Managing Editor's Note: This story below brings into focus the reason AofA exists. For the children (of any age) with autism and their parents, families, who live with a reality few Americans acknowledge having been fed an ever increasing diet of happy blue stories that skirt the very real hardships of autism. Often I've seen the comment, "Well you can't compare autism to (insert serious medical diagnosis here) because it's not life threatening. Really? Autism kills from the outside in. I encourage everyone to support National Autism Association's Big Red Safety Box wandering safety program. Our prayers go out to the Lynch family.
By Anne Dachel
Are we all aware now? I have no words.
Searchers found the body of a missing 9-year-old San Francisco girl in a creek near her family Lake County vacation home Wednesday, authorities said.
Mikaela Lynch, who had autism and the mental capacity of a 1-year-old, was last seen in the backyard of the home on Harbor Drive in Clearlake on Sunday around 1:30 p.m. She had been playing on a trampoline with her younger brother but was left alone briefly when he ran inside to avoid a bee, police said.
Her body was found in nearby Cache Creek by dive team members just before noon, said Clearlake Police Chief Craig Clausen. Foul play is not suspected. Clausen said it appears she wandered into the creek.
"It's really tragic," said police Sgt. Nick Bennett, adding that Mikaela was "a sweet little girl. We had hopes it might turn out differently."
Searchers had looked in the marshes near the home because Mikaela, who did not speak but could communicate through basic hand signals, was "attracted to water," police said.
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Purdue, DSM-5, NVIC" »
Continue reading "Columbia Journalism Review Casts Eye on Vaccine Safety Writers" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Screenings, Services" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Mother's Day, DSM-V" »
Continue reading "Did Paul Offit Link Vaccine Exemption Rights To Pedophilia?" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Teen on Highway on Trike, Diagnosis Changes" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Rates, Definition, Help" »
Managing Editor's Note: Below is a sobering look at the future for many familes as exhaustion of mind, body and savings in conjunction with intense care for an autistic adult child becomes untenable. The moderate to severe autism population has few options in our current disability systems. Competitive employment might be a stretch, day programs are often "daybysitting" at best, and housing options are limited, if available at all. The media is starting to wake up to the flood of children headed toward age 22 and the ramifications for state and Federal budgets alike. Not to mention the very real human toll of pain, heartache and worry.
"I'm no longer able to provide supervision." Listen to this Mother - she is decribing the autism so often overlooked - intentionally - by organizations and the media alike. Really listen to her - she is knowledgeable, up to date on how to care for her son and broken hearted. She is us.
Light it up true.
By Anne Dachel
A Tragic story out of Canada
It started with this story on April 26, 2013, Canadian TV: Decision to drop off autistic son gut wrenching says Ottawa couple.
Watch the video here: Exclusive: Couple leaves autistic son in care of the state
(Her adult son with autism functions on the level of a two year old.)
"Decision to drop off autistic adult son 'gut-wrenching', says Ottawa couple:
Watchi this video and listen to the mother talk about how Philippe recently wandered away. He is in need of constant supervision.
"Philippe requires nursing care for his diabetes as well as his bathing, toileting and personal care. His food intake also has to be strictly managed because of his diabetes."
"Parents of autistic adult son not alone in their desperation, say advocates"
Continue reading "Heartbreaking Story: Adult Son with Autism Left to State" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Big Babies and More Brains" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Swell of Autistic Preschoolers, Nothing for Young Adults" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: More Awareness, Services, MMR" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Placenta and Pills" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Bursting the April Bubble" »
NEWS VIDEOS FROM WALES---Coverage on the measles outbreaks.
ITV made an attempt at covering both sides of the MMR controversy, although it's clearly NOT BALANCED. Here a mother, seen with her severely autistic son, refuses to vaccinate her youngest child because of the vaccine damage she witnessed in her son, Eddie.
Mother's autism fears despite debunked MMR theory - ITV News
Up against what the mother said is everything else from ITV.
Endless reports from the press in Wales have one strong message: measles has reached an epidemic level because parents didn't vaccinate over fears about side effects.
By Anne Dachel
Read Anne's commentary after the jump.
April 17, 2013, East
Central IL News Gazette: Learning to 'embrace the challenge' of autism
April 16, 2013, CBS
Pittsburgh: New Study Focuses On Environment & Autism
April 15, 2013, American
Medical News: Study debunks a common autism worry about vaccines
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: April Blur of Same Old" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Climbing Numbers, Enough Awareness" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Grandin, Awareness, Gardasil" »
By Anne Dachel
Read Anne's commentary after the jump.
April 11, 2013,
Australian TV: Sarah Wilson's apparent support of the 'anti-vax' movement
irresponsible, writes Caroline Marcus
April 10, 2013, Parade: How My Kids' Asperger's Diagnoses Turned Me Into an Autism Activist
April 10, 2013, New York Daily News: White Castle candles return for National Autism Awareness Month
April 10, 2013, Baltimore Sun: 'Autism is not disability'
April 10, 2013, Examiner.com: Autistic man beaten by caregiver highlights increasing safety issues
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Beef Candles and Abuse" »
By Anne Dachel
Read Anne's commentary after the jump.
April 10, 2013,
Youngstown (OH) News: Autism still shrouded in mystery
April 9, 2013, Northern Virginia Daily: Finding hope for children with autism
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: The Mystery of Autism" »
By Anne Dachel
Read Anne's commentary after the jump.
April 9, 2013, Clinton
(IA) Herald: Living with autism
April 8, 2013, The Cavalier Daily (U of VA, Charlottesville): Autism Awareness Month kicks off
April 8, 2013, LA Times: Stephen Stills aims to Light Up the Blues for Autism Speaks
April 8, 2013, NBC 4 Washington, DC: Program Help Kids Understand Life With Autism
April 8, 2013, NJ.com:
Menendez calls for new federal funding for adult autism programs
April 8, 2013, Rock Hill (SC) Herald: Same Problems in "New" Research on Autism and Vaccines
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Funding for Autism Programs" »
By Anne Dachel
Read Anne's commentary after the jump.
April 8, 2013, Myrtle
Beach SC, WBTW-TV: Darlington County to host Autism Fun Day
April 8, 2013, PennLive.com: As autism diagnosis rise, here are 5 important things to know
April 6, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT Fox 13: Balloon launch event raises autism awareness
April 5, 2013, Springfield (MO) News-Leader: Parents can get help with autism issues
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Balloons and Fun for Autism?" »
On April 4, 2013, I found a news report from WZZM 13, a TV station in Grand Rapids, MI. The title of the story was "Autism by the Numbers." And the numbers are stunning in Michigan. I read, "More than 15,000 children in Michigan are currently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
"Michigan actually has the fourth largest autistic population in the United States."
Although the report didn't have the rate update of one in every 50 children, there was no real concern over one in 88.
"Nationwide, one out of every 88 children has autism. The Centers for Disease Control closely tracks the condition and says the number of cases has gone up 78 percent in the last five years.
"A couple of reasons for that are better screening processes and screening at earlier ages."
There was a video from WZZM on the story that made it clear no one really cares what autism is doing to our children.
The reporter started by telling us that the Mackinac Bridge, which connects upper and lower Michigan, is lit up in blue for April autism awareness. She defined autism as something that "affects people's ability to communicate and socialize."
Dr. Michael Wolff was interviewed about autism and sadly, he pretty much typifies the attitude of the medical profession when it comes to autism.
Wolff: "Pediatricians do a good job at asking parents and looking at developmental progression."
Wolff told parents what signs to look for. He went on to talk about the loss of skills as if it's a normal and acceptable part of childhood.
By Anne Dachel
Read Anne's comments and commentary after the jump.
April 5, 2013, San Francisco Chronicle: Weighted Comforter for
Autism and Special Needs Designed by Weighted Wearables Now Offered by
Rehabmart.com
April 5, 2013, Fox News: Bird flu spreading, brain-mapping plan, vaccine-autism link?
April 4, 2013, Salem (MA) Gazette: Showing the faces of autism
April 4, 2013, National Geographic: Fact Checking 6 Persistent Science Conspiracy Theories
April 3, 2013, Fox 4 Kansas City, KS: Early warning signs of Autism
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Bird Flu, Insurance Ordeal, Early Signs" »
April 4, 2013, Boston Globe: It's Autism Awareness Month: how aware are you?
April 3, 2013, HLNtv.com: Holly Robinson Peete: Autism awareness matters
April 3, 2013, (USA Today) N.J. elementary recognizes World Autism Awareness Day
April 2, 2013, AZFamily.com: Study: Autism risk not increased by 'too many vaccines too soon'
April 2, 2013, MSNBC: Autism awareness rising as world 'lights it up blue'
April 2, 2013, Fox News: Dr. Manny: The future is brighter than ever for children with autism
April 2. 2013. NorthJersey.com: 14-hour dance-a-thon in Verona to benefit Autism Speaks
April 2, 2013, CBS Pittsburgh: Family Shares Story Of Three Sons With Autism
April 2, 2013, CBS News: Empire State Building Among Landmarks Going Blue For Autism AwarenessApril 2, 2013, ABC News: Autism Families Fight for Insurance Coverage for Diagnosis and Treatment
April 2, 2013, Huffington: Bob and Suzanne--Wright Grown And Flown: World Autism Awareness Day 2013:
April 2, 2013, Fox News: 'What Color is Monday?' A look at life with autism
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Blue for You and You and You Too" »
By Anne Dachel
If anyone thinks things
are different in other countries, the sad truth is they aren't. This is the
annual message from the Secretary-General of the UN for April 2, 2013 Autism
Awareness Day.
(Ban Ki-moon is from South Korea and he's been the Secretary General of the UN since 2007.)
It should be noted that the sugar coated message is largely unchanged since 2008. All we need is attention, inclusion, awareness, support, understanding, and commitment. I wonder if Ban Ki-moon noticed that when he become Secretary-General in 2007, the autism rate was one in every 150 children and today it's one in 50 children. There isn't any alarm over the ever-increasing numbers. There's no call for answers. No acknowledgement of how severely many children are impacted by autism and no mention of the cost. It seems his message is scripted according to CDC guidelines: sound concerned, but never call autism a crisis.
Secretary-General's Message for World Autism Awareness Day,
"World Autism Awareness Day has succeeded in calling greater international attention to autism and other developmental disorders that affect millions of people worldwide.
"The current session of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new resolution on this issue, demonstrating a commitment to help affected individuals and families. The resolution encourages Member States and others to strengthen research and expand their delivery of health, education, employment and other essential services.
"The Executive Board of the World Health Assembly will also take up the subject of autism spectrum disorders at its forthcoming session in May.
"This international attention is essential to address stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support structures. Current research indicates that early interventions can help persons with autistic conditions to achieve significant gains in their abilities. Now is the time to work for a more inclusive society, highlight the talents of affected people and ensure opportunities for them to realize their potential.
"The General Assembly will hold a high-level meeting on 23 September to address the conditions of more than one billion persons with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders. I hope leaders will seize this opportunity to make a meaningful difference that will help these individuals and our human family as a whole.
"Let us continue to work hand-in-hand with persons with autism spectrum disorders, helping them to cultivate their strengths while addressing the challenges they face so they can lead the productive lives that are their birthright."
"Autism is not limited to a single region or a country; it is a worldwide challenge that requires global action."
"Reaching out to people with autism spectrum disorders requires global political commitment and better international cooperation, especially in sharing good practices."
By Anne Dachel
April 2, 2013, on Fox
News, Holly Robinson Peete was introduced as "a board member of Autism
Speaks." She described autism as a "global health crisis." She
called for awareness.
FOX NEWS: Holly Robinson Peete raises autism awareness
Today, Ms. Peete ran a poignant HuffPo piece Autism Meet Adolescence about her son, now a handsome young man of 15, and the new fears puberty brings, especially for a male of color with autism. We should also be aware that Holly has publicly talked about her son R.J.'s regression into autism following vaccination as a toddler.
2008 Huffington: Holly Robinson Peete:
"In 1999, I brought
my typically developing toddler into my pediatrician's office and asked the
doctor to consider postponing or perhaps breaking up the controversial MMR shot
he was scheduled to have that day. Because my little guy just came off a round
of antibiotics after an ear infection and I suspected his immune system was
weakened, I worried that he wouldn't be able to assimilate this heavy viral
load. (MMR shot contains no thimerasol or mercury but a cocktail of 3 potent
live viruses). The doctor ignored my fears and belittled me for even
questioning him. I felt humiliated and powerless. Despite my "inner mommy
danger meter" on full tilt, I allowed my boy to be inoculated. Ms. Pipes,
unless you have watched your son get this shot, have heard him cry and scream
"no mommy!" (words I didn't hear again by the way until years later),
held him through the night while he battled fevers for days afterwards, and
then disappear into autism you could not begin to understand my position.
"I don't however, as you condescendingly suggested, use my suffering and
testimony as an excuse for my convictions but as evidence of harm."
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Holly Robinson Peete Speaks" »
By Anne Dachel
On Friday, Feb 22, 2013, Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri
Dawson, Ph.D., gave the opening talk at the world's first Autism
Investment Conference and explained why now is the time to make a profit from a
nightmare. Autism Speaks' Geraldine Dawson: On the "diversity of
investment opportunities that exist in the autism field"
Read more about this landmark Autism Speaks conference
I watched the 20 minute video of Geraldine Dawson's speech to the "autism investors." First of all, she smiled throughout. Maybe it's just me, but it's very hard for me to talk about autism and not sound tense and worried. She also described herself as being "excited" about a number of topics. Again, it seems totally out-of-place when talking about a lifelong disability like autism. Her main purpose was to announce all the investment (money-making) possibilities out there because of the raging epidemic of neurologically damaged children. She defined autism and said its prevalence is growing. She didn't specifically tell us why, but the message was clear---it's a genetic disorder. She never mentioned the word "regression," but she pointed out that the symptoms don't typically appear until around age two and she was quite interested in diagnosing it in babies. She created her own fairy tale world about the advances being made in autism.
One point she made was stunning. Dawson said, "Of course the cost of autism has also increased. So as in 2005, we estimated that the cost of autism was about $35 billion a year, we now estimate that the cost of autism is ....about $37 billion annually, and most of that is for adult care."
What? Autism costs $37 billion a year and the money is being used mostly for adults with autism? How does that work when the vast majority of Americans with autism are under the age of 18? Can someone explain that to me? Furthermore, what's autism going to cost when the generation of children with autism reach adulthood? No matter. Dawson didn't go into details. It was just a passing remark.
The real message here was: autism is happening more and more and there are lots of ways to make money from genetically defective children. The time to invest is now. Carpe diem all you for-profit companies. Autism Speaks is here to show you how.
Here's what Dr. Dawson had to say about autism and why investors should be interested.
"There is a great need for new products."
"Because of the progress of science, I think there is greater opportunity right now to develop more effective diagnostic and treatment methods.... The moment is right for this kind of conference."
Continue reading "Autism Speaks' Geraldine Dawson on "The Diversity of Investment"" »
April 1, 2013, CBS Miami: Focus On South Florida: Autism Awareness
Mar 31, 2013, Holland (MI) Sentinel: Mackinac Bridge to be bathed in blue for autism
Mar 31, 2013, NJ.com: Union County officers confronting autism, filling a training gap
Mar 31, 2013, NorthJersey.com: Autism-friendly shows
Mar 30, 2013, Albany (NY) Times Union: Special Needs Network Gears Up for Autism Awareness Month
Mar 29, 2013, Allentown (PA) Morning Call: Businesses, schools to light up in blue for autism
Mar 28, 2013, USA Today: Full vaccine schedule safe for kids, no link to autism
Mar 27, 2013, Fox News: Jim Carrey's antigun tirade
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Blah Blah Blah Blue Blah Blah Blah" »
By Anne Dachel
Today's big news is
the latest CDC study AGAIN showing that vaccines don't cause autism. It's
perfectly timed to remind everyone that while there'll be lots of stories about
autism during April, there's no need to worry about vaccinating your
child. (And with the coverage it's getting maybe the name should be
changed to "April--Vaccines Don't Cause Autism Month.")
Of course there'll also be no demand for answers and the press will AGAIN remind us that there's no known cause or cure for autism.
I don't think this latest study will be more than a ripple in the autism discussion, however. It's not going to matter. It's happened so many times before. The autism community will keep on talking about vaccines and regression and sick kids. The other side will continue to pretend that autism's not so bad and kids have always been like this. They'll produce more and more dead end studies linking autism to bad genes, bad moms who were overweight, smoking and drinking while pregnant, and living too close to a freeway.
In the midst of the THEY SAID...WE SAID battle, the public will be increasingly frightened of the disorder they see everywhere and that no official can reasonably explain. They want answers. They want to make sure it won't happen to their child. That's where mainstream medicine and our health officials fail us the most. That's why parents are listening to us and they're challenging the one-size-fits-all vaccine program big time and that's only going to get worse. Good luck trying to sell yet another study.
Here are the major sites that I've found so far. I've posted the comments on the stories--except for CBS. They rejected my comments and I'm blocked from posting.
The TIME story is interesting. The lead sentence is stunning: "Infants now receive dozens of shots at a time, but the latest study says that does not increase their risk of developing autism."
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Just In Time For Vaccines Don't Cause Autism Month" »
Mar 28, 2013, (UK) Daily Mail: Swine flu jab wrecked our children's health
Mar 27, 2013, YNN New York: Autism numbers in the U.S.
Mar 27, 2013, CBS Baltimore: Autism Rates Underestimated In U.S.
Mar 27, 2013, Fox2 St. Louis: Autism Safety Project
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Swine Flu Jab Wrecked our Kids, Autism Rates" »
In 2006 and in 2007, I wrote stories on "The Really Big Lie About Autism." This is of course the insane claim that the autism epidemic is simply the result of an expanded definition and greater awareness.
Back in 2006, the rate was one in every 166 children and in 2007, it became one in every 150 children. Regardless, whatever the rate, it's always because of the same thing: No real increase--greater recognition.
It's just been announced that we now have an autism rate of one in every 50 children, one in every 31 boys. The official disclaimer is unchanged as we can see in these reports:
ABC News: 1 in 50 School Kids Has Autism
"Health officials say the new number doesn't mean autism is occurring more often. But it does suggest that doctors are diagnosing autism more frequently, especially in children with milder problems."
FOX News said exactly the same thing. Health officials: 1 in 50 school kids have autismWebMD: 1 in 50 School-Aged Children in US Has Autism
"The main reason for the increase in the prevalence of autism appears to be better diagnoses, especially in older children.
USA Today: Autism numbers rise in latest count
"The higher numbers recorded in the new study suggest that officials are getting better at counting kids with autism - not that more have the condition, several experts said."
Forbes: Autism Prevalence Is Now At 1 In 50 Children
"Together, these findings suggest that the increase in prevalence of parent-reported ASD may have resulted from improved ascertainment of ASD by doctors and other health care professionals in recent years, especially when the symptoms are mild."
Reuters: U.S. autism estimates climb to 1 in 50 school-age children
"As many as one in 50 U.S. school age children have a diagnosis of autism, up 72 percent since 2007, but much of the increase involves milder cases, suggesting the rise is linked to better recognition of autism symptoms and not more cases..."
Continue reading "The Really Big Lie About Autism Continues: One in 50" »
Mar 27, 2013, Independent Collegian: Toledo [OH] sorority to don blue for autism awareness
Mar 26, 2013, KMVT-TV Twin Falls ID: Learning How To Cope With Autism
Mar 26, 2013, Gaithersburg, MD Patch: Gaithersburg To Mark Autism Awareness Month
Mar 26, 2013, Chattanoogan.com: Chattanooga To Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day On April 2
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Autism Awareness Assault" »
By Anne Dachel
Anne's comments and commentary on today's news are below the jump.
Mar 25, 2013, MSN Money:
How autism can cost families millions
Mar 24, 2013, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Autism Speaks helps
Mar 24, 2013, Fox 59 Indianapolis, IN: Expo raises awareness about autism
Mar 24, 2013, NJ.com: Editorial: Autism research needs more funding
Mar 23, 2013, WICU12/WSEE Erie PA: Barber Center Celebrates Autism Awareness Day
Mar 23, 2013, Columbus OH Inquisitor: Autistic Boy Injured During Body Sock Incident
Mar 23, 2013, AZ Daily Star: Vaccine billboard in Tucson misleads, health officials say
Mar 23, 2013, NorthJersey.com: Rise in autism rate is up for debate
Mar 23, 2013, TV New Zealand: Agony of vaccine choice
Mar 22, 2013, WI State Journal: Eric Uram: Research funds needed to fight brain drain of autism
Mar 22, 2013, USA Today: Report shows Autism rates may now be 1 in 50 kids
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Millions in Cost, Funding, Injury" »
By Anne Dachel
Mar 21, 2013,
Huffington: (Jay Gordon, MD) CDC: One in Every Fifty Children Has Autism
Mar 21, 2013, ABC7 Fort Myers, FL: Police: Bus driver kicked special needs student
Mar 21, 2013, TIME: Study: Women Abused As Kids More Likely To Have Children With Autism
Continue reading "Dachel Media Report: 50 Isn't Nifty, Bus Driver Abuse, Abused Women" »
The recent article about the TV movie, Hear the Silence, on Age
of Autism was stunning.
It is the story of a mother's search for answers when her son regresses into autism, all the while facing overwhelming opposition from those she's forced to deal with. The mom, Christine Shields, comes to Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist, for help for her son---a story familiar to us in the autism community.
I was captivated by the passion Shields displays. She is the autism warrior mom. She has to be. People I've talked with about the film have told me that her role brought them to tears. Her story is also their story. Internationally known British actor, Hugh Bonneville, (The Gathering Storm with Albert Finney and the current PBS series, Downton Abbey) is ideal in the role of Wakefield.
I discussed the film with Dr. Wakefield. Here's what he had to say.
Question: How did this incredible film come to be made? How involved were you in the production?
Wakefield: I was interviewed for it. I believe that it was inspired by the fact that the writer, Tim Prager, has a son with CP. One day he was called to his son's school because another student had been bullying his son. The boy in question had autism. Tim met the mother weeping in a corridor, at a loss to understand why her son had started behaving badly. After talking with her, he was moved to write the story.
Following this, Prager interviewed Wakefield, talked to parents and put the story together.
In the film, it seems that Dr. Wakefield is the only one concerned about the lack of research on the MMR vaccine. In response to the claim that the science doesn't support single vaccines, he says, "The safety studies don't support the MMR."
Later, Wakefield says, "How is it that this triple vaccine gets licensed? Why didn't the trials spot the Urabe meningitis consequence? Why didn't their trials show any of the results we found?
“They didn't do it. They've got a single license for mumps, a single one for rubella, a single one for measles. So they go to the licensing agency and they say, each of these is licensed, we'll just put them together. Give us a license."
My question for Dr. Wakefield: Is this really what happened? Did they really license a vaccine that was never tested in combination? Are they really giving three lives viruses together, something that would never happen in nature?
"Autism is a crisis.
That's according to our guest Alison MacNeil, who is a parent of a child with autism and co-author of an
upcoming book called "The Thinking Moms' Revolution: Autism Beyond The
Spectrum." MacNeil is calling autism a crisis in response to a new CDC
statistic that says:
"The number of children
in the United States with autism spectrum disorder has jumped dramatically
since 2007, federal health officials reported Wednesday. As of 2012, one in 50
kids between the ages of 6 and 17 has some form of autism, compared with one in
88 only five years earlier, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
"'I think the new
number is staggering, I really do. What I also think is staggering is, where is
the alarm? Where is the outrage?,' asks MacNeil.
"The CDC says the main
reason for the increase in the prevalence of autism appears to be better
diagnoses, especially in older children."
Alison: "I don't think the public is buying that anymore. They might have a while back, especially when the criteria shifted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, but I think now, what we're seeing everywhere we go, we're seeing autistic children."
"Why do we have so many children descending into autism? What is going on? One in every 50 children is losing the ability to speak, becoming incredibly sick, detaching. There's something behind this."
Alison went on to describe the crisis we'll all be facing as the children with autism age out of school and childhood services.
It was wonderful to see this dedicated mother and autism advocate on such a public forum as one of the rare voices sounding an alarm over autism.
The
only story for today---NEW NUMBERS---HIGHER THAN EVER!!
In the wonderful world
of autism news, the numbers just keep going up. Now it's one in 50. The whole
country shares the official Utah rate.
We're cautioned that it's probably just due to more "increased awareness" and "greater services." Michael Rosanoff at Autism Speaks believes the new rate still UNDERESTIMATES the real number of affected kids. Stephen Blumberg from the CDC says that autism develops in the womb---the evidence says so. So we're all set here for April Autism Awareness Month. Be aware: More kids have autism, but it's still better diagnosing and no one is worried.
AP: Health officials: 1 in 50 school kids have autism
"Health officials say the new number doesn't mean autism is occurring more often. But it does suggest that doctors are diagnosing autism more frequently, especially in children with milder problems.
"The earlier government estimate of 1 in 88 comes from a study that many consider more rigorous. It looks at medical and school records instead of relying on parents.
"For decades, autism meant kids with severe language, intellectual and social impairments and unusual, repetitious behaviors. But the definition has gradually expanded and now includes milder, related conditions.
"The new estimate released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would mean at least 1 million children have autism.
"The number is important - government officials look at how common each illness or disorder is when weighing how to spend limited public health funds.
"It's also controversial.
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Autism Climbs to 1 in 50 Kids" »
Mar 18, 2013, MLive.com: Lt. Gov. Brian Calley: Helping those with autism is a 'big, big job' for Michigan
Mar 18, 2013, TV8 Grand Rapids: MI Autism Spectrum Disorders State Plan
Mar 17, 2013, Florida Times-Union: Group hopes to build support center for autistic kids
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Big Job in MI, FL Support Center" »
By Anne Dachel
For several years now I've been following Dr. Thomas Insel's work
as head of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. I've also looked at his lectures on autism.
In 2009, Insel spoke at MIT. He talked about the environment and autism. He admitted that there were endless possibilities but he was firm that vaccines had been looked into and they'd been exonerated.
Then in 2010, he spoke for an hour and a half at the National Institutes of Health. Insel made the stunning statement, "Eighty percent of the people with a diagnosis of autism [in the U.S.] are under the age of eighteen."
In addition, Insel said, "We have responded to this as if it's a crisis. We see this as an enormous public health challenge. If you look at those numbers, the increase and recognize how many of those kids will become adults, we ...also need to be thinking about how we prepare the nation for a million people who may need significant amounts of services as they are no longer cared for by their parents or as their parents are no longer around."
During his talk, he made it clear that better diagnosing could explain only a small portion of the stunning increase in autism. He pointed to the environment, but was unable to provide any specific answers.
Then on Dec 26, 2012, Insel put out the piece, Autism Progress, on the NIMH website.
So what does Insel consider progress in the area of autism? He cited lots of things about the genetics of autism, early diagnosing using brain imaging and early intervention. He made stunning statements like:
"According to PubMed, there were over 1,000 ASD papers related to genetics or brain imaging since January 2011 - more than three times the number of papers from the same interval a decade ago."
He was quick to tell us that he really doesn't know anything about autism's cause: "We still do not know enough about what causes ASD."
He went on to say this:
"What about environmental causes? Several environmental factors, such as exposure to air pollution, agricultural pesticides, and antidepressants, have been reported to increase ASD risk, mostly based on exposure during pregnancy. While most scientists assume that environmental factors interact with genetic susceptibility, we still know far too little about either genetic or environmental factors to make this link."
Continue reading "Dr. Tom Insel on Autism: "If There Is a True Increase.." IF?" »
Continue reading "Dachel Media Update: Awareness, Caged Child, Lawsuit" »
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