Autism-This is what I fight for...

[Beaches]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Hello all, RJ agreed to move this to General Discussion from Monthly Moderation. Thank you to all who watch...

[YoungAtHeart]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

I'm glad that RJ moved it over here. Thanks Beaches. I tip my hat in respect to all of you that are raising autistic children!

[gabby]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Thank you Beaches

[Guest]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

I will share these as well..God bless!

[Guest]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

beaches. I have a question do uou feel that there is any connection between childhood vaccinations and autisum? I do. My Grand son a very bright boy was so slow to speak we thought he may had bee austisic. My Granddaughter ( born with a brain injury) is a wait and see case, she is hitting all of her bench marks. So we are prayerful. I have worked with austisic children. It so hard on every one the child the parent. And not every care facility is what they represent themselves to be. We must have more funding for research. 1 child in 150 will have autisim. We have to raise awareness.
Hugs
mary

[aquamarine]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Beaches- What a wonderful video. I have autism in my family so know a bit about it. Thank you for sharing this with everyone. God Bless. Aquamarine

[happycamper68]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

There was something in vaccinations called Thimerosol which has not been in vaccines for a very long time- some people think that may have caused it but it doesn't explain why the numbers are rising or why my child would have it or Beaches' child would have it at 3-4 years of age. They are trying to narrow it down to a specific gene but right now it is all still a mystery. Most important thing is that it gets caught early. Early intervention is key. Camper :h

[samadhi]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Beaches - I love your posts - I have an autistic son who is a joy and a source of worry at the same time. The thing with me is, and maybe you can relate, I have such a hard time watching anything on TV, etc. about autism - it is just too upsetting - it drives me to drink! I already know, it's tough and there are rought times ahead. However, I think it's good for others to see to raise awareness.

Sometimes I think people look at the media portrayal of autistics as being super smart, quirky, chatty, socially inept, but generally not that bad (more of the asbergers type). If you've read "he Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" - written from a 15 year old autistic's perspective - he could take the train by him self , he got back and forth from school on his own. That just isn't usual. They don't see the lack of communication, problems with taking care of yourself in the most basic way. Oprah is having a show on autism thursday and I saw something on CBS about it overnite - it's more of what I think the average parent of autistics deals with - not easy at all. Although I don't think I can watch it, what I saw of it may have my friends be a little more understanding of my situation. If anyone watches - could you post a bottom line synopsis? Thanks

[happycamper68]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Samadhi,

I feel the way you do in a lot of ways and it makes me feel guilty. It's hard to watch when you are already living it- it's just another horrible reminder that it exists and that these kids are suffering and that we are too. My stepmom is going to do a walk in NY in June, it's a huge walk sponsored by autismspeaks.org, to raise money and awareness. I may go but not sure yet if i will be able to handle it.

I went to a baby shower a few weeks ago- tons of moms there I did not know, all asking me questions about my kid- they didn't know she was autistic so they were asking questions like "wow is she talking up a storm , she must be", or "are you gonna have another"? It's very difficult to answer questions like that when talking to strangers. I don't want to get into a big conversation about it with people I don't know. People just assume that every child is ok. So in those situations I just give quick white lie answers and go home and cry.

I have also found that a lot of people really don't know what autism is, or if they do they imagine kids sitting in the corner banging their heads off the wall. So the media does sometime downplay it, I agree, but on the flipside there is a lot of ignorance out there that goes in the other direction. No one gets that every child has their own set of problems that need to be addressed. Some kids can talk, some can't, some have great motor skills, some don't. It's not black and white and some kids are mild and some kids are severe. That is why it is so complicated and people need to learn more about it. 1 in 150 is not a small number. Camper

[samadhi]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Camper - I think you are absolutely right. Every child is soooo different. There is alot of ignorance and I am glad that there is more awareness out there. There should be even more! - If it helps, I know what you're going through sister!!!!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Hi

Been reading the posts, but just now first watched the video...WOW..brought tears to my eyes...such beautiful children.

Beth

[Mackeral]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Thanks Beaches

Beautiful song and beautiful children..I'm with the majority of people who dont understand much about it..I have learnt a little today...So thankyou..

I see the struggle (and joy) my parents go through bringing up my downs syndrome sister...And they have my utter respect for that....So do you, and Fan...And other parents.:l

[Beaches]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

I think that research will be the key to finding the cure or at least the reason. There are so many different reasons why people believe children have autism. For example if it is vaccinatios why are more boys affected than girls? If it is genetic then why are 2 boys affected in one family and 2 are fine. I have twins...my daugther is fine. Environment who knows? No one knows and that is what is so frustrating however that is what keeps me going.
I know that autism is a beautiful world. My son is 4 and amazing I can only imagine what he will be like when he's older however I am not ignorant that things may become more difficult as well. You just don't know. Little odd behaviors at 4 can be quite different at 15 when they aren't seen as odd anymore. I think it's actually nice right now that the media is showing both sides of autism. For awhile it was just the horrendous side and people were scared. Now they are showing that these children and adults are full of love and caring and so want to interact....we just need to figure out HOW!
I agree with Camper that Early Intervention is the key. The more children that get into therapy earlier the better. Each day is new, wonderful experience.

[Arial]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

You are truly amazing women and thank you so much for sharing a little of what you battle each day - I have worked with a few autistic children over the years and I am amazed at each and every one I have met - each one a very special individual. I also worked closely with a mother and autistic child both at school and in her home, seeing how family life was - and she also was one of the most inspiring women I have ever met - her strength, commitment, patience, love, stoicism, belief, tolerance...the list goes on - was amazing to see. I hear the same in your 'voices' here and think it's wonderful that you are prepared to let us in to your lives.

The video is beautiful - I will share it with people at work - you're right, there needs to be more education and not just in specialist circles, but for the general public. I love the idea of the walk - I wonder if there's anything like that here? - doubt it, but worth looking into.
Warmest wishes to all of you as the fight continues for understanding, tolerance, treatment, intervention and ultimately a cure...:h

[happycamper68]

Autism-This is what I fight for...

Beaches you really are an amazing woman. I aspire to be the mother you are, to be more positive, more active in all this. I hope to be where you are someday. I'm just taking it day by day and trying to get her everything she needs. I really do wish I were more like you. :h