By Angela Warner
I have been reading Age of Autism since it’s inception as Rescue Post. I am proud of Age of Autism. I’ve witnessed incredible growth of the world’s only autism daily web newspaper both in the information put forth, and in the readership and the ensuing dialogue in comments. I am especially proud of Age of Autism for embracing and opening the door, for the mutual support of both the military and civilian communities with regard to all things autism. It is an honor to share that Age of Autism will have a new category; the Military Category.
As a military spouse who has been contributing to Age of Autism since it was Rescue Post, I am especially thrilled. We’ve seen growth here at Age of Autism, but we’ve also seen growth of the autism epidemic both in the military and civilian community. We’ve also seen a rise in the challenges, or problems, that come along with this heartbreaking rise. In the military community the most recent FOIA shows that as of 2007, one in every eighty-eight military dependent child of an active duty member has autism. This figure most likely doesn’t include my own boys because of how and when the stats for the FOIA were tracked. Currently we’re waiting on new statistics.
From what I see current legislation being passed (and yet to be introduced), by states; the limit is being set by what we military parents were able to accomplish this past year through Congress. We have to do more, as it was only $36,000 for ABA. This is something I am proud to have been part of, but we must do more. I also want to thank our ENTIRE community for rallying around and behind us as we worked to get this pushed through late last year! THANK YOU!!!! What is happening in the military is an important piece to the entire community, just as what the civilian community is doing is important to the entire community. We must all work together, and we are. We have all endured our own hell, but regardless, there is much work to be done to help our children now. And there is much work to be done for the future.
Everything I do for children and adults with autism is a continuation of the pact I made with myself; that I would do everything I could within my power to prevent another family from having to endure the hell that ours endured.
All of our national autism organizations are wonderful and we do such terrific work for our children (I work with almost all of them on a regular basis on all faucets of autism), but Age of Autism is special. Hey, what can I say? Besides Age of Autism supporting our communities, we have the same birthday, November 10th! In closing I would like to say, besides the usual “suspects” (meaning the "collaboration" websites), I always recommend to both “old” and “new” parents who ask me about autism and anything related, “you must read Age of Autism. You must check AoA everyday for the latest”. I am not a “told you so” kind of person, but I have laughingly said this to people over the years, because… well… it’s obvious. AoA puts it out there!
I had the opportunity to meet so many people at Autism One in Chicago last month, and among them were Kim Stagliano, Dan Olmstead, David Kirby, and Mark Blaxill. Over the course of Autism One, we all had several discussions about autism in the military community. I have to tell you, they are a dynamic and incredibly educated group folks. They were already family in my eyes, but after meeting face to face, something changed. I already knew that WE are ALL family, but something changed there too.
The pact I made with myself has been strengthened to say the least. There will be much more to come. We are all working together to push the autism tsunami back, and I say we’re doing a pretty damn good job.
Angela Warner is an Air Force spouse and mom to four children, two whom are recovering/recovered from autism. Angela is the founder of Autism Salutes, a contributor to Age of Autism, and will be contributing to Autism One, Autism Today Online , and the Autism File. She is a Rescue Angel, and is also either on the Board, Committee, or a Member of the following organizations; Heroes With Handicaps, SafeMinds, and the Autism Action Coalition. In her life before autism, Angela was applying to midwifery college after years of being a veterinary technician, and pre-nursing studies.
Campaign to encourage Michelle Obama to meet with Autism Community Angela Warner Military Mom & voice to voiceless http://tinyurl.com/mwc3eb
Posted by: Tanners Dad | July 03, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Way to go, Angela!! And, as always, AoA!! Angela, you are force to be reckoned with!! Thanks AoA for recognizing the importance and contributions of our military families!
Posted by: Lin | June 28, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Thanks Angela, I love how you just KEEP GOING!! You're an inspiration girl! My husband was US Army and honorably discharged in 2000. I was never asked anything about our son in regards to military kids (past or present) I would think that there are a few kids missing if that is the case. Did I miss something? Riley was born after he was discharged but my husband was still part of the military, he was at the DMZ for quite some time. I would want to make sure that all children of military personnel past and present are being counted. Not to mention all the problems my husband now suffers with. The docs don't know what is "wrong" with him and even diagnosed him with fibromyalgia (sp?) because they're not sure what else to do.
Posted by: rileysmom | June 28, 2009 at 09:19 PM
I think this is great news and as a veteran myself, I think it is long overdue. Angela, you're doing a fabulous job! Thank you for all your hard work.
One problem...all of the links in your article work except the one to autism today online :^( which of course..is my web site...any chance that this could be fixed? Just a thought and a little shameless self promotion....
Posted by: curt linderman sr | June 28, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Rock on, Ang!!! You have our support!
Posted by: Cathy Jameson | June 28, 2009 at 10:22 AM
1 in 88 military kids with autism and new numbers coming and your kids not counted? what a nightmare -- but also an opportunity to help the very families we always talk about supporting (our troops!) and to find if there are any clues to causation in this very specific group (i'm sure there are). thank you for your kind words angela and for your sustained commitment to these children and families and, of course, our country. we're with you all the way -- dan
Posted by: dan olmsted | June 28, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Please retweet this. Post it on twitter, Facebook, myspace, youtube, and on the restroom walls. Come up with your own. The internet is a bigger system of billboards. Enough posted and Angela will be able to meet with Michelle Obama in October in Washington DC during the NVIC Conference.
TannersDad Working together to push the autism tsunami Pandemic back. @barackobama @CNNBrk @Jennyfrommtv Michelle Pls meet W Angela www.ageofautism.com
less than 5 seconds ago from web
Post your tweet in support of Angela and her Meeting w Michelle Obama now Please!
Posted by: Tanners Dad | June 28, 2009 at 05:59 AM
Angela has my vote. Mrs. Obama are you listening. Angela is coming to Washington to see you in October. Lets support our troops. Lets support Families dealing with Autism. I have a theory that during past wars many miracle treatments and procedures have been developed with the military taking the lead. Lets help Angela move them in that direction by meeting with Michelle. Angela could be our Polly now.
Posted by: Tanners Dad | June 28, 2009 at 05:51 AM