Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

[Guest guest]

I didn't watch Oprah. I never do. Too much sensationalism for my taste.

However, if you've ever met someone with autism, you would understand the idea

of having " lost " your child to autism. For people who have kids with AS, this

may not be something you've thought about. For people who have kids with

autism, HFA or LFA or in between, you know what that means. I do not credit any

of it to the vaccine stuff - I am more into genetics personally. Whatever the

cause, when you have a child who is not talking and you don't know if they ever

will talk...or have a child who is truely off in his world 24/7 and you don't

know if he will ever focus on anything " worthwhile " - these are tough

situations. Nobody would ever call this a " gift. " I wouldn't. I am lucky that

my two boys are HF now. They didn't start out this way. I also work with a 5

yo who is not HF. So many times I am sitting there and wishing I could reach in

and pull out the little boy you get glimpses of from time to time.

When I talk to my own boys about autism, I let them know that it is a spectrum

and that there are people who have more problems or more severe problems that

they are not able to overcome. I have never referred to having " autism " as a

gift. I prefer to tell my boys that they are special and gifted on their own

and this is not due to a disability.

Roxanna

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I was very excited to see the topic for Oprah's show today, but was

also disappointed that she did not include Aspergers. I hope that she

will eventually do a show about the struggles we have, which are very

different than what was shown on the show today. I did go to the

Oprah website to see if there was a way to email her and there is.

You can send your story in to the producers. Maybe if enough of us do

this, she will do a show on Aspergers. www2.oprah.com

>

[Guest guest]

Well said and I agree.

When I take my almost ten year old son to the store and have to put him in

the shopping cart just so I can focus without worrying about losing him, I

get funny looks. He's small for his age (two years behind in physical

growth) so this really just started recently, but I am starting to get

those looks " .

Just last week we went to WalMart and I had him in the cart. I have to try

to stay in the center of the aisle because if he sees something that draws

his interest, he just *has* to touch it. Ironically, the shampoo aisle is

one of the worst for it, I think because of all the colors. Anyway, we went

down the aisle and the store was packed that day so I had to go more to the

side and there's Trey reaching his hand out to the things on the shelves. I

had to walk to the front of the cart, hold his hands, get to his eye level,

say his name a few times and tell him to not touch. That's when I got the

looks because like you said even though Autism isn't a visible disability,

people can't really pick up on the differences of someone with HFA in such a

brief meeting. They probably just thought I was weird for having an older

child in a cart and then for talking to him like he's a toddler instead of

just telling him to stop. What they don't realize is that he may not even

hear me at all if I just say, " Trey, stop. "

Then there's the constant running some days. I've *never* allowed my

children to run in stores. I think it's very rude and inappropriate, but

with Trey, it's a constant battle some days and a constant worry that he'll

get lost or worse, kidnapped. If I lose sight of him for just a second, I'm

in a panic. I don't know how many times I've literally nearly fainted

because I couldn't see where he was. He's just so fast and it just takes a

few seconds for someone to grab a kid and run out. Scary scary stuff.

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the general

public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is, there's a

LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on the show.

The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just think they

re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that. However, if

you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise equipment

Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment they had

It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could tell that

the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was already low on

patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child like the

ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there

was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems more like a

spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the average

person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child that's

verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the parents on

the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random stranger

and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to abduct Beth

wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach them! I

feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a day

So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than what

Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence' that the

show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she saw the

show.

[Guest guest]

I'll second that!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I nominate Meira to write to Oprah and tell her about aspergers and all of

us needing to get together and the facts about autism being a SPECTRUM and

tell Oprah we need to get the word out about the lesser known 'end' of the

spectrum. BIG SMILE Toni

Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

Wow. Thanks for the tears......of sadness and happiness.

You're good.

Robin

meiraharvey <meira-harvey@...> wrote:

Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best for

him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your child

will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams don't

have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the PDDNOS

diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it, I

have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never going

to make it through university. But she might make it through a

remedial vocational training program at the local community college.

My child is probably never going to be a track star or cheerleader or

prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy next

door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren. Which

I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that my

child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give me

bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy, and

what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These are

not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about for

my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life, we

most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

Meira

Ok so what did

> > you all think of today's

> > Oprah show?

> >

> > I was a little disappointed to be honest. I thought

> > there would have been

> > more information other than what's so readily

> > available on every website,

> > but I guess that's what's needed to get the

> > awareness out there. I was

> > disappointed too, that they didn't seem to talk much

> > about of the brighter

> > sides and the things these amazing kids are doing

> > every single day. I mean

> > it's supposed to be about the " true day to day life "

> > and our kids do some

> > astounding things and make us smile and laugh. I

> > don't know, I guess I just

> > wish they would've shown this side of it, too.

> >

> > And is it just me or did Oprah seem to be especially

> > interruptive today?

> > Sheesh I hate it when she does that lol

> >

> > All in all though, it is good to see Autism getting

> > more attention in the

> > public/media. Hopefully this will help make others

> > more aware.

> >

> > -Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

> >

> > Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h

> > Dawn (12yrs

> > Anxiety/Depression)

> > and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar,

> > Asperger's)

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Never miss an email again!

> > Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail

> > arrives. Check it out.

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

OH I'd love that. Someone that writes well, send her a letter and tell her all

about us and our group and wanting to get together, she might do it! You have to

dream.. Toni

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I was very excited to see the topic for Oprah's show today, but was

also disappointed that she did not include Aspergers. I hope that she

will eventually do a show about the struggles we have, which are very

different than what was shown on the show today. I did go to the

Oprah website to see if there was a way to email her and there is.

You can send your story in to the producers. Maybe if enough of us do

this, she will do a show on Aspergers. www2.oprah.com

>

[Guest guest]

I nominate Meira to write to Oprah and tell her about aspergers and all of us

needing to get together and the facts about autism being a SPECTRUM and tell

Oprah we need to get the word out about the lesser known 'end' of the spectrum.

BIG SMILE Toni

Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

Wow. Thanks for the tears......of sadness and happiness.

You're good.

Robin

meiraharvey <meira-harvey@...> wrote:

Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best for

him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your child

will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams don't

have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the PDDNOS

diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it, I

have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never going

to make it through university. But she might make it through a

remedial vocational training program at the local community college.

My child is probably never going to be a track star or cheerleader or

prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy next

door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren. Which

I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that my

child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give me

bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy, and

what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These are

not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about for

my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life, we

most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

Meira

Ok so what did

> > you all think of today's

> > Oprah show?

> >

> > I was a little disappointed to be honest. I thought

> > there would have been

> > more information other than what's so readily

> > available on every website,

> > but I guess that's what's needed to get the

> > awareness out there. I was

> > disappointed too, that they didn't seem to talk much

> > about of the brighter

> > sides and the things these amazing kids are doing

> > every single day. I mean

> > it's supposed to be about the " true day to day life "

> > and our kids do some

> > astounding things and make us smile and laugh. I

> > don't know, I guess I just

> > wish they would've shown this side of it, too.

> >

> > And is it just me or did Oprah seem to be especially

> > interruptive today?

> > Sheesh I hate it when she does that lol

> >

> > All in all though, it is good to see Autism getting

> > more attention in the

> > public/media. Hopefully this will help make others

> > more aware.

> >

> > -Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

> >

> > Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h

> > Dawn (12yrs

> > Anxiety/Depression)

> > and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar,

> > Asperger's)

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Never miss an email again!

> > Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail

> > arrives. Check it out.

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We could hope...

Anyone else going to e-mail her???

- C.

Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

>

>

> I was very excited to see the topic for Oprah's show today, but was

> also disappointed that she did not include Aspergers. I hope that

> she

> will eventually do a show about the struggles we have, which are

> very

> different than what was shown on the show today. I did go to the

> Oprah website to see if there was a way to email her and there is.

> You can send your story in to the producers. Maybe if enough of

> us do

> this, she will do a show on Aspergers. www2.oprah.com

>

>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Get all of us " experts " in one place and I doubt she could get a word in

edgewise!

ROFL!!!!

- C.

Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I was very excited to see the topic for Oprah's show today, but was

also disappointed that she did not include Aspergers. I hope that she

will eventually do a show about the struggles we have, which are very

different than what was shown on the show today. I did go to the

Oprah website to see if there was a way to email her and there is.

You can send your story in to the producers. Maybe if enough of us do

this, she will do a show on Aspergers. www2.oprah.com

>

[Guest guest]

I have the same issues with people giving " the look " . My 6 year old is actually

very tall (almost 4'3 " ) and looks like an 8-9 year old. and if you hear him

talk, he sounds like hes 10-12. I too put him in the cart when we go shopping.

He gets the " back part " and my 4 year old gets the front (by where you push).

It works for us usually. However my older is also a climber and a runner. He

climbs in and out of the basket all the time. But I guess I'm lucky because hes

also my rules police. He knows the rule is he can be out of the cart, but 1 hnd

must stay on the basket at all times, or we leave. I have left a cart in the

middle of the store and taken both my kids out because of a bad meltdown.

We did have a meltdown today in fact. I had to take both my boys with me to get

my eyes rechecked for my contacts. Before we could even get in my older started

a build up. He totally shut down as we were waiting to be called back. Now,

fortunately I just dont care what others think because i know i am doing what

has to be done or is best for my kids. Well, heres this 6 year old, in tears

and will not respond to me. Wont look at me at all. And has his hands over his

ears. The lady at the desk was giving me these looks like, why can you not keep

him under control? Now mind you he was not up running around or causing any

problems for the staff. But we handled it and did what we had to do. Luckily,

I had started carrying the putty type of ear plugs in my purse for him. I gave

him one and asked him to squish it or make shapes with it (dinos of course).

Problem solved and he was completely fine. And all she could do was stare. Its

a shame people do not understand that our kids are not " problem children " . They

are kids who cannot help their actions at times when they are completely

overwhelmed. And the fact that he was not being destructive or causing any

problems for the staff, you would think that people would be considerate. But

that is not the nature of anyone who doesnt have or doesnt work with such

wonderful kids like we have. I was happy we had a new way that was discrete to

handle the meltdown. And he was a perfect gentleman after that. (Small

breakthroughs are just as important as big ones!)

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the general

public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is, there's a

LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on the show.

The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just think they

re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that. However, if

you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise equipment

Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment they had

It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could tell that

the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was already low on

patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child like the

ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there

was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems more like a

spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the average

person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child that's

verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the parents on

the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random stranger

and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to abduct Beth

wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach them! I

feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a day

So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than what

Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence' that the

show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she saw the

show.

[Guest guest]

I'll third it....do I hear any opposed???

LOL

- C.

Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

Wow. Thanks for the tears......of sadness and happiness.

You're good.

Robin

meiraharvey <meira-harvey@...> wrote:

Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best for

him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your child

will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams don't

have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the PDDNOS

diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it, I

have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never going

to make it through university. But she might make it through a

remedial vocational training program at the local community college.

My child is probably never going to be a track star or cheerleader or

prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy next

door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren. Which

I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that my

child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give me

bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy, and

what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These are

not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about for

my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life, we

most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

Meira

Ok so what did

> > you all think of today's

> > Oprah show?

> >

> > I was a little disappointed to be honest. I thought

> > there would have been

> > more information other than what's so readily

> > available on every website,

> > but I guess that's what's needed to get the

> > awareness out there. I was

> > disappointed too, that they didn't seem to talk much

> > about of the brighter

> > sides and the things these amazing kids are doing

> > every single day. I mean

> > it's supposed to be about the " true day to day life "

> > and our kids do some

> > astounding things and make us smile and laugh. I

> > don't know, I guess I just

> > wish they would've shown this side of it, too.

> >

> > And is it just me or did Oprah seem to be especially

> > interruptive today?

> > Sheesh I hate it when she does that lol

> >

> > All in all though, it is good to see Autism getting

> > more attention in the

> > public/media. Hopefully this will help make others

> > more aware.

> >

> > -Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

> >

> > Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h

> > Dawn (12yrs

> > Anxiety/Depression)

> > and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar,

> > Asperger's)

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Never miss an email again!

> > Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail

> > arrives. Check it out.

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

You know, that IS a VERY important point, and one that Oprah would

respond to I think as she's always doing shows on child predators,

etc. My daughter sounds a lot like yours in that most people just

think she's really sweet and that my mothering is the problem.

Marcia

On Apr 7, 2007, at 12:08 AM, Kirsten Forbes wrote:

> I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the

> general public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch

> is, there's a LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she

> demonstrated on the show. The parents were talking about it being

> invisible and people just think they're bad parents. I'm sure that

> they do have trouble with that. However, if you have an aspie,

> it's that much harder to deal with the public.

>

> For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise

> equipment. Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of

> equipment they had. It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try

> them all. I could tell that the sales guy thought she was just

> being a brat. Since I was already low on patience with her, we

> just left. Had I been there with a child like the ones shown on

> Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there was

> something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

> throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems

> more like a spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't

> think the average person would see Beth in a store and think she

> had a disability.

>

> The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child

> that's verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that

> the parents on the show have to worry about their child wandering

> up to a random stranger and just going on about something. Heck,

> someone that wanted to abduct Beth wouldn't have to figure out how

> to approach her, she'd approach them! I feel like I say 'what have

> I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a day.

>

> So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than

> what Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death

> sentence' that the show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing

> like them' when she saw the show.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow Jenn....I could have just plugged my sons name into Trey's and felt like it

was MY life you were describing!!! I get the " look " for the same exact reason!

:-)

Liz

Jenn <wyledbunch@...> wrote:

Well said and I agree.

When I take my almost ten year old son to the store and have to put him in

the shopping cart just so I can focus without worrying about losing him, I

get funny looks. He's small for his age (two years behind in physical

growth) so this really just started recently, but I am starting to get

those looks " .

Just last week we went to WalMart and I had him in the cart. I have to try

to stay in the center of the aisle because if he sees something that draws

his interest, he just *has* to touch it. Ironically, the shampoo aisle is

one of the worst for it, I think because of all the colors. Anyway, we went

down the aisle and the store was packed that day so I had to go more to the

side and there's Trey reaching his hand out to the things on the shelves. I

had to walk to the front of the cart, hold his hands, get to his eye level,

say his name a few times and tell him to not touch. That's when I got the

looks because like you said even though Autism isn't a visible disability,

people can't really pick up on the differences of someone with HFA in such a

brief meeting. They probably just thought I was weird for having an older

child in a cart and then for talking to him like he's a toddler instead of

just telling him to stop. What they don't realize is that he may not even

hear me at all if I just say, " Trey, stop. "

Then there's the constant running some days. I've *never* allowed my

children to run in stores. I think it's very rude and inappropriate, but

with Trey, it's a constant battle some days and a constant worry that he'll

get lost or worse, kidnapped. If I lose sight of him for just a second, I'm

in a panic. I don't know how many times I've literally nearly fainted

because I couldn't see where he was. He's just so fast and it just takes a

few seconds for someone to grab a kid and run out. Scary scary stuff.

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the general

public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is, there's a

LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on the show.

The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just think they

re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that. However, if

you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise equipment

Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment they had

It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could tell that

the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was already low on

patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child like the

ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there

was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems more like a

spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the average

person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child that's

verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the parents on

the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random stranger

and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to abduct Beth

wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach them! I

feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a day

So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than what

Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence' that the

show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she saw the

show.

[Guest guest]

I did yesterday.

Liz

The s <carters5@...> wrote:

We could hope...

Anyone else going to e-mail her???

- C.

Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

>

>

> I was very excited to see the topic for Oprah's show today, but was

> also disappointed that she did not include Aspergers. I hope that

> she

> will eventually do a show about the struggles we have, which are

> very

> different than what was shown on the show today. I did go to the

> Oprah website to see if there was a way to email her and there is.

> You can send your story in to the producers. Maybe if enough of

> us do

> this, she will do a show on Aspergers. www2.oprah.com

>

>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes!!!!

Jenn <wyledbunch@...> wrote: I'll second that!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I nominate Meira to write to Oprah and tell her about aspergers and all of

us needing to get together and the facts about autism being a SPECTRUM and

tell Oprah we need to get the word out about the lesser known 'end' of the

spectrum. BIG SMILE Toni

Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

Wow. Thanks for the tears......of sadness and happiness.

You're good.

Robin

meiraharvey <meira-harvey@...> wrote:

Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best for

him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your child

will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams don't

have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the PDDNOS

diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it, I

have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never going

to make it through university. But she might make it through a

remedial vocational training program at the local community college.

My child is probably never going to be a track star or cheerleader or

prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy next

door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren. Which

I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that my

child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give me

bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy, and

what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These are

not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about for

my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life, we

most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

Meira

Ok so what did

> > you all think of today's

> > Oprah show?

> >

> > I was a little disappointed to be honest. I thought

> > there would have been

> > more information other than what's so readily

> > available on every website,

> > but I guess that's what's needed to get the

> > awareness out there. I was

> > disappointed too, that they didn't seem to talk much

> > about of the brighter

> > sides and the things these amazing kids are doing

> > every single day. I mean

> > it's supposed to be about the " true day to day life "

> > and our kids do some

> > astounding things and make us smile and laugh. I

> > don't know, I guess I just

> > wish they would've shown this side of it, too.

> >

> > And is it just me or did Oprah seem to be especially

> > interruptive today?

> > Sheesh I hate it when she does that lol

> >

> > All in all though, it is good to see Autism getting

> > more attention in the

> > public/media. Hopefully this will help make others

> > more aware.

> >

> > -Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

> >

> > Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h

> > Dawn (12yrs

> > Anxiety/Depression)

> > and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar,

> > Asperger's)

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Never miss an email again!

> > Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail

> > arrives. Check it out.

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Just reading everyones " exciting times " at stores, etc, and the reactions we all

get from people who don't understand......well,,,,,,,,,,,it has me in a sweat.

Ha ha. I feel like I'm going through it as I'm reading.

We are actually heading to the store right now...........can't wait. Hee hee

Robin

Andi <aschristensen@...> wrote:

I have the same issues with people giving " the look " . My 6 year old is

actually very tall (almost 4'3 " ) and looks like an 8-9 year old. and if you hear

him talk, he sounds like hes 10-12. I too put him in the cart when we go

shopping. He gets the " back part " and my 4 year old gets the front (by where you

push). It works for us usually. However my older is also a climber and a runner.

He climbs in and out of the basket all the time. But I guess I'm lucky because

hes also my rules police. He knows the rule is he can be out of the cart, but 1

hnd must stay on the basket at all times, or we leave. I have left a cart in the

middle of the store and taken both my kids out because of a bad meltdown.

We did have a meltdown today in fact. I had to take both my boys with me to get

my eyes rechecked for my contacts. Before we could even get in my older started

a build up. He totally shut down as we were waiting to be called back. Now,

fortunately I just dont care what others think because i know i am doing what

has to be done or is best for my kids. Well, heres this 6 year old, in tears and

will not respond to me. Wont look at me at all. And has his hands over his ears.

The lady at the desk was giving me these looks like, why can you not keep him

under control? Now mind you he was not up running around or causing any problems

for the staff. But we handled it and did what we had to do. Luckily, I had

started carrying the putty type of ear plugs in my purse for him. I gave him one

and asked him to squish it or make shapes with it (dinos of course). Problem

solved and he was completely fine. And all she could do was stare. Its a shame

people do not understand that our kids

are not " problem children " . They are kids who cannot help their actions at

times when they are completely overwhelmed. And the fact that he was not being

destructive or causing any problems for the staff, you would think that people

would be considerate. But that is not the nature of anyone who doesnt have or

doesnt work with such wonderful kids like we have. I was happy we had a new way

that was discrete to handle the meltdown. And he was a perfect gentleman after

that. (Small breakthroughs are just as important as big ones!)

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the general

public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is, there's a

LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on the show.

The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just think they

re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that. However, if

you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise equipment

Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment they had

It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could tell that

the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was already low on

patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child like the

ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there

was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems more like a

spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the average

person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child that's

verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the parents on

the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random stranger

and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to abduct Beth

wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach them! I

feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a day

So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than what

Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence' that the

show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she saw the

show.

[Guest guest]

Ohh I wish Trey was a rules cop. He does follow the stereotypical honesty

thing though.

The earplugs are a great idea! It sounds like it really works great. I'll

have to try to remember that one!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I have the same issues with people giving " the look " . My 6 year old is

actually very tall (almost 4'3 " ) and looks like an 8-9 year old. and if

you hear him talk, he sounds like hes 10-12. I too put him in the cart when

we go shopping. He gets the " back part " and my 4 year old gets the front (by

where you push). It works for us usually. However my older is also a

climber and a runner. He climbs in and out of the basket all the time. But

I guess I'm lucky because hes also my rules police. He knows the rule is he

can be out of the cart, but 1 hnd must stay on the basket at all times, or

we leave. I have left a cart in the middle of the store and taken both my

kids out because of a bad meltdown.

We did have a meltdown today in fact. I had to take both my boys with me to

get my eyes rechecked for my contacts. Before we could even get in my older

started a build up. He totally shut down as we were waiting to be called

back. Now, fortunately I just dont care what others think because i know i

am doing what has to be done or is best for my kids. Well, heres this 6

year old, in tears and will not respond to me. Wont look at me at all. And

has his hands over his ears. The lady at the desk was giving me these looks

like, why can you not keep him under control? Now mind you he was not up

running around or causing any problems for the staff. But we handled it and

did what we had to do. Luckily, I had started carrying the putty type of

ear plugs in my purse for him. I gave him one and asked him to squish it or

make shapes with it (dinos of course). Problem solved and he was completely

fine. And all she could do was stare. Its a shame people do not understand

that our kids are not " problem children " . They are kids who cannot help

their actions at times when they are completely overwhelmed. And the fact

that he was not being destructive or causing any problems for the staff, you

would think that people would be considerate. But that is not the nature of

anyone who doesnt have or doesnt work with such wonderful kids like we have.

I was happy we had a new way that was discrete to handle the meltdown. And

he was a perfect gentleman after that. (Small breakthroughs are just as

important as big ones!)

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the general

public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is, there's a

LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on the show

The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just think

they

re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that. However, if

you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise

equipment

Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment they had

It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could tell that

the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was already low

on

patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child like the

ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there

was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems more like

a

spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the average

person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child that's

verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the parents on

the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random stranger

and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to abduct

Beth

wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach them! I

feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a

day

So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than what

Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence' that the

show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she saw the

show.

[Guest guest]

you can get kid sized or adult sized at walmart for about 4 dollars. they feel

alot like silly putty. the adult ones are clear and the kid ones come in bright

blue, green, pink and orange. and they actually work great for ears in crowded

places (like walmart or the mall) even used them during 2 funerals recently and

my son behaved so well everyone commented on it. And I agree our kids are all

about finding new uses for " normal " objects/things anyway.

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the general

public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is, there's a

LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on the show

The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just think

they

re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that. However, if

you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise

equipment

Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment they had

It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could tell that

the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was already low

on

patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child like the

ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there

was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems more like

a

spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the average

person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child that's

verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the parents on

the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random stranger

and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to abduct

Beth

wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach them! I

feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a

day

So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than what

Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence' that the

show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she saw the

show.

[Guest guest]

You guys are too much. Are you serious?

Meira

> Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best

for

> him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your

child

> will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams

don't

> have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the

PDDNOS

> diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it,

I

> have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never

going

> to make it through university. But she might make it through a

> remedial vocational training program at the local community

college.

> My child is probably never going to be a track star or

cheerleader or

> prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

> Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy

next

> door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

> with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren.

Which

> I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

> childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

> going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

> semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that

my

> child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give

me

> bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

> loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy,

and

> what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These

are

> not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about

for

> my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life,

we

> most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

> We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

> Meira

>

>

[Guest guest]

When was little, I once had a Mom yell at me in a store for

having her on a harness and leash. When she got bigger, and would

refuse to walk in protest to being attached to me, I would put her in

the basket of the cart, and pile the groceries on top of her. =)I

still have to hold her hand with one of mine, while I push the cart

with the other.

Meira

>

> Well said and I agree.

>

> When I take my almost ten year old son to the store and have to put

him in

> the shopping cart just so I can focus without worrying about losing

him, I

> get funny looks. He's small for his age (two years behind in

physical

> growth) so this really just started recently, but I am starting to

get

> those looks " .

>

> Just last week we went to WalMart and I had him in the cart. I have

to try

> to stay in the center of the aisle because if he sees something

that draws

> his interest, he just *has* to touch it. Ironically, the shampoo

aisle is

> one of the worst for it, I think because of all the colors. Anyway,

we went

> down the aisle and the store was packed that day so I had to go

more to the

> side and there's Trey reaching his hand out to the things on the

shelves. I

> had to walk to the front of the cart, hold his hands, get to his

eye level,

> say his name a few times and tell him to not touch. That's when I

got the

> looks because like you said even though Autism isn't a visible

disability,

> people can't really pick up on the differences of someone with HFA

in such a

> brief meeting. They probably just thought I was weird for having an

older

> child in a cart and then for talking to him like he's a toddler

instead of

> just telling him to stop. What they don't realize is that he may

not even

> hear me at all if I just say, " Trey, stop. "

>

> Then there's the constant running some days. I've *never* allowed my

> children to run in stores. I think it's very rude and

inappropriate, but

> with Trey, it's a constant battle some days and a constant worry

that he'll

> get lost or worse, kidnapped. If I lose sight of him for just a

second, I'm

> in a panic. I don't know how many times I've literally nearly

fainted

> because I couldn't see where he was. He's just so fast and it just

takes a

> few seconds for someone to grab a kid and run out. Scary scary

stuff.

>

> -Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

>

> Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

> Anxiety/Depression)

> and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

> -- ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

>

> I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the

general

> public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is,

there's a

> LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on

the show.

> The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just

think they

> re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that.

However, if

> you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

>

> For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise

equipment

> Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment

they had

> It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could

tell that

> the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was

already low on

> patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child

like the

> ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized

that there

> was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she

was

> throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems

more like a

> spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the

average

> person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

>

> The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child

that's

> verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the

parents on

> the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random

stranger

> and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to

abduct Beth

> wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach

them! I

> feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10

times a day

>

>

> So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than

what

> Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence'

that the

> show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she

saw the

> show.

>

>

[Guest guest]

You're welcome! Hang in there Dianne. Wednesday was a fairly rotten

day for us, but we're doing much better the past few days. This too

shall pass...

Meira

>

> Meira

> how Beautifuly said Thanks and Hugs!! i do have my god

> days the last 3 havent been so good, Noahs been moody

> Lots of screaming and head banging easily aggitated

> and all.

> Thanks for giving me a smile today

[Guest guest]

That's a really great idea. I'm definitely going to have to remember to pick

some up. I just got back from WalMart and didn't even think of it! ugh! lol

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

you can get kid sized or adult sized at walmart for about 4 dollars. they

feel alot like silly putty. the adult ones are clear and the kid ones come

in bright blue, green, pink and orange. and they actually work great for

ears in crowded places (like walmart or the mall) even used them during 2

funerals recently and my son behaved so well everyone commented on it. And I

agree our kids are all about finding new uses for " normal " objects/things

anyway.

( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the general

public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is, there's a

LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on the show

The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just think

they

re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that. However, if

you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise

equipment

Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment they had

It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could tell that

the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was already low

on

patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child like the

ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized that there

was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she was

throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems more like

a

spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the average

person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child that's

verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the parents on

the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random stranger

and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to abduct

Beth

wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach them! I

feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10 times a

day

So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than what

Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence' that the

show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she saw the

show.

[Guest guest]

I sure am. I think you'd be great for it!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

You guys are too much. Are you serious?

Meira

> Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best

for

> him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your

child

> will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams

don't

> have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the

PDDNOS

> diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it,

I

> have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never

going

> to make it through university. But she might make it through a

> remedial vocational training program at the local community

college.

> My child is probably never going to be a track star or

cheerleader or

> prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

> Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy

next

> door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

> with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren.

Which

> I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

> childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

> going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

> semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that

my

> child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give

me

> bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

> loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy,

and

> what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These

are

> not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about

for

> my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life,

we

> most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

> We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

> Meira

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'll fourth it!!

:-)

Liz

Jenn <wyledbunch@...> wrote:

I sure am. I think you'd be great for it!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

You guys are too much. Are you serious?

Meira

> Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best

for

> him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your

child

> will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams

don't

> have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the

PDDNOS

> diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it,

I

> have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never

going

> to make it through university. But she might make it through a

> remedial vocational training program at the local community

college.

> My child is probably never going to be a track star or

cheerleader or

> prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

> Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy

next

> door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

> with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren.

Which

> I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

> childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

> going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

> semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that

my

> child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give

me

> bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

> loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy,

and

> what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These

are

> not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about

for

> my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life,

we

> most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

> We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

> Meira

>

>

[Guest guest]

I second that nomination (which in reality is probably 8th by now,

LOL)..

Marcia

On Apr 7, 2007, at 12:53 PM, Toni Barker wrote:

> I nominate Meira to write to Oprah and tell her about aspergers and

> all of us needing to get together and the facts about autism being

> a SPECTRUM and tell Oprah we need to get the word out about the

> lesser known 'end' of the spectrum. BIG SMILE Toni

> Re: ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

>

>

> Wow. Thanks for the tears......of sadness and happiness.

> You're good.

> Robin

>

> meiraharvey <meira-harvey@...> wrote:

> Nothing's wrong with you. You love your child. You want the best for

> him. It's very hard to accept that the dreams you had for your child

> will probably never come to be. But you know what? Your dreams don't

> have to die. They just have to be adjusted. I first had the PDDNOS

> diagnosis for my child 8 years ago, and while I mostly accept it, I

> have my days when I don't. Y'know, my child is probably never going

> to make it through university. But she might make it through a

> remedial vocational training program at the local community college.

> My child is probably never going to be a track star or

> cheerleader or

> prom queen. But she might make a few friends and have a blast at

> Challenger T-Ball. My child will probably never marry the boy next

> door. But she might find love at a support group for young adults

> with disabilities. And they might even give me grandchildren. Which

> I'll probably have to help raise, but hey, after surviving her

> childhood, I can do anything! And when the ' are glowing and

> going on and on about how their child made the honor roll three

> semesters in a row, I can boast just as happily and proudly that my

> child has finally learned to tie her shoes! And yeh, they'll give me

> bizarre pitying looks, but I usually don't care. Because my child

> loves me, and every moment, every accomplishment, is such a joy, and

> what those people think are really irrelevant to my life. These are

> not the accomplishments I originally expected to be joyful about for

> my kids. But while we can't control the hand we're dealt in life, we

> most definitely can choose how we play our cards.

> We're here for you. And it IS going to be okay.

> Meira

>

> Ok so what did

>>> you all think of today's

>>> Oprah show?

>>>

>>> I was a little disappointed to be honest. I thought

>>> there would have been

>>> more information other than what's so readily

>>> available on every website,

>>> but I guess that's what's needed to get the

>>> awareness out there. I was

>>> disappointed too, that they didn't seem to talk much

>>> about of the brighter

>>> sides and the things these amazing kids are doing

>>> every single day. I mean

>>> it's supposed to be about the " true day to day life "

>>> and our kids do some

>>> astounding things and make us smile and laugh. I

>>> don't know, I guess I just

>>> wish they would've shown this side of it, too.

>>>

>>> And is it just me or did Oprah seem to be especially

>>> interruptive today?

>>> Sheesh I hate it when she does that lol

>>>

>>> All in all though, it is good to see Autism getting

>>> more attention in the

>>> public/media. Hopefully this will help make others

>>> more aware.

>>>

>>> -Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

>>>

>>> Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h

>>> Dawn (12yrs

>>> Anxiety/Depression)

>>> and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar,

>>> Asperger's)

>>>

>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been

>>> removed]

>>>

>>> ---------------------------------

>>> Never miss an email again!

>>> Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail

>>> arrives. Check it out.

>>>

>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been

>>> removed]

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been

>>> removed]

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

[Guest guest]

Oh geesh, some people! Better on a harness and leash than in a strangers

arms!

-Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

Anxiety/Depression)

and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

-- ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

>

> I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the

general

> public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is,

there's a

> LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on

the show.

> The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just

think they

> re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that.

However, if

> you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

>

> For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise

equipment

> Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of equipment

they had

> It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could

tell that

> the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was

already low on

> patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child

like the

> ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized

that there

> was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that she

was

> throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems

more like a

> spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the

average

> person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

>

> The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child

that's

> verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the

parents on

> the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random

stranger

> and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to

abduct Beth

> wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach

them! I

> feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10

times a day

>

>

> So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than

what

> Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence'

that the

> show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she

saw the

> show.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yep. My point exactly.

Thank you.

Meira

> >

> > Well said and I agree.

> >

> > When I take my almost ten year old son to the store and have to

put

> him in

> > the shopping cart just so I can focus without worrying about

losing

> him, I

> > get funny looks. He's small for his age (two years behind in

> physical

> > growth) so this really just started recently, but I am starting to

> get

> > those looks " .

> >

> > Just last week we went to WalMart and I had him in the cart. I

have

> to try

> > to stay in the center of the aisle because if he sees something

> that draws

> > his interest, he just *has* to touch it. Ironically, the shampoo

> aisle is

> > one of the worst for it, I think because of all the colors.

Anyway,

> we went

> > down the aisle and the store was packed that day so I had to go

> more to the

> > side and there's Trey reaching his hand out to the things on the

> shelves. I

> > had to walk to the front of the cart, hold his hands, get to his

> eye level,

> > say his name a few times and tell him to not touch. That's when I

> got the

> > looks because like you said even though Autism isn't a visible

> disability,

> > people can't really pick up on the differences of someone with HFA

> in such a

> > brief meeting. They probably just thought I was weird for having

an

> older

> > child in a cart and then for talking to him like he's a toddler

> instead of

> > just telling him to stop. What they don't realize is that he may

> not even

> > hear me at all if I just say, " Trey, stop. "

> >

> > Then there's the constant running some days. I've *never* allowed

my

> > children to run in stores. I think it's very rude and

> inappropriate, but

> > with Trey, it's a constant battle some days and a constant worry

> that he'll

> > get lost or worse, kidnapped. If I lose sight of him for just a

> second, I'm

> > in a panic. I don't know how many times I've literally nearly

> fainted

> > because I couldn't see where he was. He's just so fast and it just

> takes a

> > few seconds for someone to grab a kid and run out. Scary scary

> stuff.

> >

> > -Jenn, AEP (ADD, Bi-Polar, Anxiety/Depression)

> >

> > Proud Momma of Cory Albert (14yrs ADHD), h Dawn (12yrs

> > Anxiety/Depression)

> > and Jerry Lee " Trey " (9yrs ADHD, Bi-Polar, Asperger's)

> > -- ( ) Re: Thoughts on Oprah's Show?

> >

> > I thought if you're doing an episode to show the public what the

> general

> > public already thinks of as autism, it was fine. The catch is,

> there's a

> > LOT more to the spectrum than the narrow part she demonstrated on

> the show.

> > The parents were talking about it being invisible and people just

> think they

> > re bad parents. I'm sure that they do have trouble with that.

> However, if

> > you have an aspie, it's that much harder to deal with the public.

> >

> > For example, today I was at a store looking at a piece of exercise

> equipment

> > Beth was bound and determined to try out every piece of

equipment

> they had

> > It didn't matter what I said, she HAD to try them all. I could

> tell that

> > the sales guy thought she was just being a brat. Since I was

> already low on

> > patience with her, we just left. Had I been there with a child

> like the

> > ones shown on Oprah's show, I think the guy would have realized

> that there

> > was something a little 'off' about her. However, the fact that

she

> was

> > throwing a fit when I'd tell her to get off the equipment seems

> more like a

> > spoiled kid, not a kid that has a disability. I don't think the

> average

> > person would see Beth in a store and think she had a disability.

> >

> > The other big issue I see for those of us with an autistic child

> that's

> > verbal is dealing with stranger danger. I don't think that the

> parents on

> > the show have to worry about their child wandering up to a random

> stranger

> > and just going on about something. Heck, someone that wanted to

> abduct Beth

> > wouldn't have to figure out how to approach her, she'd approach

> them! I

> > feel like I say 'what have I said about talking to strangers' 10

> times a day

> >

> >

> > So, even though there are similarities, there are more issues than

> what

> > Oprah covered. Also, I don't consider autism the 'death sentence'

> that the

> > show portrayed. Even Beth said 'I'm nothing like them' when she

> saw the

> > show.

> >

> >