Dear President Obama: Autism Suggestions

Managing Editor's Note: Allison Chapman is a Mother Warrior and a political advocate for our children. She has earned the ear of President Elect Obama's National Disability Vote director Kareem Dale with her respectful, thoughtful and yet still passionate method of educating the candidates throughout the election cycle. Ask her about the thick binder of materials she prepared. I'm proud to call Allison a friend. KS

By Allison Chapman

Last night we witnessed magnificent speeches from two Men who showed their incredible characters.  I would like to thank Senator McCain for his amazing attention and understanding of our situation and for the respect he showed our parents and our children.  I would also like to thank now President Obama for listening to those who might have a differing opinion than his own as well as paying close attention to the epidemic of autism and developing educational and community plans.  Both Men brought me to tears as they spoke last night and they clearly showed they were putting aside all pretense and began to work together to solve the many crisis’ of this nation.  The following is a letter I sent to our newly elected President, to remember to include our community as a voice for children with Autism. 

Dear President Obama:
    
You have now been selected by the American people to lead us as President; I congratulate you on this huge accomplishment.

You have a very large mountain to climb to clean up from the last 8 years of destruction from the Bush administration.  You have to rebuild a positive view of the US to the entire world; repair a broken economy, work to ensure a better environment in terms of toxicity and global warming, etc.  In short you have a lot of work ahead of you and I do not envy your monumental task.  I would however not be serving my son’s predicament, nor the hundreds of thousands of children with Autism like him, if I didn’t ask for you to remember us and try to conquer our mountain of needs.  I do realize it seems to be an impossible task; however I do think much can be done and you have a good start for the educational and community needs of our children.  There are unfortunately a lo t more areas required in the understanding of the diagnosis of autism and to address the myriad of puzzle pieces included in the “whole of autism”.
    
There is an acceptance issue, where children with autism are getting thrown off of planes and out of restaurants.  An issue of health insurance denials for both educational and medical needs.  There are areas of research that sorely needs funds, like biomedical treatments available.  Children who are recovering should be studied and treatment models developed, this will help society as a whole if we are able to recover enough of the children so that they are fully able to lead independent lives and contribute to society.  And yes, this includes diets that are working to reduce fungal loads, possibly chelation for those who test positive for heavy metals by giving a DMSA challenge, antivirals, antifungals, supplementation, stool testing, vitamin D levels, amino acid testing, enzyme activity or inactivity, etc.  These are physically ill children, many wit h seizure dysfunctions, and this issue goes largely unaddressed by mainstream medicine.  However they are quick to schedule unapproved treatments for autism in the forms of antipsychotics and SSRIs.  The habits of mainstream medicine of looking away from the medical needs of these children stem from the issues of why they are toxic, and the vaccine involvement in many cases of autism, including my son’s. 
    
We can not turn away from what scares us just because it’s more convenient to do so.  We are not antivaccine, we are not here to take down the vaccine industry and bring back dangerous viruses; however we are not okay with the notion that our children are necessary sacrificial lambs for the greater good.  There are things we can do, invest in research into the mechanisms of what might be changing in these kids when given vaccines, whether or not their immune systems can handle them beforehand, look at predisposition and pay close attention to each child and their possible reactions.  Slower the schedule and have respect for infant’s immune system vulnerability.  Take out the mercury and strongly reduce the levels of aluminum babies are exposed to.  Stop giving pregnant woman any amount of mercury in the form of a flu shot.  We need to start treating each child as an individual, respecting parental informed choice, and other necessary exemptions.  I would ask now that you include in your round table of autism at least one, if not more, voice (s) from our community, as we have much to offer.  All areas of autism should be represented as the task of rehabilitation is vast and not one opinion is solely representative of the whole. 
    
Below my letter you will find some names of Professionals and parents that I believe would bring our community a voice.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the attention you have paid us and I believe will continue to pay, through your entire presidency.  I wish you strength, endurance, good health and great knowledge for the task set ahead of you. 

Sincerely,
Allison Chapman
Parent of 3 children with vaccine reactions, of one with vaccine induced autism 
MA 5th district leader A-CHAMP/ACC
Generation Rescue Angel

Important voices to heed from our community

Bernadine Healy – Former NIH director, has an open mind to follow all possibilities. 
Link to her bio  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/changingthefaceofmedicine/physicians/biography_145.html

Mark Blaxill-a Father and an MBA
Mark Blaxill, MBA - Vice-PresidentMark Blaxill is the Vice President of SafeMinds as well as serving on the research committee. Mark is the father of a daughter diagnosed with autism. He carries a Harvard MBA with distinction and a Princeton A.B. Summa Cum Laude. Mark has authored several publications on autism.
Mark Blaxill’s slide presentation before congress.  http://www.ageofautism.com/files/paradigms_and_policies_2.pdf

Dr. Jon Poling- a Neuologist at John’s Hopkins and father of Hannah Poling
Developmental Regression and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Child With Autism
http://jcn.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/21/2/170
a letter from Dr. Poling to Dr. Novella
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/07/dear-dr-novella.html

Robert Krakow-attorney and parent
Robert J. Krakow
Attorney at Law

David Kirby- investigative journalist and author of Evidence of Harm, NY times contributor.
David Kirby’s slide presentation to congress
http://www.ageofautism.com/files/DC.ppt

Allison Chapman lives in Massachusetts and is a true Mother Warrior, her husband is a Father Warrior too.

Comments

[MARIANN PARRY]

I have a son now 50 years of age who is autistic there was nothing for him at the time. But, i wonder i its the giving os shots to early that might make it happen? (Autistim.) When i was young, we got our shots when we went to school. (this would be at age 6 or near 6) Food for thought.

[Andrew]

Help somali Autism community.

[Trish]

Allison,
I will be sending my letter to Pres. Elect Obama, as soon as I can. I agree wholeheartedly with everything that you wrote. When I compose my letter, I will be including (in different words, of course) many of the same thoughts and ideas. I hope that I can express them as eloquently!

I also agree that Sen.McCain can be a wonderful resource and advocate for our children. He may not have won the popular vote, but his base of supporters runs loyal and deep. He was the first Candidate in the Primaries to acknowledge an autism/vaccine connection. He also believes those soldiers who claim injury from Military vaccinations.

We need to bombard Sen. McCain with letters, e-mails and phone calls. We need to ask him to team up with Dan Burton and Carolyn Maloney to advocate for our children... to demand SAFE, not just safe-ER vaccines. He has acknowledged the importance of parental rights to choose medical treatments for our children, including decisions involving vaccines.

Sen. McCain would have made a wonderful President, but he will make an even better friend and advocate to an entire generation of children!

John McCain... the Senate's version of Jenny McCarthy?????

[Teresa]

Thanks Allison for all that you are doiong to help our children now and in their future.

You are a wonderful advocate!

[Craig Willoughby]

Here are a couple of sites that we can use to contact the Obama transition team.

http://www.change.gov/page/s/contact

http://change.gov/page/s/ofthepeople

I encourage all of you to contact the Obama administration and let them know what a good idea it is to have such a knowedgeable person and advocate for our children to be in a position where he can help our children. The Vaccine-Thugs do not want this to happen, and anything that they are so dogmatic about, we should do what we can to oppose them.

[Craig Willoughby]

Hey everyone.

The usual hate sites that so desperately insult and belittle our cause are deathly afraid of RFK Jr's appointment to the head of the EPA. They are gathering petitions to try to ask President Obama to change his mind. I think it is in our best interests to send our recommendations for RFK Jr to President Obama so that he will have a balanced point of view. I will see if I can get the information together so that we can have someone to send our recommendations to.

It also shows just how desperate and scared the Vaccine Mafia and the Church of the Immaculate Vaccination is that they are doing everything in their power to prevent this appointment.

[Maurine Meleck]

Couldn't agree more with Kim's comments on Senator McCain. If he offered help a month ago, he surely would continue to put our childrens' needs on the top of his list. iF ANY OF YOU HAD CONTACT WITH HIM BEFORE, DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT.

[Lin]

Hey Allison,

Although my heart is terribly broken and many of my hopes and dreams shattered over the past few days, I am none-the-less thankful for you. You are an inspiration!

Keep on keeping on,
Lin

[Alan J. Suvalle]

I have known Allison for many years as a close personal friend of my daughter, Robyn. She is one of the strongest women I know, in terms of her dealing with what life has thrown at her. Throughout it all, she has maintained a positive attitude, a can-do approach and a willingness to go the extra mile to attain her goals. If I needed an ally to support my cause, Allison would be at the top of the list. Autism advocates should feel prilidged that she is one of your voices.

[Andrea for Cherie]

Cherie,

Such a beautiful heartwrenching post. I hope you get your wish and hear your grandson Isaac call you "grandma".

[John Stone]

With apologies, can I re-post my last paragraph with corrections:-

"Kim rightly mentions that we do not want a stereo-typical abortion row, but this also relates to the autism issue, because what none of us here want, I suspect, is a eugenic solution to autism, aborting foetuses which might be more pre-disposed to autism if subjected to environmental triggers. I think this is genuinely one reason for regarding the present emphasis on genetic research with alarm."

[John Stone]

I believe President Obama can please us all by reforming the hopelessly corrupt industry led institutions, the CDC and the FDA. There is here a lesson from the banking crisis that light regulation has not led to progress but to disaster.

Kim rightly mentions that we do not want a stereo-typical abortion row, but this also relates to the autism, because what none of us here want, I suspect, is a eugenic solution to autism, aborting foetuses which might be more pre-disposed to autism if sunjected to environmental triggers. I think this is genuinely one reason for regarding the present emphasis genetic research with alarm.

[Cherie]

I am a 46 year old mother of 3 beautiful girls, a grandmother of 3, with another beautiful grandchild on the way. My second grandchild Isaac, has Autism. He will be 4 years old in December. I have written songs about him through-out the years, and, he is why I get up everyday, even when I can't stand the pain anymore.

His smile has made me love life, and has reduced me to tears all in the same day.
Just to hear him call me Grandma..would make a difference in my life. Don't get me wrong..the victory would not be for me..but for him.

Isaacs' Mommy is the most influential person in my life. Isaacs' mommy loves unconditionally. She stays up all night long while being so tired, only to make sure Isaac is sleeping soundly, and that he is safe.
While I know that all Mothers do this, it is so different with a child that has Autism.
I have been on the phone with her while she has been rearranging the things in Isaacs' room. Isaac has decided that he wants to climb in and out of his crib now. While most parents are used to a child of 4 years old being in a twin bed, the parents of a child with Autism, are still praying that their child will STAY in their crib. The thought of their child getting out through out the night while parents are trying to get whatever sleep they can get, is overwhelming. All of this while they are trying to take care of other children too.
Alot of families today are dealing with the enormity of it all.
I watched Isaac go from a vibrant, smiling little baby..into a child that is locked into his own world.
Only those of us in the Autism community knows at all what this feels like.
I have listened to my daughter talk about trying this treatment and that treatment. I have begged her to not try things that have not been proven to help.
People are cruel today, and as much as we don't want to believe it, everyone is out to make a buck.
I have learned more about the pharmaceutical companies than I ever thought I would want to know, and I have learned about Dr. Paul Offit.
I watched all of the "Green Our Vaccines" videos and rallies. I sent all of this information to all of my family, and everyone is listening.
My youngest pregnant daughter refused the flu shot this month, and she will be refusing the newborn vaccinations. She is sure that her newborn wont be having sex with other men, sharing drug needles, or traveling to a foreign country.

President Obama, I know that I am just one person that is going to look at you for answers on Autism. Please...Please listen to us. Please listen to a grandmother that just wants to hear her grandchild call her Grandma. Please look outside the mainstream medicine, and please start doing anything you can to stop this epidemic. Look at the vaccine schedule. Look at what is in them. Let parents make a choice.

I am just a mother, and a grandmother now. I am not a scientist, a physician, or by the words of the CDC..."of any importance," and I am sorry if I spelled things wrong.

The 1 in 150 children that have Autism...is again, outdated. Please do something. The numbers are again skyrocketing.

I don't want any more Grandmothers to be wishing that they could talk to their Grandchildren, and I don't want any mothers today wishing that there was something that they could do...to ease their childs pain.

[Twyla]

This web site has a place to send messages to Obama. It says: "Tell us your ideas and help us solve the biggest challenges facing our country".
www.change.gov/page/s/ofthepeople

Who will read them, I don't know -- but it's worth a try!

Thank you so so much Alison for your work!

[Maurine Meleck]

Terrific letter, Allison. Glad you shared it with everyone. You have a beautiful way of putting all our thoughts into words. I will never forget the first time I met you in DC--dragging your suitcase on wheels through the rally--with all that information for your meetings. I'm proud to be your friend.

maurine

[Stagmom]

Guys, I love you all dearly - no abortion talk. I beg you. It's a never ending loop best left to other sites. Thanks.

KIM

[Cathy Jameson]

Christine,

(1) With regard to Obama referring to babies as punishment, please view this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzmly28Bmg.

(2) With regard to you insinuation that all pro-life people are also pro-war and pro-death penalty, I believe you are very misinformed. I am pro-life from conception to natural death - not assisted death, not death penalty, but natural death. To make a sweeping generalization about the people in the pro-life movement shows disregard for the truth of the matter.

(3) As far as bringing Sarah Palin into your argument...with regard to Palin's hunting habits, please correct me if I am wrong, but it would appear that you are equating human life to "innocent animals". If that is the case, then we will have to agree to disagree. I believe in the sanctity of all human life, wanted and unwanted. I will never equate human life with animal life. While I do believe animals were put on this earth for our use, I also believe that we were put on this earth to be good stewards to the earth and all its inhabitants. I don't necessarily agree with hunting as sport (i.e. just to put antlers on a wall), but I have no issue with those who choose to eat the animals that they kill. If this is where we part ways, so be it.

(4) It is a bit disingenuous to say that Palin isn't pro-life just because she hunts. When 91-93% of pregnancies in the US with a diagnosis of Down's Syndrome end in abortion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome), she showed tremendous strength of conviction by choosing to have Trig. She has said that his life is precious and that he is a blessing. When her own teenaged daughter got pregnant, Palin and her husband didn't force an abortion. They didn't demonize their daughter or belittle her "mistake". They showed loving support while at the same time making clear that their daughter had a hard but doable haul ahead of her.

(5) I can't help it if you are insulted by the insinuation that Obama has a disregard for human life, but based on what you now know I believe, I hope you understand why I am insulted by his views. He has very publically stated that the first thing he will do in office is to sign the FOCA. He has the highest approval rating he can get from the pro-abortion group NARAL for 3 years running (2005-2007). He voted against the Born Alive Act four times. He voted NO to prohibiting minors from crossing state lines for abortions. He voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (source: http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm)

I will defend what I believe, and I would expect nothing less than the same from you or any other poster. I would hope that statements meant to sound like fact would be backed up, though, with credible sources. If you would like more information on any of the above, let me know and I will look for it.

Cathy Jameson

[Christine Heeren]

Very nice post Allison and wonderful response Ben's Dad.

I would like to point out though, that those who are supposedly pro-life, like George Bush, are also pro-war and pro-lethal injection. Sarah Palin says she's is pro-life and yet shoots innocent animals in the head and celebrates the killings.

I will not stand by quietly when people say that "Obama does not value life". It is one of the most hypocritical statements made. Also, if you are suggesting that Obama holds human life as a "punishment"- THAT IS A HUGE INSULT TO NOT ONLY THE NEXT PRESIDENT BUT ALL OF US WHO SUPPORT AND BELIEVE IN HIM.

You can write what you want. But, don't get upset when other people don't agree and defend what they believe is the truth.

[Anacat]

Thank you Allison-- from a fellow Mass mom. Let us know what we can do to pull our weight in this state and beyond.

[L. Stuiber]

Great letter, Allison. I just heard on the radio this morning that the Obama’s have to be careful about the type of puppy they select because one of their daughters has asthma. Maybe the Obama’s have been negatively touched by vaccines and don’t even realize it.

[Cathy Jameson]

Kim,

LOVE what you said, "I'd like to point out that Senator McCain is not dead" ABSOLUTELY! While I do feel part of me died with the election results, I'm trying to stay positive with all the "Change" that is going to come to our country.

Surely we can tap into the fact that McCain holds human life as a a gift, not a punishment. I squeezed my eyes closed reading some the 'Obama is going to help our vaccine situation' articles since Obama's made it very clear that he does not value life even at its most precious state--in utero. I wonder if he will be convinced that our medically-damaged children are worthy of the enormous fight it will take to give them an inkling of healing. Since many of these kids in our community will struggle and some may never be completely 'normal,' why would he even bother to invest in their future?

McCain made public statements about autism that gave my family hope. He knows there is a link to some *thing* out there causing autism and he was willing to find out more about it. He may not be walking into the White House in a few months, but if he's willing to continue to walk with our community now that the campainging has come to a close, we should be smart and send our voices to his open ears.

Cathy Jameson

[nhokkanen]

Fantastic letter, Allison. I hope those people get the ear of President-elect Obama. And Randy, you're right -- the PR machine is in high gear, especially with the flu frenzy. I'm always amazed by the disconnect between the piles of statistics in VAERS, VSD, NVICP and the human faces attached to each number. Who is helping all these families dealing with vaccine injury?

[Kathy]

Nice job ... I'm a fellow Mom Warrior in MA!

[Jack]

Ben's Dad,

I love it. I can hear him saying the words in my head. And with RFK Jr. at his side (God-willing), I think that just maybe I can picture it happening. How powerful that would be. I still have chills.

[Randy]

One opinion (looking in from outside the US) - is it just me or is the "volume" being turned up to "blaring" now as W is leaving the office and Obama is stepping in / up? The incredible conflicting interests within the ratings agencies, the need to completely "clean house" so that nobody even remotely connected with the economy over the last 2 terms is left standing in this administration, the awakening to the loss of personal freedoms, the total lack of transparency. The lies. These are the kinds of comments now flying around every news show on nearly every channel I seem to land on. Not to mention the way the Pharma puppets are hanging themselves in full view lately.

The mess that this administration left behind is nothing short of staggering. The interesting thing is that a few voices in the weeds were sounding these same alarms all along but now it seems everyone in the media, the industry analysts, and others joining in the chorus - as Obama steps in. Sure it's easier to kick at someone as they're on their way out, but this is bigger. Obama knows he is inheriting a mess. He is not promising short term fixes - and maybe not giving enough weight to all of the concerns (here) - but I think people have felt enough pain and are sick and tired and he really understands this - he can put out the trash and keep the dialogue going without losing the support of the people, the media - he's smart and he knows that. I think he's not afraid to do the right thing because his predecessor lead the country right to the consequences of doing all the wrong things and people are finally waking up. Just my 2c - don't let down your guard, but keep the faith guys - give him some time to settle in - I might eat these words but Obama leaves a good gut feeling, IMHO.

[KMursche]

Thank goodness we have a strong and eloquent voice to speak on behalf of our kids!
Thank you Allison!

[Stagmom]

I'd like to point out that Senator McCain is not dead ---- he's still a veteran Senator and I don't see why we can't continue to work with him to move closer to vaccine safety for our children. If you made contact with him, keep it going! Surely if he care enough to put autism top of mind during his campaign he still cares about the kids - those here now and those yet unborn. Keep on him!

Kim

[Monica]

As if I have not been crying enough the last 2 days! Thank you Allison! What a wonderful letter!

I as well, had contacted Kareem Dale, and emailed him my daughter's affidavit from our VICP case.

I truly hope our President elect is listening, because finally, Autism IS talking!

[Dana Read]

Allison, I am speechless. As a community, we are blessed to have you. You truly are a Warrior Mom. I am proud to call you my friend and fellow Rescue Angel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[noyfb]

With one in 6 ill children currently the world will remember how Obama handles this. It will be in history books for years to come. Bush will be remembered very unfavorably. Potentially as the worst president in history if he fails to pull a rabbit out of the hat for these children. Being remembered as the president who ignored sick children is not something to be proud of. Thier actions and /or lack of will have direct affects on thier parties and how they are viewed by the public that has the power of the vote.

[Kecia]

@ Ben's Dad,
I hope you are mass emailing what you wrote here because it is incredibly eloquent and too the point.
I believe that if we keep speaking out our voices will be heard. Obama offers hope to not only the US but to the world. I feel great change is on the horizon we just have to keep on keepin' on.

[jennifer]

Ben's Dad: You gotta print that off and send it EVERYWHERE. It's beautiful.

[jennifer]

well said, Allison!!! THanks for taking the time to write this important letter and I love your suggestions for people to represent the autism community.

[Nancy]

Bravo!! Thank you for speaking on behalf of us. I think the tone was perfect, the information balanced and clear and the people listed excellent choices. We've got a good shot at getting our voices heard.

[Ben's Dad]

Let us not forget that it is not too late for President Bush to make an important statement on autism in his final days, and I’ve sent my comments to him as well. That said, we have a new chance with a new president. I watched the RFK JR Green our Vaccines speech last night, and am very excited about the possibility of that kind of voice in the new government.

My non-verbal 6yr old son Ben was unusually restless the night before the election and dragged me downstairs repeating an utterance that sounded a lot like an approximation for "Obama". You have got to love and be moved by the message of hope that is Obama, and in that spirit I am offering an autism verse to the "Yes We Can" song, a declaration of a hopeful people. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY )

We have a chance to educate a new President this morning, and we will summon our energy, creativity, compassion and love and teach him about autism.
Yes we can.
We will give him a lesson in science and statistics without institutional politics, and lay out a path to answer our most pressing questions, the questions of our childrens' future.
Yes we can.
We will persevere against the obstacles that until now have denied our very existence. We will introduce our children to the world, in numbers and names and faces that can no longer be ignored.
Yes we can.
In the not so distant future, our work will bear out and we will hear a message from the top. Through our struggle against the lies of omission, in the days ahead we will come to hear our President declare a worldwide crisis of humanity, a festering planetary epidemic, an age of autism.
Yes we can.
With that message clear we can focus not on getting to Mars, but on bringing our children home.
Yes we can.
We will find the causes of autism and reverse the waves that are crashing down upon us.
Yes we can.
We will research the remedies of autism so that as parents we do not have to rely on hope alone.
Yes we can.
We will take away the self-serving assurances and chase out the snake oil salesmen of all types with the truth, because our children deserve better.
Yes we can.
We will beat back this beast and put it in its cage, and together the reward of our struggle will be that we will see our children recover and walk free again, and talk free again, and live free again.
Yes we can. Yes we can. Yes we can.

[Susan Fund]

Excellent article! I hope and pray that Obabama rises to the challenge of helping to recover a generation of very ill children and saves the next generation from the same fate!