Musings and What-not

First, there was Ice Cube joking about autism . Now, there's Amy. In the video below , one of the dog owner's states that she followed Jenny McCartney's advice about not vaccinating her pet because doing so would cause “pawtism".  #disgusted

This is the response Mother Teresa once gave when someone asked her what they could do to help. As a species, we are living in a state of being that is centered around "me", or "I", and we have steadily morphed into a consciousness that has become extremely self-serving. But times are pressing us to expand our way of doing things, and the pressure is at its boiling point. We are no longer receiving a gentle nudging from the Universe to change. Paradigms are shifting at a rapid pace, and many are scrambling to keep up. The old way... can no longer be sustained if we are to shift to the next stage of our evolution.

Well, it is obvious that I have been hiding under a rock for several months because I can't believe I've missed a lot of what's been slinging around the autism community lately. There's been much talk about Dr. Wakefield , and now some Danish doctor, Poul Thorsen , is under seige. The wars never cease! While so not minding my own business , I was browsing through the autism news headlines on the blog, Left Brain Right Brain . This blog hosts some interesting stuff that often makes me go, "hmmmmmmm".

To say I have learned more than I could have every imagined on this journey would be a gross understatement. It has been 5 years since I received my son's diagnosis, and as I look back over those years, I am awestruck by how amazing this precious boy is. Every time I look into his eyes, I see so much love... unconditional love . At times, this love seemed too overwhelming for me to embrace because I had limiting beliefs that I was unworthy and undeserving of something so pure.

This is the title of a DVD by Abraham-Hicks .  The subtitle is Children in the Time of Awakening . A Twitter friend, @AffirmingSpirit , told me about this video by way of a DM (direct message).  I've enclosed it at the end of this post for your own viewing. After watching this excerpt, I became immediately interested in seeing the whole video, so I bought it.

I am humbled... and speechless by the author's review. I received my copy of Adonya Wong 's book In My Mind...The World through the Eyes of Autism in the mail today. The timing couldn't have been better. A rainy day, one child inside... Read on and you'll understand why.

This slide show does an amazing job explaining what took place on December 16, 2008!  I was proud to be part of it!  It was an amazing day! Thank you, PF Anderson, for putting this together!  Bravo! The rest of you... enjoy! [slideshare id=855621&doc=asdautismtwitterday-1229572866190311-2&w=425]

[et_pb_section bb_built="1"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text] I couple of months ago, I blogged about wanting to learn more about autism... from the perspective of an adult who was living with it; a self advocate. There isn't enough awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome in... adults. What happens to our children once they're all grown up?  Who will represent them? Lisa Jo, About.com's Autism Guide, brought up an interesting topic the other day that gave me pause. Although, her post spoke of Autism Speaks (because it is viewed as "the voice" of our community), the gist of her post was this... is the adult autistic community being properly represented within organizations that were founded to "help" the ASD community? Here's an excerpt from that post. Some suggest that it's unreasonable to expect Autism Speaks to include autistic adults in their organization because most of the be...

This is not a piece about segregation. This is not a piece about discrimination. This is a piece about awareness. American Aboriginals have been raised not to talk about family business even amongst those not within the immediate family circle. As children, we learned "not to air our dirty laundry in public". As children, we learned how to associate with, identify with, and categorize... life. As children, we learned all things are truly not equal. An apple is not an orange. An orange is not an apple. White is not "Black". "Black" is not White. The media doesn't tell many stories of American Aboriginal families affected by autism, and it's probably because not many of us are outspoken about living with it. So, when Holly Robinson Peete and Toni Braxton came out and told the world that they, too, were living with autism?  Well, that news was probably a shock to our community. I, for one, am very grateful they are speaking out. I've been sear...

While waiting for my son's speech session to finish up, I chatted up another mom in the lobby.  I had overheard her talking about recent hair loss, and I wanted to tell her about some natural remedies. As one would suspect, the conversation eventually turned to our children. Her son, now 15, was diagnosed when he was 3.  As he was leaving with the new therapist, she pointed out his inability to speak conversationally... meaning in full sentences. She also pointed out that for every question the therapist asked, he responded with a one-word response. Autism or not, how many teenaged boys do you know that have a lot to say whenever they're in the company of a "hot chick"? I mean, really?!?!?  How many? She also went on to discuss his other "problems" like ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (something I had never heard of before today), Scoliosis, and something else I can't recall right now. Then there was her other son who has ADHD and Tourette's Syn...

The commenters on Lisa Jo's blog seem to be inspiring my posts this weekend.  ;) Today, Lisa Jo wrote about Autism and the Happy Medium (basically, finding balance in our lives).  One of her commenters happens to be one of my favorite Twitters , and he's an all-around good dad to a child on the spectrum. It was his statement that made this post possible. It is amazing how much time there is in a day when you lose your job and many of the social functions are off limits due to the behavior and actions of your child with autism. Why is this the case exactly? How many parents actually feel the same? Are they more concerned about how they will look in these social settings? Have these parents allowed their egos to get in the way of their children enjoying more of life? Or is there more to it? Nothing is off-limits for us because I don’t think folks have enough chutzpah to give us funny looks if my son does something “unusual”. Holistic lifestyle or not, I still have my military a...

You have the warriors. And then there's the rest of us. The warriors will, literally, stop at nothing to "fix" their children. While the rest of us don't view our children as being broken and in need of repair. The warriors are very angry and are certain of the "cause" and "cure" for autism. While the rest of us believe, and know, that there's more to learn and discover about the "causes" and that there's definitely not a "cure" for something still considered a mystery. Like the nation, our community is extremely divided, and I do not know how we can come together. The warriors don't  understand those of us who don't subject our children to rather intensive and extensive therapies just so we can have the "perfect" child. No.  I don't think they like us very much at all. The warriors also don't appreciate it if you don't agree with them by claiming that vaccines are the "primary" ca...

Please share your thoughts on this topic.

In a previous post , you learned of a Wisconsin troop "ousting" a little girl on the spectrum.  You also got to read my feelings about this event. I was peeved and have since calmed down.  The picture that had been painted for me by The Journal-Sentinel wasn't a pretty one.  I saw autism and rejection in the same sentence, and I think I may have blacked out from all the red I was seein'. I had a few commenters that shed some light on the situation.  One was mean and was quickly dealt with while another, D. Kirk, in particular, blew the doors wide open for me. Ask and you shall receive. I wanted to learn more about this situation, and he kindly informed me (by way of another comment) that more had come through the grapevine. " The Other Side " to this unfortunate event has been aired by WTMJ Newsman, Jeff Walker. Through Jeff, we hear from a parent who was there.  This parent originally sent her letter to the Journal-Sentinel, but it was rejected for length...

Tate Publishing and Enterprises The Lord gave the Word; great was the company of those that published it.” -Psalm 68:11 “In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism ” Book Signing Event December 13, 2008 from 2 PM – 4 PM The Collective Café and Coffeehouse 3148 E. 11 th Street Tulsa Help us support autism awareness & research by joining Adonya for this special event (invite a friend)! If you already have a copy of In My Mind , buy one for a friend! (This book makes a great holiday gift!) Be sure to enter our drawing for a FREE autographed copy of In My Mind . (A drawing will also be held at the signing for (1) lucky winner!) We hope to see you there! For more information, please email the author at adonya@throughtheeyesofautism.com . Can’t make the event? Click here to visit our online bookstore to purchase a copy! **Thank you for supporting autism awareness & research!**

Enter TODAY for your chance to win ONE of FOUR signed copies of "In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism". In my mind, I see many colors, bright like a rainbow, shooting about like comets in a night sky. Take a closer look… What do you see? In My Mind , by Adonya Wong, explores the inner world of an autistic child— the world that no one else can see. From exciting adventures to silly games and conversations with friends, look closely and see how a child with autism sees the world…and how the world sees him. Enter today for your chance to win an autographed copy of In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism . Tell a friend , and you'll be eligible to win an additional autographed copy! So, hurry and enter today ! * Click here to enter. Only (1) entry per email address. Referral emails must contain referrer's name and email address ( unlimited entries for referrals!). Winners will be notified by email. Mailing address is required with entry. Con...

Fellow blogger, Kari , wrote a post at Silicon Valley Moms Blog about the hit ABC show, Grey's Anatomy and their extremely insulting portrayal of Aspergers Syndrome. Kari very eloquently expressed her feelings about this new, and, thankfully, temporary character. Something I am unable to do at this moment in time.  The reason I am unable to eloquently express my feelings is because I am so incredibly ticked off right now, I can't even think straight. Here's an excerpt from her post. I had high hopes for Mary McDonnell's three-episode-arc character Dr. Virginia Dixon on Grey's Anatomy . I thought, "It will be great to see someone a little quirky take on the already strange social scene at Seattle Grace." Unfortunately, when the episode aired, I was disappointed . Instead of a brilliant cardiac surgeon who happens to have Aspergers , Dr. Dixon is a very impaired Rainman -like stereotype of autism. While the words I write about autism are read by a couple ...

According to Dictionary.com, the definitions for schizophrenia and autism are as follows.  There are other sites that offer more in-depth definitions, but I don't want to lose you which is why I chose shorter ones.: Schizophrenia Psychiatry . Also called dementia praecox. a severe mental disorder characterized by some, but not necessarily all, of the following features: emotional blunting, intellectual deterioration, social isolation, disorganized speech and behavior, delusions, and hallucinations. Autism Psychiatry . a pervasive developmental disorder of children, characterized by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment. Allow me to examine some of the words provided in each definition. Schizophrenia: Blunting: Slow to understand or perceive; dull. Deterioration: a gradual decline, as in quality, serviceability, or vigor. Isolation: to set or place apart; detach or separate so as to be alone. Disorganized: functioning without adequate order, systemi...

It appears that more and more adults are being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome these days. Although, there are several organizations geared towards children on the spectrum, finding help can prove to be quite challenging for a newly diagnosed adult on the spectrum. So, where is one to go? The following is a short list of sites that offer resources, education, and support. Aspergers Association of New England offers information on adult diagnosis , assistance , and intervention . Amazon.com offers a slew of titles to help you further educate yourself. Amazon.com forum for Aspie adults.. Aspires (Aspergers Syndrome Partners & Individuals Resources, Encouragement & Support) Great blog with helpful information on living with AS. Interesting articles by a woman diagnosed with AS at age 40. AutismHelp.org offers helpful information for adult life with AS. Book on cognitive-behavioral therapy information for adults with AS. The National Autist...

"Deep Breath In... Long Breath Out." Thanks, Sunshine !   I really needed that advice... especially for this post. The tragedy of autism is compounded by one fact that makes desperate parents wish they could turn back the hands of time: symptoms of the neurodevelopmental disorder typically show up when a child is 2 or 3 or even older, but by then it may be too late to prevent or reverse whatever glitches in brain development (still pretty much a mystery) underlie the disease. It is even on the late side for getting a child the behavioral interventions and special education that might mitigate some of the worst symptoms. The tragedy of autism? Tragedy? Desperate parents wishing they could turn back the hands of time? Desperate? 2 or 3 years old may be too old for intervention? Too old? Newsweek's Sharon Begley has me on edge right now. I can literally feel the blood in my veins boiling, and at any moment, I could spontaneously combust. To open an article with such a de...