I was really glad to see the religious poll do so well. Remember, there is no way that I know who fills out a poll. It's completely anonymous. So, everyone please answer each poll. Thanks!
Dad
Showing posts with label Polls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Polls. Show all posts
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Changing of the Polls
It's way past time to update and record our poll results. If you'd like t0 revisit past polls just find the 'polls' labels on the right side lower on this page.
Poll: Are You Getting The AutismBites T-shirt Newsletter?
Yes 8%
No 21%
Didn't know you had it 77%
I thought a LOT more people who were frequent visitors here knew about the t-shirt newsletter. I was wrong. Hmmmm... Anyway, if you would like to get this newsletter go to the AutismBites t-shirt link: http://www.cafepress.com/autismbites and on the left side at the bottom you will see a sign up for the newsletter. I try to get one out weekly. HA! But usually it's monthly.
Poll: Parents: How's Your Marriage?
Strong 46%
Struggling 33%
On the rocks 12%
Divorced 7%
I was wondering if all the doom and gloom we here about parents of Autistic children having a higher then usual divorce rate was true. With our group... not. Good for us. Some have asked us how we do it. Email us directly and let's chat: autism_bites@yahoo.com
Please participate in our newest poll.
Dad
Poll: Are You Getting The AutismBites T-shirt Newsletter?
Yes 8%
No 21%
Didn't know you had it 77%
I thought a LOT more people who were frequent visitors here knew about the t-shirt newsletter. I was wrong. Hmmmm... Anyway, if you would like to get this newsletter go to the AutismBites t-shirt link: http://www.cafepress.com/autismbites and on the left side at the bottom you will see a sign up for the newsletter. I try to get one out weekly. HA! But usually it's monthly.
Poll: Parents: How's Your Marriage?
Strong 46%
Struggling 33%
On the rocks 12%
Divorced 7%
I was wondering if all the doom and gloom we here about parents of Autistic children having a higher then usual divorce rate was true. With our group... not. Good for us. Some have asked us how we do it. Email us directly and let's chat: autism_bites@yahoo.com
Please participate in our newest poll.
Dad
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Autistic Parents Polling Results
The results are in from the last two polls that we've had here. Actually the first poll has been done for over a month now but I'm just getting to it. The first poll is:
Parents of Autistic Children Only: How do you support your family?
1. Dad works regular job <107> (82%)
2. Mom works regular job <49> (37%)
3. Receive gov't help (SSI, etc) <38> (29%)
4. Relatives give cash regularly <7> (5%)
5. Relatives give cash sometimes <15> (11%)
6. Mom or Dad work 2nd job <13> (10%)
7. Doing eBay sales <7> (5%)
8. Doing direct sales (i.e. MLM) <5> (3%)
9. Selling something else (i.e. t-shirts) <4> (3%)
10.Would like to belong to 'Parents Group' to buy and sell with each other <15> (11%)
Total votes: 130
Here's how I fit into the poll. I used to work a regular job until last October. I drove a 17 ton dump truck for a excavation company. I had this job for about a year and a half and referred to it as the job where 'I didn't have to think', I just worked. This is the job I had during all of our struggles with the state of Utah. The owner was very understanding about our situation, but toward the end he just needed someone that could keep the truck running 10-12 hrs a day. That didn't work very well with me needing to help Robin and all of the other needs of the children. In case you didn't hear about our 'state problems' from past blogs or media articles, this is where we had the children taken away for 2 weeks, having our lives turned upside down to comply with the state juvenile court system, etc. for 11 months.
The "thinking" job I had before that, I worked as a 'lease banker' for a capital equipment leasing company. I was there just 6 months when we found out about Sarah being classic Autistic. I was worthless as an employee most of the time after that and when my father died that December it kind of pushed me over the edge of despair. I asked my boss, one of the VP's, if I could adjust my work load or anything else to keep the job and continue to provide for my family. He was aware of our newly discovered Autism situation as I had let him know months before (initial school evaluation). But, he said that he would 'accept' my resignation. I had not offered it, but I found out (later) that he had told his boss, the president, that I had quit. I could have fought it to get unemployment I guess, but I didn't have it in me at the time.
So when the dump truck job was coming to an end I looked for something else and did do a brief stint of 3-4 weeks, but the hours were messing up the family life again. So I'm where I'm at today. We manage by doing 3, 5, 8 and 9.
From the results it looks like it's kinda tough for the families out there. Nearly 40% the Dad and Mom are working. Then 3 of 10 families don't earn all that much and qualify for SSI. Not a lot of financial support from relatives with barely 1 of 10 getting some money. Then 10% have one parent working two jobs. This has got to make it hard on the child(ren) who already have difficulty forming relationships, where one of the parents are hardly at home. Very sad. A ray of hope is that some are looking beyond the traditional job and being some what of entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, it's less then 5% in 3 different areas.
The last question tells me that we have too many 'lone rangers' out there. We should help each other so that if one of our group can provide a service or product that we could use... use them. Of course family members would be first in this situation, but if they don't... let's use one another.
Next poll: How many Autistic children do you have?
Parents of Autistic Children Only: How do you support your family?
1. Dad works regular job <107> (82%)
2. Mom works regular job <49> (37%)
3. Receive gov't help (SSI, etc) <38> (29%)
4. Relatives give cash regularly <7> (5%)
5. Relatives give cash sometimes <15> (11%)
6. Mom or Dad work 2nd job <13> (10%)
7. Doing eBay sales <7> (5%)
8. Doing direct sales (i.e. MLM) <5> (3%)
9. Selling something else (i.e. t-shirts) <4> (3%)
10.Would like to belong to 'Parents Group' to buy and sell with each other <15> (11%)
Total votes: 130
Here's how I fit into the poll. I used to work a regular job until last October. I drove a 17 ton dump truck for a excavation company. I had this job for about a year and a half and referred to it as the job where 'I didn't have to think', I just worked. This is the job I had during all of our struggles with the state of Utah. The owner was very understanding about our situation, but toward the end he just needed someone that could keep the truck running 10-12 hrs a day. That didn't work very well with me needing to help Robin and all of the other needs of the children. In case you didn't hear about our 'state problems' from past blogs or media articles, this is where we had the children taken away for 2 weeks, having our lives turned upside down to comply with the state juvenile court system, etc. for 11 months.
The "thinking" job I had before that, I worked as a 'lease banker' for a capital equipment leasing company. I was there just 6 months when we found out about Sarah being classic Autistic. I was worthless as an employee most of the time after that and when my father died that December it kind of pushed me over the edge of despair. I asked my boss, one of the VP's, if I could adjust my work load or anything else to keep the job and continue to provide for my family. He was aware of our newly discovered Autism situation as I had let him know months before (initial school evaluation). But, he said that he would 'accept' my resignation. I had not offered it, but I found out (later) that he had told his boss, the president, that I had quit. I could have fought it to get unemployment I guess, but I didn't have it in me at the time.
So when the dump truck job was coming to an end I looked for something else and did do a brief stint of 3-4 weeks, but the hours were messing up the family life again. So I'm where I'm at today. We manage by doing 3, 5, 8 and 9.
From the results it looks like it's kinda tough for the families out there. Nearly 40% the Dad and Mom are working. Then 3 of 10 families don't earn all that much and qualify for SSI. Not a lot of financial support from relatives with barely 1 of 10 getting some money. Then 10% have one parent working two jobs. This has got to make it hard on the child(ren) who already have difficulty forming relationships, where one of the parents are hardly at home. Very sad. A ray of hope is that some are looking beyond the traditional job and being some what of entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, it's less then 5% in 3 different areas.
The last question tells me that we have too many 'lone rangers' out there. We should help each other so that if one of our group can provide a service or product that we could use... use them. Of course family members would be first in this situation, but if they don't... let's use one another.
Next poll: How many Autistic children do you have?
1. 1 <67> (61%)
2. 2 <22> (20%)
3. 3 <7> (6%)
4. 4 <5> (4%)
5. 5 <1> (0%)
6. 6 <4> (3%) (Note: The actual vote total was: <3>)
7. A mix of both <25> (22%)
8. Would like to work from home if the money was right <25> (22%)
Total votes: 109
To explain question #6: One day while looking at this blog the poll on my screen showed that I had not voted. I assumed that some sort of glitch had occurred and voted as having 6 ASD children. Now it added my original vote and this new one and I was not able to fix it.
We had heard there are other families that may have had as many as us, but really did not KNOW. With this poll it looks like there are two other families just like us, unless someone out there had a glitch or a slip of the mouse. However, if there truly is more like us we (my wife and I) would like to know you. Please write to us at our email: autism_bites@yahoo.com I promise to not reveal to ANYONE here on this blog, email or ANYWHERE who you are if that is your desire.
Now I know why so many other Autistic parents have told us that: (1) we inspire them (2) give them hope (3) wonder how we can do it (4) etc. It appears that 81% of the families have just 1 or 2 Autistic children. Now let's not get any feathers ruffled out there. We know that even 1 Autistic child is a tough job... we know. But, when we have 6, 1 to 2 to us is 'just'.
Please comment, so we know you are alive. These polls prove that at least 130 couples or parents visit here monthly.
Dad
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Where's Dad?
No we've not been on vacation, I've just been spending my days in the hunt for the elusive buck. Money for the family that is. I'm somewhat surprised with the current poll on how families provide for themselves financially.
It looks like most Autistic parents aren't able to relate to our situation. It has been VERY difficult to have a 9-5 job with the children having their needs and Robin's fibromyalgia where she needs at least two naps a day. I thought that a lot of other parents would have to be more 'stay at home' like us. But, then I got to thinking a bit and I'm guessing that most of the parents here have a lot less Autistic children then we do.
Duh!!
So please participate in the new poll to help us understand where you are coming from as far as family make up. Thanks
UPDATE: Question on the poll, someone said they have six Autistic children also, we like to meet/talk. Please email us at autism_bites@yahoo.com
Dad
It looks like most Autistic parents aren't able to relate to our situation. It has been VERY difficult to have a 9-5 job with the children having their needs and Robin's fibromyalgia where she needs at least two naps a day. I thought that a lot of other parents would have to be more 'stay at home' like us. But, then I got to thinking a bit and I'm guessing that most of the parents here have a lot less Autistic children then we do.
Duh!!
So please participate in the new poll to help us understand where you are coming from as far as family make up. Thanks
UPDATE: Question on the poll, someone said they have six Autistic children also, we like to meet/talk. Please email us at autism_bites@yahoo.com
Dad
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Autism and AutismBites Polls
I don't know about the visitors to this blog, but I like the polls we can put up here. I've noticed that A LOT more people will anonymously answer a poll question then will comment to the posts. That's good, because I can find out more about our visitors as a whole... especially the shy ones. Now for historical value here is a post of the past polls:
What is the greatest need for the Autism community?
More funding for research 223 (25%)
National funding for 8 hours daily of ABA for each ASD child 352 (39%)
Funding for families financially devastated by Autism (i.e. AutismBites Foundation) 520 (58%)
Total Votes: 883
My notes: This is exactly what I thought and was very glad to see that I was not alone. Our total votes were VERY high because I put up this poll right when our Good Morning America story came out, sure wish we could get those numbers again. Research is good, however day to day needs of families is where the greatest need is felt. ABA for children was high as well, but not as high as I thought it might have been. From every thing I heard and experienced its the best education were have available so far, it just COSTS SO DARN MUCH!! Next poll:
Why Do You Like AutismBites T-shirts?
They are cute 45 (43%)
Says what I feel 49 (47%)
Increases tolerance 42 (40%)
People are nicer to my child 17 (16%)
Total Votes: 104
My notes: Now I was somewhat surprised with the results on this one. We have found that NT people ARE nicer and more tolerant of our children when wearing their t-shirts. Most did not find this too be the case it looks like unfortunately. But hey! If it 'says what you feel' and our most popular shirt is: I'm Autistic, what's your excuse'... great. We are filling a need and that is what we hoped to do with the t-shirts.
I will try hard to keep at least one poll going at any given time. If you have a subject or question you would like to see let us know here or email us at: autism_bites@yahoo.com Later...
Dad
What is the greatest need for the Autism community?
More funding for research 223 (25%)
National funding for 8 hours daily of ABA for each ASD child 352 (39%)
Funding for families financially devastated by Autism (i.e. AutismBites Foundation) 520 (58%)
Total Votes: 883
My notes: This is exactly what I thought and was very glad to see that I was not alone. Our total votes were VERY high because I put up this poll right when our Good Morning America story came out, sure wish we could get those numbers again. Research is good, however day to day needs of families is where the greatest need is felt. ABA for children was high as well, but not as high as I thought it might have been. From every thing I heard and experienced its the best education were have available so far, it just COSTS SO DARN MUCH!! Next poll:
Why Do You Like AutismBites T-shirts?
They are cute 45 (43%)
Says what I feel 49 (47%)
Increases tolerance 42 (40%)
People are nicer to my child 17 (16%)
Total Votes: 104
My notes: Now I was somewhat surprised with the results on this one. We have found that NT people ARE nicer and more tolerant of our children when wearing their t-shirts. Most did not find this too be the case it looks like unfortunately. But hey! If it 'says what you feel' and our most popular shirt is: I'm Autistic, what's your excuse'... great. We are filling a need and that is what we hoped to do with the t-shirts.
I will try hard to keep at least one poll going at any given time. If you have a subject or question you would like to see let us know here or email us at: autism_bites@yahoo.com Later...
Dad
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