Another story of an Autistic person not being understood. Two posts below this one is a link to a training video for police officers. Please post the HECK out of this link!
The boy in the above story sounds a lot like a 16 year old version of my Ammon (5). Like Ammon, he was watching cars drive by and when someone came up to him to see what he was up to, he ran off. That is EXACTLY what Ammon would have done.
Just because someone does not recognize a policeman's authority does not deserve a belt to the head needing EIGHT staples! I'm hoping that there is more to this story then some rogue policemen whacking teenage Autistic kids.
I LOVE my children with Autism, and do not want to change them just to make ME feel better. It's stories like these that make me want to find that elusive 'Autism Cure' so they will better understand the world.
Dad
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Fed Up With Autism Fighting
Here is a great posting opinion from Tiffany and my comments too:
Tiffany this is a fantastic post and one that EVERYONE should follow the advice of. Every family is different, each Autistic child is different from every other Autistic child. No one should tell another parent or person with Autism what they should be doing with their life... even if they think they KNOW that family from watching them on TV. ;)
Our family goal is to increase the awareness, acceptance and understanding of Autism and all of it's various aspects and effects on families.
Some have accused me of trying to make money from my children. First if they follow your post's advice they shouldn't assume they know what I'm doing and be quite. However we've made money from our situation from a 'location fee' from the film production company. This is a standard in their industry. Then we have made an income from the sales of the Autism t-shirts that Robin and I designed.
But all the other TV, radio, magazine, blog and internet interviews we have received nothing. AND I'm not asking that they do.
95% of the comments we get on our blog or from emails have been positive and supportive. And I will continue to advocate for my children until the day I die. We too did not yell, "Yipee!" when we got the diagnosis for the children. We too did LOTS of grieving, for around 1 1/2 years. I was let go from the job I had at the time because quite frankly, at the time I was useless and not able to have my head into work. Worrying and wondering about what life was going to be like with Autistic children was just too much. It was tough and still is and IS financially hard. And I'm not sorry and will not apologize for mentioning that Autism hits families in the wallet. We've received many, many emails confirming this from other families. And they too are glad that the world is starting to understand those financial hardships. Its a FACT that people need to realize.
We need to stop the fighting among ourselves. It's a waste of time, effort and emotions. Another parent may want to chelate or put their children through test after tests or treatment after treatment after treatments. Or do nothing. Another parent may not agree with either and you know what? Each one is doing right thing for THEM.
That "Autism Czar" appointment that President Obama promised? He/she should understand all the above of what you and I have said here. And have a plan for ALL families and persons affected by Autism. And we need to get the support from this Czar... NOW. Too much talk and not enough action.
My creed: Autism IS a Spectrum Disorder, CAUSED by a spectrum of reasons, needing a SPECTRUM of treatments or solutions and requiring a spectrum of funding.
Peace and Blessing to all... Nuff said.
Dad
Tiffany this is a fantastic post and one that EVERYONE should follow the advice of. Every family is different, each Autistic child is different from every other Autistic child. No one should tell another parent or person with Autism what they should be doing with their life... even if they think they KNOW that family from watching them on TV. ;)
Our family goal is to increase the awareness, acceptance and understanding of Autism and all of it's various aspects and effects on families.
Some have accused me of trying to make money from my children. First if they follow your post's advice they shouldn't assume they know what I'm doing and be quite. However we've made money from our situation from a 'location fee' from the film production company. This is a standard in their industry. Then we have made an income from the sales of the Autism t-shirts that Robin and I designed.
But all the other TV, radio, magazine, blog and internet interviews we have received nothing. AND I'm not asking that they do.
95% of the comments we get on our blog or from emails have been positive and supportive. And I will continue to advocate for my children until the day I die. We too did not yell, "Yipee!" when we got the diagnosis for the children. We too did LOTS of grieving, for around 1 1/2 years. I was let go from the job I had at the time because quite frankly, at the time I was useless and not able to have my head into work. Worrying and wondering about what life was going to be like with Autistic children was just too much. It was tough and still is and IS financially hard. And I'm not sorry and will not apologize for mentioning that Autism hits families in the wallet. We've received many, many emails confirming this from other families. And they too are glad that the world is starting to understand those financial hardships. Its a FACT that people need to realize.
We need to stop the fighting among ourselves. It's a waste of time, effort and emotions. Another parent may want to chelate or put their children through test after tests or treatment after treatment after treatments. Or do nothing. Another parent may not agree with either and you know what? Each one is doing right thing for THEM.
That "Autism Czar" appointment that President Obama promised? He/she should understand all the above of what you and I have said here. And have a plan for ALL families and persons affected by Autism. And we need to get the support from this Czar... NOW. Too much talk and not enough action.
My creed: Autism IS a Spectrum Disorder, CAUSED by a spectrum of reasons, needing a SPECTRUM of treatments or solutions and requiring a spectrum of funding.
Peace and Blessing to all... Nuff said.
Dad
Monday, April 13, 2009
New Law Enforcement and Autism Training Video
Last week Robin and I attended the Autism Council of Utah (ACU) It was the second I had been to and it is always well attended by various state agencies, other public and private groups and parents.
One of the highlights was the showing of a DVD geared toward Law Enforcement and Autism. SaharaCares developed the video that can be used to train police officers on how to recognize signs of Autism, and gives constructive suggestions for dealing with people that have Autism.
I hope that this can go out to police departments all over the country. Too often we heard of some Autistic person having a bad experience in this area. After watching the video tell me if you too teared up like I did.
The website link with video, click here
Dad
One of the highlights was the showing of a DVD geared toward Law Enforcement and Autism. SaharaCares developed the video that can be used to train police officers on how to recognize signs of Autism, and gives constructive suggestions for dealing with people that have Autism.
I hope that this can go out to police departments all over the country. Too often we heard of some Autistic person having a bad experience in this area. After watching the video tell me if you too teared up like I did.
The website link with video, click here
Dad
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