). This story made me miss where I grew up, and wish I was there to catch this show. My mother was excited to hear about it, so hopefully she'll be able to see it. Anyway, this article and this art show fills me with so much hope for my child's future, I can imagine seeing her at such a show, getting her due respect & acceptance.

*Another great story, on Along The Spectrum. This Jersey Girl has been a fan of The Boss for as long as I can remember. Just ask my husband--how many times has he had to listen to me sing along to "Jersey Girl" or "Glory Days?" Stories like these, really remind us of the good that exists in this world (including rock legends). What a joy, to think of Eddie playing his heart out on that harmonica.

*An interesting piece on A Photon In The Darkness, on some new studies and how they dispute the GFCF diet "cure" and all those urine test results. Can't wait to see what the DAN! docs make up to blur this one.

*This from Life With Joey, a glimpse into a day in the life and I just love it.

*Welcome to The Rat Race, I can't wait to read more. I just may learn some more Italian while I'm at it (and make my father's family proud).

*Autism News Beat on Kirby's piece in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and holding publications responsible. Contact information for paper is available here as well. Let our voices be heard, once again!


Some things that really inspired & cheered me this week:

*A nice little trip with my family. It was relaxing and fun for all 4 of us, doesn't get much better than that.
*Seeing the pride in my husband, as he's bragged to whoever would listen about my blog's Forbes mention here, along with AutismVox, Neurologica, & Respectful Insolence.
*I'm not one who likes receiving praise necessarily, but it was nice to be applauded by family & friends for my writing.
*Seeing this at the bookstore (can't wait to read it!). Sorry those who disagree with accepting (and forget about embracing!) autism or our children, but our stories are getting out each day, and our voices are becoming louder!
*My mother telling me she is trying to find an autism bumper sticker, but all she could find was an Autism Speaks one, she asks, "Now, that's not who I want to support, right?" I smiled. Her & I have had many a long-distance chat on these charities, adults services, curebies, anti-vaxers, etc. I loved knowing she 'got' it, and loved that she was doing her own part.
*She also told me about the news story she saw about Stephen Wiltshire (of whom I am a big fan of). She was in awe of him. We both agreed how nice it was to see a "good-news" piece on autistics and autism. Certainly, Lauren Thierry cringed when she saw a successful autistic, showcasing a talent. We can't have any of that, now can we?

So Long & Be Well, christschool

Well, I was going to add a video by christschool to my piece on Toys R Us & Autism Speaks. He had a great video about where all the money raised by AS goes. Sad to find out, while on youtube trying to find his video, that he has left. Only two of his videos remain. He is very talented with his videos, and I was always moved by them.

I was glad to find out that he is still very active in doing what he does best, changing the world and making it a better place for our children. Be well & be safe, I cannot wait to see all you will do in the future!

Please visit The National Autistic Society and, the up and coming National Autistic Society of America, both organizations truly for and by autistics.

If the video is not showing up above, click on the title to go to christschools' youtube page. For now, I was able to find a few of his videos here and here.

Chain of Events: The "Concession Case," Kirby on Imus, and More...

Hmm...been a busy morning. Can't wait to see what the afternoon brings.

Well, the media is getting a hold of the "concession case," of which I hate to even refer to it as such. The mito-vaccine case would be more apropos, however no one would know what I was talking about. it's been neatly spun to be the "government admits vaccines cause autism" case. Here is the link to the fair and balance (that would be sarcasm!) report on this case:
http://www.newsmax.com/health/vaccines_cause_autism/2008/03/03/77315.html

The celebration continues for Kirby and others. He was on Imus, want a brief summary?

K: It's like Groundhog Day, talking about the same thing over and over, and never getting anywhere. We know what's really going on. Heck, even John McCain knows what's up.
I: I've got my own suspicions.
K: The government conceded, it was proven that vaccines gave this girl full-blown autism.
I: Is there any scientific evidence?
K: Well, there are studies, and if you mash them all together, in a certain way, on could possibly create some sort of link. I understand why people would think this was all made up. Vaccines, vaccines, mito, mito, government conspiracy...
I: David Kirby on Imus, trying to convince many to jump off a roof.
K: People think we're crazy.
I: Yes, mostly they think you and my wife are crazy.
K: They need to read the studies we read. It's all a government conspiracy, man!
I: What did the vaccine court decide?
K: This child had mito which was aggravated by vaccines.
I: Okay, we're outta time! Thanks, pal, kiss, kiss.

The transcript is available online (no links from my blog to this one, thanks!), if you are curious. It's quite humorous at times.

Anyway, that led me to a message board somewhere, that was chatting about all this. Some people, thankfully, had insightful things to say, regarding the mito-vaccine, I mean "concession" case. Some were excited about a supposed upcoming press conference with this girl's family and more media coverage on this. They celebrated that this was about to "blow up" and that whoever has been lying this whole time better head South. There was some mito chat as well. And then, someone asked about Lyme Disease, and how studies have shown it to be the cause of autism. Apparently the board was aflutter over that cause before the "concession."

All of this made my head spin, which led to my ranting below.

Enough With All The Causes, Causes, Causes

People have often asked me how I think my daughter "got" autism. At Bloomingdales may be my answer to the next person who asks! Kind people will send me articles, with the best intentions, of the latest & greatest quack-cause du jour. I believe my daughter was born autistic. I have no evidence to prove otherwise. I'm at total peace with that, I accept autism, I accept my daughter. I have moved on from scratching my head, trying to figure out what and why. I have the what, the why has been answered, at least for me (genetics).

I suppose if I had an extra, say 15 hours a day or so, I might give more thought to french fries or air pollution. But, I doubt it. I'd more than likely opt to sleep (or eat the french fries), or do something more beneficial than endless searching for a possible cause that more than likely I would never find (unless I was staring at my and my husband's DNA). I prefer to live in the moment, embrace my life, and go with it. My heart really does go out to families who are so consumed in finding the cause of their child's autism. I know they spend countless time, money, and energy on it. It must be extremely tiring and stressful, and I often wonder about the effect of it all on their child.

Mercury, Lyme's, environmental triggers, viruses, cigarette smoke, air pollution, prenatal aspartame consumption, maternal stress, folic acid, ultrasound, excessive hygiene, television, french fries...

For each supposed "cause" of autism, people claim there are studies that have been done to prove them. Granted, the study may be some quack-pseudo-scientist talking to 3 families who all ate glazed donuts on a Wednesday, and they all had autistic children. Yes, that's a bit exaggerated and comical, but it's not too too far off from how a lot of these "studies" are done (and then presented in a scientific manner). Typically, people who passionately believe in the cause of their child's autism, will say that studies have been hidden by the government.

The conspiracy theorists are alive and well in "causes of autism" world. They say that the government (think Men In Black), is intentionally keeping us, the public, uninformed. They (the Men In Black) continue "poisoning" our children, mostly so that "big pharma" can keep ringing in the big money. And, that they (the Men In Black again) are hiding these mountains of studies. I wonder how many of the autism conspiracy theory folks carry around their own copy of Catcher In The Rye (which, I have to add: it was my most beloved book in my teen years, and second, I do believe true government conspiracies exist, just not about autism!).

Anyway, it always goes back to "big pharma," whether you are talking about vaccines or "autism fries." Most who believe these various conspiracies, which at last check seem to be more of them that here are of Grimm's Fairy Tales, feel that the government and others have kept things hidden for one reason: money. They often state that doctors, therapists, pharmaceutical companies, and many others, are making big money on autism. So, they'd not want to find a "cause."

Apparently with all the diseases, psychological disorders, traumatic-brain/car-accident/work-related/sport injuries, birth defects, organ transplants, plastic surgery, viral and bacterial infections, genetic disorders, etc., doctors simply weren't making enough money. No, hospitals, drug companies, therapists, and physicians wanted more. So when they discovered that x, y, or z was causing Autism, they quickly hid that "fact," for the sake of making bigger bucks.

Yeah, because diabetes, heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, stroke, and whatever other assorted health issues you'll encounter at the doctor's office just wasn't cutting it. They needed something more, and apparently were so desperate for cold cash, they didn't care about the individuals or families involved. They didn't give a rat's arse about how "giving" Autism to all these kids would affect society, our school systems, government programs, etc. Nah, it was all about making that precious dollar. And, what's even more interesting, is that apparently doctors from all over the world were in on this. There must have been secret meetings--perhaps held at U.N. Headquarters? So that in every country, every nation, autism would be "dispensed" in whichever method one is arguing for (vaccines, pollution, etc.).

Um, yeah...that makes perfect sense to me.

I Smell A Diaper Boycott...

This is what is on packages of Pampers these days. The first thought that came to mind: wow, that's really neat. And then: hmm, wonder how long it will take before the anti-vaxers boycott Pampers?

Salma Hayek is the spokesperson for this campaign (I suppose she and Jennifer Garner are not part of Jenny McCarthy's playgroup). Apparently, similar campaigns have been going on outside of the U.S. and Canada for a couple of years. According to the press release:

The immensely successful program, which launched in 2006 in the UK and expanded in 2007 to other countries in Western Europe, has helped provide UNICEF with funding for more than 25 million life-saving tetanus vaccines. The goal for the North American campaign is to provide at least 27 million vaccines, which would bring the total global donations to more than 50 million vaccines.

And, further on:

"Childhood immunization is routine in the United States, but each year 140,000 infants and 30,000 women in developing countries die from tetanus—a life threatening, but preventable disease which can be contracted during childbirth," said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "While significant progress has been made—last year Egypt and Zambia marked the elimination of tetanus—the disease is still a threat to women and children in more than 45 countries. I applaud Salma and Pampers for joining UNICEF in the fight against tetanus and helping us to move closer to our goal of completely eliminating the disease."

Those Tetanus stats are astounding, and makes me even more glad those vaccines are readily available here for me and my family. Think about it: 140,000 babies and 30,000 women dying EACH year. But, those figures won't matter to the anti-vaxers. They'll claim there are different ways to prevent tetanus other than shots, I'm sure. Or, they simply won't even make mention of this campaign or of those statistics. That would only hinder their case--because it highlights why vaccines are necessary, life-saving, and overall a very good thing.

New name too.

Yeah, the last "Me By The Sea" was just one of those, song-was-on-the-radio and I-can't-think-of-a-blog-name moments. And hence that became the title of my blog--having little, okay nothing, to do with what I typically write about. I do love the beach...but I'm not blogging on hot surf spots. So, anyway...

The thought behind the new title is (yes, it's a spin on the Tylenol commercials, I would be nowhere without the greatness of Tylenol, so perhaps that's why inspiration struck there!) for people, especially parents, when they hear "autism" for them to just take a second (Stop.), and think (Think.)...take a deep breath & realize it's autism (Autism.) not the end of the world. Hopefully it makes sense to others outside of my head. ;)

Yikes--how long has it been?

About 8 months if my math is correct. I happened to look around, & have sadly found that a lot of the other bloggers who have commented on here & I'd read, are now gone (perhaps changed blog or user id's??). Anyway, that is sad. But, I understand. I needed a break. Around the time I last blogged, my daughter was having an increasingly more difficult time with meltdowns, and we had a school evaluation, and just life with kids, dogs, etc. Then came summer, which was wonderful, but also busy. And, all the while, we were in IEP mode, need I say more? I've got lots to gripe about. Lots indeed.

While I was absent from here, I have been to 2 message boards for autism. I stayed neutral early on, hoping to get support there. And I did. Lately, however, views which I am adamantly opposed to have been aired out repeatedly. So, I have spoken up. After weeks of this back & forth, honestly, my head hurts. I'll bitch on that a bit too I imagine in the coming entries. This whole autism thing--how us parents treat each other--is absurd at best.

I get more & more depressed when I think of the world my daughter will be an adult in. At this rate, it will be rather bleak & I can only hope to have found a magic immortality pill by then. People suck, in general. And the campaigns against autistic people continue, and very few are doing a damn thing for the adult autistic population. I suppose they're just hanging on that hopefully a "cure" will be found, and that God willing, this "cure" would be "successful" for my child, and then, thankfully they won't have to deal with her at age 21, 30, 45... Makes me just go nuts when I think about it. All the dollars being pissed away at finding some supposed cure--meanwhile how many children on the spectrum become adults on the spectrum each day? I'd love to see that stat. Then I'd love to see what is available to them--job training, life skills support, safe independent living arrangements, etc. I'd love to see the dollar amount going into this...then stack it against the "searching for a cure" funds that Autism Speaks, DAN!, and whoever else is on this mission to "stomp out" autism is using.

Well, this was going to be a short "I'm still alive" entry... So much for that. I've got plenty more to rant & rave on...and also to embrace & brag about. Stay tuned.

Inspiring...


Please visit "What Are They Thinking?" blog: www.survivingmotherhood-mom26children.blogspot.com

A great blog, an amazing family, & valuable insight into the realities of raising six children, FIVE of which are autistic, and all the JOY that EACH of their kids bring. Their mom has written some really incredible entries. They were on Extreme Makeover-Homeowner's Edition last night & wow! To see the family, their struggles, but mostly their HOPE was inspirational. It was a great episode, and YES finally, a very positive show on T.V. dealing with autism. Cheers to Jeanette & family!!!

9-11

Well, after trying to come up with something expressive regarding 9-11 most of the day, my internet service had a glitch yesterday. When I finally felt ready to write on it, my connection kept coming and going. So, naturally, all those good ideas I had have escaped my mind today. New York is very close to my heart & 9-11 affected me in many ways, as it has so many. Today, words are not coming to me about it. So, this is what I offer...