Re: Re: autism every day. I agree.... wrights are still wrong !

[Guest guest]

I'm talking about everyone's kid......As long as we play the woe is us pity angle,our kids and all people with Autism will continue to be perceived as inferior. We have to cajole mainstream into accepting that our kids are EXACTLY the same as ALL other human beings..the only difference is that they have one or more body parts which function differently from the neurotypicals.who have through "evolution" created a standardized one size must fit all world philosophy which has through subliminal conditioning been allowed to become the yardstick by which all people MUST be measured..... This is discrimination and bigotry. (eg. why should a table specially made for a paraplegic cost more than a regular one made for general pop.)........... It's this type of thinking that entrenches the warped view of people with difficulties by those in mainstream. I absolutely don't agree that we have to appear as pitied beings in order to effect changes...we have top "force" society to come to recognize that building a ramp or allowing more time for a kid to take a test is the result of mainstream being inadequately prepared and trained how to deal with differences. It must see autism or anything else ONLY as a difference in physical capability brought about by mainstreams lack of functional planning to accommodate the differences die to its adherance to standardizing everything to save costs. This mindset has created the "poor to be pitied them" disposition. If you really wish to jolt their blinker ourlook, then get them to think hard and long how cruel they have been are being by making and acting upon incorrect assumptions regarding the intelligence capabilities of those with differences. They speak about them in front of them as though

they're incapable of understanding what's going on around them................... Before our daughter learned FC and therefore derived an expressive output channel, she was treated such and we fought continually to have her intelligence respected and acknowledged. She entered 6th grade last yr without doing any formal elementary education. She attained 3 B's and an A doing EXACTLY the same core curriculi as her peers, no modifications only accommodations. Her report card dated May 8th 2006 awards her Eng A+, Math A, Science B and Soc St C . What does this say about the highly degreed assessors????? When she was asked how she felt about being denied access for so many years she "said" (she lost her speech at 3) by typing the following......I FELT REAL NOTHINGNESS, I JUST SAT AND WATCHED GREAT YESTERDAYS ROLL BY" This is an indictment of adopting the philosophy you feel it necessary to embrace.

Someone like Imus if he could come to get this point, would be far more effective and do more good in terms of really effecting change rather that believing we have to continue on the typical "help them because you feel sorry for them road" I don't believe for one second that even those who have severe physical limitations are mentally as incompetant as they are presumed to be. Even today, many when observing my daughter's outward behaviours like stimming or rocking and making noises wpould if allowed to have their way make and act upon mistaken assumptions. Impaired to use your venacular is a subjective term applied by others to another humanbeing who has little or no say in its accuracy or validity ! It is at best very dangerous and leads to setting underachieving goals. Always asume competance.! I guarrantee you, that there are many

capable kids who are underachieving ONLY because their pool of decision makers has mistakenly underassessed their capabilities due to this wicked mindset Helping people who need help is a wonderful trait of the human condition, but those proffering the help only have the right to see it as a benevolent gesture that they're obligated to provide because they're in a position to do so. not everyone starts out with equal opprtunity, despite the typical claim of chasing the "American Dream". The hand dealt all too often places limitations upon aspirations. This disparity supports my aforesaid thesis. They are not paragons of virtue for acting kindly. Human nature thrives on the emotional high derived when a person acts kindly. We all feel good when we act morally and ethically correctly.! We have to get mainstream to accept that we're in the position we are because of

shortsighted flawed thinking and decisions made and implemented over many generations. We have to unravell this incompetent mindset. We will not do so pursuing the pity route. We will do so by geting mainstream society to view ALL people as EQUALS. Still KNOW UNEQUIVOCALLY that the s and those who think and act like they are wrong.! Take care, best to you nredhead60707 <redhead60707@...> wrote: If you're talking about your daughter, and she has autism...and she does not like the pity-angle...this video was not about her. These are children who are extremely impaired. You're daughter obviously has skills beyond these children. The video is not for US..it is to make changes! Imus and Deidre

are trying to help make changes too..in order to do it we must appear as "what poor families of autistic children have to go through" do you think anyone would care? I see it as necessary to get the attention autism deserves, then proceed with helping, through Congress, doctors, schools, etc. None of it is a lie. These are real children. There is a difference between sympathy and empathy. Watching the AS film should help people understand and hopefully want to help. I would not be surprised if any in the ND community would want to sabotage this as they are not wanting help.> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } ,> That was just one opinion, remember that. You are never going to be able to please everyone. I for one, am extremely grateful for this video. Even explaining to family members and good friends is difficult and I pointed all of them in the direction of this film to show them the realities of my life. In no way do I want any of them to feel sorry for me. I need them to understand that I cannot always do what

everyone else tries to include me to do. My life does not have the same flexibilities of "normal" family life. More and more people think Autism is just a mild issue that just takes extra behavioral teaching and better parenting. We all know that is not the case. Thank you for taking the time to participate in this film and giving all of us a place to refer people to when they do not understand the gravity of what Autism presents. The biomedical treatments need to be materialized in the main stream but it is going to take many steps to get there. This> was a BIG step! Thank you, > > > ---------------------------------> > From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On Behalf Of michele iallonardi> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 2:45

PM> EOHarm > Subject: autism every day> > > Hi-> > I've been thinking how and if I should reply to this email, as I am not interested in arguing nor do I really have much time to do so anyway. But I kept thinking about it, which was taking up even more time than responding- so... ...........> > > > I am the mother of three children who have autism. 1 has been vaccinated, 2 have been partly vaccinated. I am very interested and involved in biomedical interventions. They have been extremely helpful (we have been doing them for over 2 years) but my son, as you saw in the video, is far from recovered. My other 2 children, who are recovering, have been through no biomedical

interventions other than changing their diets.> > > > My point is this- when it comes to autism, there is no one answer for anything. Recovery is not only about biomedical intervention- maybe for some children, but not for everyone. Autism does have a genetic component (how do you explain 3 brothers with autism?). I do believe that thimersol is a huge part of the problem (but not the only part)- my son with the most vaccinations is the most affected. But, no, I don't think that all children can recover biomedically. And yes, some children do recover without any biomedical interventions at all.> > > > My life is by no means "pitiful." I wrote an article in TAP (the autism perspective) magazine last year entitled "

I Have Three"- talking about just how wonderful my life is with my children. Funny, I actually got flack about that article from some people (who have 1 child with autism, and were struggling to deal with that) saying that I was too positive (or delusional or crazy). I have written several articles since then about all of the wonderful things parenting children with autism has brought into my life. That being said, the reality is that life for my boys is difficult. Most people that I know don't realize that. Happiness is a choice, yes, and we are happy. But being happy doesn't mean that it is easy for my son to sit through glutathione shots, eat special food, or live in a world where he can't effectively communicate. I'm happy, but I'm not happy about that. He is suffering- and I can never sit by and just be completely happy when all that is>

going on. I'll never settle and accept it either. To quote another mom from the film- "I'm never going to say I quit. It's just not in my vocabulary."> > > > To insinuate that I view my life as pitiful is just a hurtful statement that has no point. What I view as pitiful is the time and energy spent (or wasted) in our community criticizing each other. My own life is an example of both genetic and biomedical causes to autism. My own life is an example of how happiness is a choice- because we have certainly had 4 years from hell, with many medical problems, with three children diagnosed with autism in less than one year, but we are happier than most people I know. We are broke, we hate watching our children suffer, and we go through things that most people- even some on this list- could never

imagine. That is the reality- and that is what the film wanted the public to understand. > > > > Let's be honest- life would be easier if our kids didn't have autism, don't you think?> > > > I'm sorry that you did not like what you saw in the documentary, and that you felt that the "drivel" was a waste of your time. It was not a waste of mine. > > Although it was hard to let the world into our home to see what some of our reality is like, I am proud and honored that we were part of the film.> > > > -Michele> > > > >

> Message 8 > From: " Hooker" sploobnoober@...> Date: Tue May 16, 2006 8:42am(PDT) > Subject: Re: Documentary on Autism Stuns Internet Viewers> > OK - get ready to flame me!> > That video is the most pathetic waste of bandwidth I've ever seen. > Rather than depicting how "pitiful" out situations are (if one > indeed chooses to see them as pitiful), it would be much more > helpful for those moms featured to talk about thimerosal, MMR, DTaP > and Proquad, AND the interventions that are indeed working for many > children across the USA and abroad, to undo the neurological > consequences of this toxin and these vaccines...> > The drivel shown in the video may move folks to pity "our plight" > but it also takes the emphasis off of answers, which is in keeping >

of the commitment of Autism Speaks to bury the vaccine-autism > issue. This is the type of message that their board members Andy > Shih (former NAAR) and Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop (CDC) have done for > years.> > Outside of the vaccine issue, I have to state, "Happiness is a > choice," folks. If one chooses to see their situation as miserable, > hopeless and pathetic, it will be... Conversely, if we choose to > embrace the mission that we have been given, there is a lot more joy > in the journey...> > If the s want us all to be objects of pity, I pity them> > > > >

[Guest guest]

Glad to see you are so open minded and have all the answers - "still know unequivocally that the s and those that think and act like they are wrong"

must be nice to have no gray area in your life.

We all have the same goals - raise awareness and cure autism. Our common intrests are greater than our differences.

The film to a large extent was about education, not pity - the film brings out the day the day challenges autistic families face - financial, emotional etc

THe bottom line is we need the government to treat autism as a "Manhattan project". it is pathetic the government is not spending 2 billion or more a year on autism research.

This film and the work of Autism Speaks will help reach that goal

Pete

Re: Documentary on Autism Stuns Internet Viewers> > OK - get ready to flame me!> > That video is the most pathetic waste of bandwidth I've ever seen. > Rather than depicting how "pitiful" out situations are (if one > indeed chooses to see them as pitiful), it would be much more > helpful for those moms featured to talk about thimerosal, MMR, DTaP > and Proquad, AND the interventions that are indeed working for many > children across the USA and abroad, to undo the neurological > consequences of this toxin and these vaccines...> > The drivel shown in the video may move folks to pity "our plight" > but it also takes the emphasis off of answers, which is in keeping > of the commitment of Autism Speaks to bury the vaccine-autism > issue. This is the type of message that their board members Andy > Shih (former NAAR) and Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop (CDC) have done for > years.> > Outside of the vaccine issue, I have to state, "Happiness is a > choice," folks. If one chooses to see their situation as miserable, > hopeless and pathetic, it will be... Conversely, if we choose to > embrace the mission that we have been given, there is a lot more joy > in the journey...> > If the s want us all to be objects of pity, I pity them> > > > >

[Guest guest]

Oh please you're missing the point. I'm generalizing philosophically. Let's face it..we have all the resources we need to assuage every problem in this country from hunger poverty to disease, yet we still screw up why.because we've been doing everything correctly.???? I know not ! It doesn't matter what I individuallt think, what matters is the universal truth is that we can ameliorate all out ills if we really sacrificed and endeavoured to do so. If we've been doing so wonderfully then why exactly are we in such a s---hole as a society , our kids arre sickly, environment is strwessedm, corporations focus on short term gain and to hell with the longterm consequences, too many kids have serious issues, yet we still make and use foods with preservatives and colouring and hormones and additives and we still treat symptoms of disease instead of prevention and aetiology. No I don't have all the

answers and I'm not even interested in debating merits of a film etc. it's all ok. but, the bottom line is, it would get better far more quickly if we addressed the real issues and prioritised instead of allowing our focus to be sidetracked. open minded is exactly what i am, I'm questioning the veracity and wisdom of a project. You and anyone is free to disagree all you wish, I accept and respect that. And the exact reason the gov isn't spending $$$ on autism is exactly my point.the focus is on short term $ and cowtowing to swelling corporate coffers........... Newton's 3rd law mate.. "for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction" problem is the know it all leaders have created so many actions that they can't sift the wheat from the chaff.!! My whole focus is on the big picture. Again I'm not referring to the movie, I'm referring

to the flawed focus of autism speaks and their leadership. i've seen and read recent threads echoing my sentiments so maybe i do have a point or two. I would absolutely love to help everyone especially those who are financially strapped. i sent an email to the s when they started up all i got was the typical std auto response.I doubt they even personallly read it. I enclose it for your perusal. It should clarify my position Thanks take care, best n Hello Bob and Suzanne , As a parent of a 12 year daughter I am pleased to see that you are actively trying to help promote awareness and research into this complex disorder. I am though very concerned because all too often people such as yourselves who have great resources and contacts at their fingertips seem to think that it is necessary to re-invent the wheel as it were.

I mean no disrespect, to you, but organizations such as CAN and NAAR are already way down the research road. Reading your essay on your site I was struck by the glaring omission of recognizing that the best info and resources come from small involved groups who are summarily dismissed by the big wigs of the autism community. I invite you to visit our local chapter's website at www.asaoakland.org to see what a small group of committed people on a shoestring budget of +/- 90K accomplish. Having been involved in this issue since 1994 I have observed a lack of focus and cohesion by large groups who have significant financial resources yet fail to consult with those at the grassroots of the Autism community. Our chapter for example has a 50 plus page resource guide which

anyone can download providing info for someone who doesn't know where to turn. We provide grants directly to teachers and paras working with AI kids. This year, 2005 we gave close to 40K. This is done to try and help teachers provide things to kids when their districts won't purchase them. We also purchase books on Autism and donate them to public libraries. We plan and hold conferences for example on Biomed and Special Education Law. Our chapter was recognized as national chapter of the year in 2002 by the ASA. We raise our funds by holding a golf outing (this year on Sept 12th). I am co chair and will gladly send you an invitation if you so desire. I think it is very important that people in your position see how the little guys are contributing to the onslaught against Autism. Perhaps you might persuade the Today show or Dateline to do a live broadcast from our outing? One

area which seriously needs attention and unfortunately all the big groups miss, is direct support forstruggling families. Many Autistic children live in broken homes with little or no resources. (Suzanne mentions this in her essay) The divorce rate in special needs families is as high as 80% ! I enclose a letter from such a parent posted on a michigan support group website "Just a (hopefully) short note to say that I am one of those single moms raising a son with autism. He is now 19 years old and I have spent my supposedly most productive working years to fight for what we have been able to receive for him, which is far far far less than what young children diagnosed with Autism receive now. We are looking now to start sensory integration services for him, since that was ignored all through his younger life. He was born ahead of the increase of autism and thus, so much about him was

misunderstood or never recognized, and even when it was, wasn't served. I have lived in poverty and somehow people don't recognize us as poor. I have no retirement saved and worse, no future money set aside for his care after I am gone. Now I am looking at what I need to do for work again so that I can do that. Thinking about my life goals versus what I have done for my son is a split in my psyche, though not in my heart. I sincerely believe that our society needs to become more caring about all people. We will pay incredible and "ungodly" amounts of money to movie stars, sports professionals, and even our psychiatrists, while parents work far more hours and more years with not only no pay but also such little help, even when disabilities are added to the situation. Until those with financial security understand how many people in our country have nothing even close to that, how instead they struggle with crisis from day to day, with good days peppered about for

sustenance, we will not become a country that was the compassionate United States I grew up believing in. What a reality shift for my mind from what I read in the history and social studies books of high school! Maybe I'm misunderstanding something about this below, but these words have really hurt me and reinforced my belief about the lack of understanding and compassion for those with needs in our country, whether they be autism, mental illness, or any other disability or misfortune. " When I read this, it codified what I've felt and known for a long time. I therefore, am appealing to you to use part of your significant resources to set up a grant foundation to directly help people in need. Our synagogue is connected with an organization called "Friendship Circle" (visit their site www.friendshipcircle.org

) which serves to aid and provide respite volunteers to special needs families and run social programs. They are busy constructing a unique place called "Lifetown" . Originally they were contemplating a special needs playground and invited my wife and I to a meeting to acquire our input. (they recognize and value the little guys' opinions) As the Rabbi was wrapping things up I piped in with a thought and idea that I had spent many hours ruminating over, viz... "what we need is a place where special needs people can come to and receive therapy and play and parents can relax knowing that their kids are being taken care of etc..." I threw it out there and the result became what is now being constructed. Furthermore when the decision was made to abandon the playground project and focus on my suggestion, we were again consulted for our input. (again they valued

the little guys' input). I implore you to seriously consider these sentiments. They come from a caring, compassionate and frustrated, heart who would if he had the resources set up a fund to help all those in need. Your grandson is blessed by having you on his team., but your responsibility should extend beyond your family circle. The research is going well and yes it can do with more funding, but the quagmire of abject misery and dispair is so real for many that it deservesgent attention now. You are in a position to help assuage this need. I adjure you to do so. I sincerely thank you in anticipation of a favourable response. Take care, good luck and I wish you well in all your endeavours JULIAN WENDROW Bradley <pete@...> wrote: Glad to see you are so open minded and have all the answers - "still know unequivocally that the s and those that think and act like they are wrong" must be nice to have no gray area in your life. We all have the same goals - raise awareness and cure autism. Our common intrests are greater than our differences. The film to a large extent was about education, not pity - the film brings out the day the day challenges autistic families face - financial, emotional etc THe bottom line is we need the government to treat autism as a "Manhattan project". it is pathetic the government is not spending 2 billion or more a year on autism

research. This film and the work of Autism Speaks will help reach that goal Pete Re: Documentary on Autism Stuns Internet Viewers> > OK - get ready to flame me!> > That video is the most pathetic waste of bandwidth I've ever seen. > Rather than depicting how "pitiful" out situations are (if one > indeed chooses to see them as pitiful), it would be much more > helpful for those moms featured to talk about thimerosal, MMR, DTaP > and Proquad, AND the interventions that are indeed working for many > children across the USA and abroad, to undo the neurological > consequences of this toxin and these vaccines...> > The drivel shown in the video may move folks to pity "our plight" > but it also takes the emphasis off of answers, which is in keeping > of the commitment of Autism Speaks to bury the vaccine-autism > issue. This is the

type of message that their board members Andy > Shih (former NAAR) and Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop (CDC) have done for > years.> > Outside of the vaccine issue, I have to state, "Happiness is a > choice," folks. If one chooses to see their situation as miserable, > hopeless and pathetic, it will be... Conversely, if we choose to > embrace the mission that we have been given, there is a lot more joy > in the journey...> > If the s want us all to be objects of pity, I pity them> > > > >

[Guest guest]

As I have said repeatedly the video was terrific. I understand it was

made for a black tie type celebrity fundraiser and utilized to raise

$2million. Is that money going to be used for the study of vaccinated

vs. unvaccinated populations? or what will it be used for?

On May 17, 2006, at 6:43 PM, n Wendrow wrote:

> Oh please you're missing the point. I'm generalizing philosophically.

> Let's face it..we have all the resources we need to assuage every

> problem in this country from hunger poverty to disease, yet we still

> screw up why.because we've been doing everything correctly.????  I

> know not !  It doesn't matter what  I individuallt think, what matters

> is the universal truth is that we can ameliorate all out ills if we

> really sacrificed and endeavoured to do so.  If we've been doing so

> wonderfully then why exactly are we in such a s---hole as a society ,

> our kids arre sickly, environment is strwessedm, corporations focus on

> short term gain and to hell with the longterm consequences, too many

> kids have serious issues, yet we still make and use foods with

> preservatives and colouring and hormones and additives and we still

> treat symptoms of disease instead of prevention and aetiology. 

>  

> No I don't have all the answers and I'm not even interested in

> debating merits of a film etc. it's all ok. but,  the bottom line is,

> it would get better far more quickly if we addressed the real issues

> and prioritised instead of allowing our focus to be sidetracked.  

>  

> open minded is exactly what i am, I'm questioning the veracity and

> wisdom of a project. You and anyone is free to disagree all you wish,

> I accept and respect that.

>  

> And the exact reason the gov isn't spending $$$ on autism is exactly

> my point.the focus is on short term $ and cowtowing to swelling

> corporate coffers........... Newton's 3rd law mate..  " for every

> action there's an equal and opposite reaction "   problem is the know it

> all leaders have created so many actions that they can't sift the

> wheat from the chaff.!!

>  

> My whole focus is on the big picture. Again I'm not referring to the

> movie, I'm referring to the flawed focus of autism speaks and their

> leadership.  i've seen and read recent threads echoing my sentiments

> so maybe i do have a point or two.  I would absolutely love to help

> everyone especially those who are financially strapped. 

>  

> i sent an email to the s when they started up all i got was the

> typical std auto response.I doubt they even personallly read it. I

> enclose it for your perusal. It should clarify my position

> Thanks take care, best

> n

>  

> Hello Bob and Suzanne ,

>  

> As a parent of a 12 year daughter I am pleased to see that you are

> actively trying to help promote awareness and research into this

> complex disorder. I am though very concerned because all too often

> people such as yourselves who have great resources and contacts at

> their fingertips seem to think that it is necessary to re-invent the

> wheel as it were. I mean no disrespect, to you, but organizations

> such as CAN and NAAR are already way down the research road.

>  

> Reading your essay on your site I was struck by the glaring omission

> of recognizing that the best info and resources come from small

> involved groups who are summarily dismissed by the big wigs of the

> autism community.

>  

>   I invite you to visit our local chapter's website at  

> www.asaoakland.org    to see what a small group of committed people on

> a shoestring budget of +/- 90K accomplish.  Having been involved in

> this issue since 1994 I have observed a lack of focus and cohesion by

> large groups who have significant financial resources yet fail to

> consult with those at the grassroots of the Autism community.

>  

>   Our chapter for example has a 50 plus page resource guide which

> anyone can download providing info for someone who doesn't know where

> to turn. We provide grants directly to teachers and paras working with

> AI kids. This year, 2005 we gave close to 40K. This is done to try and

> help teachers provide things to kids when their districts won't

> purchase them. We also purchase books on Autism and donate them to

> public libraries. We plan and hold conferences for example on  Biomed

> and Special Education Law. Our chapter was recognized as national

> chapter of the year in 2002 by the ASA.

>  

> We raise our funds by holding a golf outing (this year on Sept 12th).

> I am co chair and will gladly send you an invitation if you so desire.

> I think it is very important that people in your position see how the

> little guys are contributing to the onslaught against Autism.  Perhaps

> you might persuade the Today show or Dateline to do a live broadcast

> from our outing?

>  

> One area which seriously needs attention and unfortunately all the big

> groups miss, is direct support forstruggling families. Many Autistic

> children live in broken homes with little or no resources. (Suzanne

> mentions this in her essay) The divorce rate in special needs families

> is as high as 80% !

>  I enclose a letter from such a parent posted on a michigan support

> group website

>  

> " Just a (hopefully) short note to say that I am one of those single

> moms raising a son with autism. He is now 19 years old and I have

> spent my supposedly most productive working years to fight for what we

> have been able to receive for him, which is far far far less than what

> young children diagnosed with Autism receive now. We are looking now

> to start sensory integration services for him, since that was ignored

> all through his younger life. He was born ahead of the increase of

> autism and thus, so much about him was misunderstood or never

> recognized, and even when it was, wasn't served. I have lived in

> poverty and somehow people don't recognize us as poor. I have no

> retirement saved and worse, no future money set aside for his care

> after I am gone. Now I am looking at what I need to do for work again

> so that I can do that. Thinking about my life goals versus what I have

> done for my son is a split in my psyche, though not in my heart.

>

> I sincerely believe that our society needs to become more caring about

> all people. We will pay incredible and " ungodly " amounts of money to

> movie stars, sports professionals, and even our psychiatrists, while

> parents work far more hours and more years with not only no pay but

> also such little help, even when disabilities are added to the

> situation. Until those with financial security understand how many

> people in our country have nothing even close to that, how instead

> they struggle with crisis from day to day, with good days peppered

> about for sustenance, we will not become a country that was the

> compassionate United States I grew up believing in. What a reality

> shift for my mind from what I read in the history and social studies

> books of high school!

>

> Maybe I'm misunderstanding something about this below, but these words

> have really hurt me and reinforced my belief about the lack of

> understanding and compassion for those with needs in our country,

> whether they be autism, mental illness, or any other disability or

> misfortune.  "

>  

> When I read this, it codified what I've felt and known for a long

> time.  I therefore, am appealing to you to use part of your

> significant resources to set up a grant foundation to directly help

> people in need. 

>   Our synagogue is connected with an organization called " Friendship

> Circle " (visit their site   www.friendshipcircle.org  )   which

> serves to aid and provide respite volunteers to special needs families

> and run social programs. They are busy constructing a unique place

> called " Lifetown "  

> . 

>   Originally they were contemplating a special needs playground and

> invited my wife and I to a meeting to acquire our input. (they

> recognize and value the little guys' opinions) As the Rabbi was

> wrapping things up I piped in with a thought and idea that I had spent

> many hours ruminating over, viz... " what we need is a place where

> special needs people can come to and receive therapy and play and

> parents can relax knowing that their kids are being taken care of

> etc... "   I threw it out there and the result became what is now being

> constructed.

>  

>  Furthermore when the decision was made to abandon the playground

> project and focus on my suggestion, we were again consulted for our

> input. (again they valued the little guys' input).

>  

> I implore you to seriously consider these sentiments. They come from a

> caring, compassionate and frustrated, heart who would if he had the

> resources set up a fund to help all those in need.  Your grandson is

> blessed by having you on his team., but your responsibility should

> extend beyond your family circle. The research is going well and yes

> it can do with more funding, but the quagmire of abject misery and

> dispair is so real for many that it deservesgent attention now.  You

> are in a position to help assuage this need. I adjure you to do so.

>  

> I sincerely thank you in anticipation of a favourable response. Take

> care, good luck and I wish you well in all your endeavours

>  

> JULIAN WENDROW

>

>

> Bradley <pete@...> wrote:

>> Glad to see you are so open minded and have all the answers - " still

>> know unequivocally that the s and those that think and act like

>> they are wrong "

>> must be nice to have no gray area in your life.

>>  

>> We all have the same goals - raise awareness and cure autism.  Our

>> common intrests are greater than our differences.

>>  

>> The film to a large extent was about education, not pity - the film

>> brings out the day the day challenges autistic families face -

>> financial,  emotional etc

>>  

>> THe bottom line is we need the government to treat autism as a

>> " Manhattan project " .  it is pathetic the government is not spending 2

>> billion or more a year on autism research.

>> This film and the work of Autism Speaks will help reach that goal  

>>  

>> Pete

>>> Re: Documentary on Autism Stuns Internet Viewers

>>>> >

>>>> > OK - get ready to flame me!

>>>> >

>>>> > That video is the most pathetic waste of bandwidth I've ever

>>>> seen. 

>>>> > Rather than depicting how " pitiful " out situations are (if one

>>>> > indeed chooses to see them as pitiful), it would be much more

>>>> > helpful for those moms featured to talk about thimerosal, MMR,

>>>> DTaP

>>>> > and Proquad, AND the interventions that are indeed working for

>>>> many

>>>> > children across the USA and abroad, to undo the neurological

>>>> > consequences of this toxin and these vaccines...

>>>> >

>>>> > The drivel shown in the video may move folks to pity " our plight "

>>>> > but it also takes the emphasis off of answers, which is in keeping

>>>> > of the commitment of Autism Speaks to bury the vaccine-autism

>>>> > issue.  This is the type of message that their board members Andy

>>>> > Shih (former NAAR) and Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop (CDC) have done

>>>> for

>>>> > years.

>>>> >

>>>> > Outside of the vaccine issue, I have to state, " Happiness is a

>>>> > choice, " folks.  If one chooses to see their situation as

>>>> miserable,

>>>> > hopeless and pathetic, it will be...  Conversely, if we choose to

>>>> > embrace the mission that we have been given, there is a lot more

>>>> joy

>>>> > in the journey...

>>>> >

>>>> > If the s want us all to be objects of pity, I pity them

>>>> >

>>>> >   

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >  

[Guest guest]

It will be used to continue their status quo" J. Krakow" <rkrakow@...> wrote: As I have said repeatedly the video was terrific. I understand it was made for a black tie type celebrity fundraiser and utilized to raise $2million. Is that money going to be used for the study of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated populations? or what will it be used for?On May 17, 2006, at 6:43 PM, n Wendrow wrote:> Oh please you're missing the point. I'm generalizing philosophically. > Let's face it..we have all the resources we need to assuage every > problem in this country from hunger poverty to disease, yet we still > screw up why.because we've been doing everything correctly.???? I > know not ! It doesn't matter what I individuallt think, what matters > is

the universal truth is that we can ameliorate all out ills if we > really sacrificed and endeavoured to do so. If we've been doing so > wonderfully then why exactly are we in such a s---hole as a society , > our kids arre sickly, environment is strwessedm, corporations focus on > short term gain and to hell with the longterm consequences, too many > kids have serious issues, yet we still make and use foods with > preservatives and colouring and hormones and additives and we still > treat symptoms of disease instead of prevention and aetiology. >  > No I don't have all the answers and I'm not even interested in > debating merits of a film etc. it's all ok. but,  the bottom line is, > it would get better far more quickly if we addressed the real issues > and prioritised instead of allowing our focus to

be sidetracked.  >  > open minded is exactly what i am, I'm questioning the veracity and > wisdom of a project. You and anyone is free to disagree all you wish, > I accept and respect that.>  > And the exact reason the gov isn't spending $$$ on autism is exactly > my point.the focus is on short term $ and cowtowing to swelling > corporate coffers........... Newton's 3rd law mate.. "for every > action there's an equal and opposite reaction" problem is the know it > all leaders have created so many actions that they can't sift the > wheat from the chaff.!!>  > My whole focus is on the big picture. Again I'm not referring to the > movie, I'm referring to the flawed focus of autism speaks and their > leadership. i've seen and read recent threads echoing my sentiments > so maybe i do have a point or two.Â

I would absolutely love to help > everyone especially those who are financially strapped. >  > i sent an email to the s when they started up all i got was the > typical std auto response.I doubt they even personallly read it. I > enclose it for your perusal. It should clarify my position> Thanks take care, best> n>  > Hello Bob and Suzanne ,>  > As a parent of a 12 year daughter I am pleased to see that you are > actively trying to help promote awareness and research into this > complex disorder. I am though very concerned because all too often > people such as yourselves who have great resources and contacts at > their fingertips seem to think that it is necessary to re-invent the > wheel as it were. I mean no disrespect, to you, but organizations > such as CAN and NAAR are already way down the

research road.>  > Reading your essay on your site I was struck by the glaring omission > of recognizing that the best info and resources come from small > involved groups who are summarily dismissed by the big wigs of the > autism community.>  >   I invite you to visit our local chapter's website at  > www.asaoakland.org   to see what a small group of committed people on > a shoestring budget of +/- 90K accomplish. Having been involved in > this issue since 1994 I have observed a lack of focus and cohesion by > large groups who have significant financial resources yet fail to > consult with those at the grassroots of the Autism community.>  >   Our chapter for example has a 50 plus page resource guide which > anyone can download providing info for someone who doesn't know where

> to turn. We provide grants directly to teachers and paras working with > AI kids. This year, 2005 we gave close to 40K. This is done to try and > help teachers provide things to kids when their districts won't > purchase them. We also purchase books on Autism and donate them to > public libraries. We plan and hold conferences for example on Biomed > and Special Education Law. Our chapter was recognized as national > chapter of the year in 2002 by the ASA.>  > We raise our funds by holding a golf outing (this year on Sept 12th). > I am co chair and will gladly send you an invitation if you so desire. > I think it is very important that people in your position see how the > little guys are contributing to the onslaught against Autism. Perhaps > you might persuade the Today show or Dateline to do a live broadcast > from our outing?>

 > One area which seriously needs attention and unfortunately all the big > groups miss, is direct support forstruggling families. Many Autistic > children live in broken homes with little or no resources. (Suzanne > mentions this in her essay) The divorce rate in special needs families > is as high as 80% !>  I enclose a letter from such a parent posted on a michigan support > group website>  > "Just a (hopefully) short note to say that I am one of those single > moms raising a son with autism. He is now 19 years old and I have > spent my supposedly most productive working years to fight for what we > have been able to receive for him, which is far far far less than what > young children diagnosed with Autism receive now. We are looking now > to start sensory integration services for him, since that was ignored >

all through his younger life. He was born ahead of the increase of > autism and thus, so much about him was misunderstood or never > recognized, and even when it was, wasn't served. I have lived in > poverty and somehow people don't recognize us as poor. I have no > retirement saved and worse, no future money set aside for his care > after I am gone. Now I am looking at what I need to do for work again > so that I can do that. Thinking about my life goals versus what I have > done for my son is a split in my psyche, though not in my heart.>> I sincerely believe that our society needs to become more caring about > all people. We will pay incredible and "ungodly" amounts of money to > movie stars, sports professionals, and even our psychiatrists, while > parents work far more hours and more years with not only no pay but > also such little help, even when disabilities are added to the

> situation. Until those with financial security understand how many > people in our country have nothing even close to that, how instead > they struggle with crisis from day to day, with good days peppered > about for sustenance, we will not become a country that was the > compassionate United States I grew up believing in. What a reality > shift for my mind from what I read in the history and social studies > books of high school!>> Maybe I'm misunderstanding something about this below, but these words > have really hurt me and reinforced my belief about the lack of > understanding and compassion for those with needs in our country, > whether they be autism, mental illness, or any other disability or > misfortune. ">  > When I read this, it codified what I've felt and known for a long > time. I therefore, am appealing to you to use part

of your > significant resources to set up a grant foundation to directly help > people in need. >   Our synagogue is connected with an organization called "Friendship > Circle" (visit their site  www.friendshipcircle.org )  which > serves to aid and provide respite volunteers to special needs families > and run social programs. They are busy constructing a unique place > called "Lifetown" > . >   Originally they were contemplating a special needs playground and > invited my wife and I to a meeting to acquire our input. (they > recognize and value the little guys' opinions) As the Rabbi was > wrapping things up I piped in with a thought and idea that I had spent > many hours ruminating over, viz... "what we need is a place where > special needs people can come to and

receive therapy and play and > parents can relax knowing that their kids are being taken care of > etc..." I threw it out there and the result became what is now being > constructed.>  >  Furthermore when the decision was made to abandon the playground > project and focus on my suggestion, we were again consulted for our > input. (again they valued the little guys' input).>  > I implore you to seriously consider these sentiments. They come from a > caring, compassionate and frustrated, heart who would if he had the > resources set up a fund to help all those in need. Your grandson is > blessed by having you on his team., but your responsibility should > extend beyond your family circle. The research is going well and yes > it can do with more funding, but the quagmire of abject misery and > dispair is so real for many

that it deservesgent attention now.  You > are in a position to help assuage this need. I adjure you to do so.>  > I sincerely thank you in anticipation of a favourable response. Take > care, good luck and I wish you well in all your endeavours>  > JULIAN WENDROW>>> Bradley <pete@...> wrote:>> Glad to see you are so open minded and have all the answers - "still >> know unequivocally that the s and those that think and act like >> they are wrong">> must be nice to have no gray area in your life.>>  >> We all have the same goals - raise awareness and cure autism. Our >> common intrests are greater than our differences.>>  >> The film to a large extent was about education, not pity - the film >> brings out the day the day challenges autistic

families face - >> financial, emotional etc>>  >> THe bottom line is we need the government to treat autism as a >> "Manhattan project". it is pathetic the government is not spending 2 >> billion or more a year on autism research.>> This film and the work of Autism Speaks will help reach that goal  >>  >> Pete>>> Re: Documentary on Autism Stuns Internet Viewers>>>> >>>>> > OK - get ready to flame me!>>>> >>>>> > That video is the most pathetic waste of bandwidth I've

ever>>>> seen. >>>> > Rather than depicting how "pitiful" out situations are (if one>>>> > indeed chooses to see them as pitiful), it would be much more>>>> > helpful for those moms featured to talk about thimerosal, MMR,>>>> DTaP>>>> > and Proquad, AND the interventions that are indeed working for>>>> many>>>> > children across the USA and abroad, to undo the neurological>>>> > consequences of this toxin and these vaccines...>>>> >>>>> > The drivel shown in the video may move folks to pity "our plight">>>> > but it also takes the emphasis off of answers, which is in keeping>>>> > of the commitment of Autism Speaks to bury the vaccine-autism>>>> > issue. This is the type of message that their board members

Andy>>>> > Shih (former NAAR) and Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop (CDC) have done>>>> for>>>> > years.>>>> >>>>> > Outside of the vaccine issue, I have to state, "Happiness is a>>>> > choice," folks. If one chooses to see their situation as>>>> miserable,>>>> > hopeless and pathetic, it will be... Conversely, if we choose to>>>> > embrace the mission that we have been given, there is a lot more>>>> joy>>>> > in the journey...>>>> >>>>> > If the s want us all to be objects of pity, I pity them>>>> >>>>> >   >>>> >>>>> >>>>> > Â

[Guest guest]

Hey look, I'm just expressing my humble opinion that there are too many dogs chasing the same tail. This autism issue isn'y only research into aetiology. There are real people suffering everyday, not only about dealing with how to help their kid/s but how to find the resources to help their kids. The s have plenty of those, They've just stepped onto the autism planet. They owe a debt to many who have travelled down the road and struggled I before them. They're directly benefitting from the trials and tribulations of the many who have adults with Autism. I don't know if you read my prior post where I included a letter from a struggling mother who'd been dealing with the issues for 19 yrs and doesn't have a pot to p> >>>> >Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}Â o\:* {behavior:url> >>>> (#default#VML);}Â w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}Â .shape> >>>> {behavior:url(#default#VML);}Â Â Â Â Â Â Â st1\:*{behavior:url>

>>>> (#default#ieooui) }               ,> >>>> >       That was just one opinion, remember that. You are never> >>>> going to be able to please everyone. I for one, am extremely> >>>> grateful for this video. Even explaining to family members and good> >>>> friends is difficult and I pointed all of them in the direction of> >>>> this film to show them the realities of my life. In no way do I> >>>> want any of them to feel sorry for me. I need them to understand> >>>> that I cannot always do what everyone else tries to include me to> >>>> do. My life does not have the same flexibilities of "normal" family> >>>> life. More and more people think Autism is just a mild issue

that> >>>> just takes extra behavioral teaching and better parenting. We all> >>>> know that is not the case. Thank you for taking the time to> >>>> participate in this film and giving all of us a place to refer> >>>> people to when they do not understand the gravity of what Autism> >>>> presents. The biomedical treatments need to be materialized in the> >>>> main stream but it is going to take many steps to get there. This> >>>> > was a BIG step! Thank you,  > >>>> >   > >>>> >      > >>>> > ---------------------------------> >>>> >  > >>>> >  From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On> >>>> Behalf Of

michele iallonardi> >>>> > Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 2:45 PM> >>>> > EOHarm > >>>> > Subject: autism every day> >>>> >> >>>> >   > >>>> >    Hi-> >>>> >> >>>> >    I've been thinking how and if I should reply to this email, as> >>>> I am not interested in arguing nor do I really have much time to do> >>>> so anyway. But I kept thinking about it, which was taking up even> >>>> more time than responding- so... ...........> >>>> >> >>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    I am the mother of three children who have autism. 1 has been> >>>>

vaccinated, 2 have been partly vaccinated. I am very interested and> >>>> involved in biomedical interventions. They have been extremely > >>>> helpful (we have been doing them for over 2 years) but my son, as> >>>> you saw in the video, is far from recovered. My other 2 children,> >>>> who are recovering, have been through no biomedical interventions> >>>> other than changing their diets.> >>>> >> >>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    My point is this- when it comes to autism, there is no one> >>>> answer for anything. Recovery is not only about biomedical> >>>> intervention- maybe for some children, but not for everyone. Autism> >>>> does have a genetic

component (how do you explain 3 brothers with> >>>> autism?). I do believe that thimersol is a huge part of the problem> >>>> (but not the only part)- my son with the most vaccinations is the> >>>> most affected.  But, no, I don't think that all children can> >>>> recover biomedically. And yes, some children do recover without any> >>>> biomedical interventions at all.> >>>> >> >>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    My life is by no means "pitiful." I wrote an article in TAP> >>>> (the autism perspective) magazine last year entitled " I Have> >>>> Three"- talking about just how wonderful my life is with my> >>>> children. Funny, I actually got

flack about that article from some> >>>> people (who have 1 child with autism, and were struggling to deal> >>>> with that) saying that I was too positive (or delusional or crazy). > >>>> I have written several articles since then about all of the> >>>> wonderful things parenting children with autism has brought into my> >>>> life. That being said, the reality is that life for my boys is> >>>> difficult. Most people that I know don't realize that. Happiness> >>>> is a choice, yes, and we are happy. But being happy doesn't mean> >>>> that it is easy for my son to sit through glutathione shots, eat> >>>> special food, or live in a world where he can't effectively> >>>> communicate. I'm happy, but I'm not happy about

that. He is> >>>> suffering- and I can never sit by and just be completely happy when> >>>> all that is> >>>> > going on. I'll never settle and accept it either. To quote> >>>> another mom from the film- "I'm never going to say I quit. It's> >>>> just not in my vocabulary."> >>>> >> >>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    To insinuate that I view my life as pitiful is just a hurtful> >>>> statement that has no point. What I view as pitiful is the time and> >>>> energy spent (or wasted) in our community criticizing each other. > >>>> My own life is an example of both genetic and biomedical causes to> >>>> autism. My

own life is an example of how happiness is a choice- > >>>> because we have certainly had 4 years from hell, with many medical> >>>> problems, with three children diagnosed with autism in less than one> >>>> year, but we are happier than most people I know. We are broke, we> >>>> hate watching our children suffer, and we go through things that> >>>> most people- even some on this list- could never imagine. That is> >>>> the reality- and that is what the film wanted the public to> >>>> understand.> >>>> >> >>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    Let's be honest- life would be easier if our kids didn't have> >>>> autism, don't you think?> >>>> >>

>>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    I'm sorry that you did not like what you saw in the> >>>> documentary, and that you felt that the "drivel" was a waste of your> >>>> time.  It was not a waste of mine. > >>>> >> >>>> >    Although it was hard to let the world into our home to see> >>>> what some of our reality is like, I am proud and honored that we> >>>> were part of the film.> >>>> >> >>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    -Michele> >>>> >> >>>> >      > >>>> >> >>>> >     > >>>> >> >>>> >    Message

8> >>>> >    From: " Hooker" sploobnoober@> >>>> >    Date: Tue May 16, 2006 8:42am(PDT)> >>>> > Subject: Re: Documentary on Autism Stuns Internet Viewers> >>>> >> >>>> > OK - get ready to flame me!> >>>> >> >>>> > That video is the most pathetic waste of bandwidth I've ever> >>>> seen. > >>>> > Rather than depicting how "pitiful" out situations are (if one> >>>> > indeed chooses to see them as pitiful), it would be much more> >>>> > helpful for those moms featured to talk about thimerosal, MMR,> >>>> DTaP> >>>> > and Proquad, AND the interventions that are indeed working for> >>>> many> >>>> > children across the

USA and abroad, to undo the neurological> >>>> > consequences of this toxin and these vaccines...> >>>> >> >>>> > The drivel shown in the video may move folks to pity "our plight"> >>>> > but it also takes the emphasis off of answers, which is in keeping> >>>> > of the commitment of Autism Speaks to bury the vaccine-autism> >>>> > issue. This is the type of message that their board members Andy> >>>> > Shih (former NAAR) and Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop (CDC) have done> >>>> for> >>>> > years.> >>>> >> >>>> > Outside of the vaccine issue, I have to state, "Happiness is a> >>>> > choice," folks. If one chooses to see their situation as> >>>> miserable,>

>>>> > hopeless and pathetic, it will be... Conversely, if we choose to> >>>> > embrace the mission that we have been given, there is a lot more> >>>> joy> >>>> > in the journey...> >>>> >> >>>> > If the s want us all to be objects of pity, I pity them> >>>> >> >>>> >   > >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> > Â

[Guest guest]

I think Ford will win. Is Frist retiring/ If so good riddance.....It's difficult ot believe how so many intelligent people ==you need to be pretty smart to become a doctor= do so many dumb things.then again Md ='s medical doctor and MD ='s mental disability. ...............hmmmmmmmmmmmm?? Take care n Debi <fightingautism@...> wrote: Frist isn't running this time, but Harold Ford Jr and Bob Corker arerunning for his seat, give them a holler.www.haroldfordjr.comwww.bobcorker.comDebi

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.

[Guest guest]

Frist isn’t retiring he’s just

gearing up to run for president. God help us!

From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On Behalf Of n Wendrow

Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 1:12

PM

EOHarm

Subject: Re: Re: autism

every day. I agree.... wrights are still wrong !

I think Ford will win. Is Frist retiring/ If so good riddance.....It's

difficult ot believe how so many intelligent people ==you need to be pretty

smart to become a doctor=

do so many dumb things.then again Md ='s medical

doctor and MD ='s mental disability. ...............hmmmmmmmmmmmm??

Take care

n

Debi

<fightingautism@...> wrote:

Frist isn't running this

time, but Harold Ford Jr and Bob Corker are

running for his seat, give them a holler.

www.haroldfordjr.com

www.bobcorker.com

Debi

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone

call rates.

Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.

[Guest guest]

Wait until Frist tries to run for President.

What do they mean by "hammer time"?

Re: Re: autism every day. I agree.... wrights are still wrong !

I think Ford will win. Is Frist retiring/ If so good riddance.....It's difficult ot believe how so many intelligent people ==you need to be pretty smart to become a doctor=

do so many dumb things.then again Md ='s medical doctor and MD ='s mental disability. ...............hmmmmmmmmmmmm??

Take care

n Debi <fightingautism@...> wrote:

Frist isn't running this time, but Harold Ford Jr and Bob Corker arerunning for his seat, give them a holler.www.haroldfordjr.comwww.bobcorker.comDebi

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.

[Guest guest]

we said that about bush...

Re: autism every day. I agree.... wrights are still wrong

!

> He'll never make it.

[Guest guest]

Harold Ford, Jr. gets extremely favorable coverage from Don Imus and it has helped him immeasurably.

Given the battle Bill Frist has had with Don Imus, I doubt the Republican wants to go there.

Harold Ford seems like a guy who will do what he says.

I don't know anything about Corker.

Re: autism every day. I agree.... wrights are still wrong !

So far Mr. Ford has failed to respond to a list of questions regardingautism and the election, but he was given a time period until June 15(I think is the date). Will be interesting to see how he and Mr.Corker respond.Debi>> I think Ford will win. Is Frist retiring/ If so goodriddance.....It's difficult ot believe how so many intelligent people==you need to be pretty smart to become a doctor=> do so many dumb things.then again Md ='s medical doctor and MD='s mental disability. ...............hmmmmmmmmmmmm??> Take care> n > >

[Guest guest]

Big Pharma owns the White House. If he doesn't win another drug puppet will.

Re: autism every day. I agree.... wrights are still wrong !

He'll never make it.> > Frist isn't running this time, but Harold Ford Jr and Bob Corker are> running for his seat, give them a holler.> > www.haroldfordjr.com> www.bobcorker.com> > > > Debi> > > > > > > > > > _____ > > How low will we go? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone> <http://us.rd./mail_us/taglines/postman8/*http:/us.rd./evt> =39663/*http:/voice.> call rates.> > > <http://us.rd./mail_us/taglines/postman8/*http:/us.rd./evt> =39663/*http:/voice.> > _____ > > > > <http://us.rd./mail_us/taglines/postman3/*http:/us.rd./evt> =39666/*http:/messenger.> Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls> for ridiculously low rates. > >