AAP TO WORK WITH DEFEAT AUTISM NOW! ON TREATMENT
This isn't an April Fool's Day joke. AAP has announced that they plan to work with with the Autism Research Institute's Defeat Autism Now! program in an effort to provide treatment for our kids. I wonder if they will be sending a team to the DAN! conference this weekend? Here's their press release:
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS RECOGNIZES WORLD AUTISM DAY
For release: APRIL 1, 2008
AAP media contacts: Susan Stevens Martin Debbie Linchesky
847-434-7131 847-434-7084
[email protected] [email protected]
CHICAGO – The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports World Autism Day (April 2) as a way to bring together groups that are committed to finding the causes of, and successful treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders, which now affect an estimated 1 in 150 children in the United States. Thousands of children, parents and families are coping with what can be a devastating diagnosis with lifelong consequences.
Pediatricians care for children with autism and their families every day. They are passionate advocates on behalf of these families and recognize that autism is a significant challenge to the health of the nation’s children. Pediatricians emphasize that early diagnosis is critical. The AAP promotes regular screening for autism at the appropriate well-child visits, as well as treatments tailored to meet the needs of an individual child. In 2007, the AAP published the Autism Toolkit, which includes clinical guidance to help pediatricians identify and manage children with autism, to refer them to therapeutic services, and to provide parents with information and resources. The AAP also offers a host of resources for parents on its Web site, www.aap.org.
“We know many parents are searching for answers,” said AAP President Renee R. Jenkins, MD, FAAP. “The AAP has supported research into the causes of autism and will continue to do so.” Pediatrics, the Academy’s peer-reviewed, scientific journal, has included dozens of studies on the associated factors, management and impact of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The AAP recognizes the best way to address the needs of children with autism and children overall is through a partnership among pediatricians, parents and researchers. The AAP has met with leaders of advocacy groups, such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America, which include parents of children with autism. Most recently, the AAP met with representatives of Defeat Autism Now! (a program of the Autism Research Institute) in an effort to facilitate communication between pediatricians, parents and researchers about the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism. All advocates for these children agree that further research is needed regarding causes as well as safe and effective treatment.
“We are pleased the AAP reached out recently to Defeat Autism Now! in order to better understand the treatments and interventions that we have found beneficial to children with autism,” said Stan Kurtz, executive council member of Defeat Autism Now! “We are full of hope that this is the beginning of a thoughtful partnership that will further explore factors that might cause or contribute to autism, as well as examine safe and effective treatment approaches for families coping with this condition.”
“Autism is a challenge for pediatricians, their patients and families. By working together, we stand the best chance of helping these children to realize their full potential,” Dr. Jenkins said. “The Academy is committed to working with researchers and treatment groups like Defeat Autism Now! to get closer to finding answers to the multiple causes of autism and determining effective therapies.”
For more information about autism, visit www.aap.org.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
The Autism Research Institute (ARI) is a non-profit organization established in 1967 that fosters scientific research on autism triggers as well as diagnostic, treatment, and prevention methods. Through its Defeat Autism Now! program, ARI provides research-based information to parents, clinicians, and researchers worldwide, through its Web site (autism.com), call center, parent groups, conferences, science-based publications, and think tanks. (Press Contact: Autism Research Institute; email: [email protected])
I hope it is not politically incorrect to recall the expression "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts". It is when they turn friendly that you must be most afraid.
Posted by: John Stone | April 05, 2008 at 04:27 AM
As I've said before, I think my pediatrician has been curious all along about the work the DAN is doing. I think he learns from our annual visits. Yesterday he even reserved judgement (which until now has been negative) regarding our starting Actos. I was floored!
Posted by: Diane | April 02, 2008 at 04:37 PM
I talked to the AAP this morning and sent them an email with all the information they need to endorse the letter to Sec. Gates. I saw on their site that they also have April as the Month of the Military Child - which it is and this gives me much hope they will sign on :)
I also mentioned the meeting scheduled this Friday with Asst. Sec. of Defense - eluding to... wouldn't it be great for AAP to be signed on when the letter is seen by him? :D
I'll let you all know if I hear anything!
Ang
Posted by: Angela Warner | April 02, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Why has the AAP snuck the Press Release inside their website? Are they so ashamed they did not do this before, that they don't want to be found out now? Or are they ashamed that they now have to eat crow?
I would have thought - major epidemic, major hoopla, all media networks blaring the news. Why did they pick a major day like this when CNN, the only TV station even covering autism, is busy doing their own thing. Why the stealth technique, AAP? You thought you could just slip that in and nobody would notice?
I hope to goodness you don't become the Autism Speaks of autism treatment? How does it feel to have your credibility eroded in some short 15 to 20 years, or rather in just a few years from being "found out?" You are going to have to work a lot harder to get back some of your "corporate" image. Companies spend billions of dollars on that type of thing. You might begin by trying to do something about the autism triggering insane vaccine schedule for instance.
Posted by: Jan | April 02, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Hello friends -
I think we should all call the numbers provided for AAP media relations and give them a very kind and unconfrontational thank you for listening message. Have your friends call as well.
- pD
Posted by: passionlessDrone | April 02, 2008 at 12:14 PM
I truly hope that this will help our children. Last week, we fired our pediatrician, as he dismissed the candida issue (among other things). He stated that intestinal candida has nothing to do with autism, only people with impaired immunity. Does he read nothing?!! I wish we could afford to use our DAN exclusively, but there is that cost thing.
Maybe if the AAP listens, I won't have moms calling me crying after leaving their pediatricians office saying "she told me to stop experimenting on my son, and to just accept his autism". All because she started him on supplements from our local DAN.
For some reason, the image of a bald Susan Powter screaming "stop the insanity!" comes to mind.
Posted by: Monica | April 02, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I am very skeptical about the AAP and wanting to now work with us. Why now work with us when the truth is about to drop on everyone's head? They know they were wrong all along and tried to make fools of us. Just like with the phoney group called "Autism Speaks" to tried to keep us quiet while they research the culprit GENE. If they had found the culprit GENE then they would have shut us up a long time ago. The AAP has alot of explaining to do and I hope they work with us rather than go a seperate direction like AS. We should let them in but keep a close eye on how they try to elucidate this. Stay strong everyone the truth is near. I can feel it!
Posted by: Elucidatus | April 02, 2008 at 11:11 AM
If you study the DAN protocol the you will come to the conclusion that vaccines are a major contributor to the autism problem.
I can't wait to hear how the AAP reconciles that with their religious fervor in defending vaccines.
If "...only Nixon could go to China", then maybe, just maybe, the AAP can be the group that opens the door to honestly assessing and addressing the autism catastrophe.
But then again, there are a lot of sweathogs in Elk Grove Village.
Harry Hofherr
Posted by: Harry Hofherr | April 02, 2008 at 10:39 AM
My pediatrician attended last year's DAN conference and she said a representative from the AAP attended and was a guest speaker. She said the crowd gave the AAP a standing ovation. It's wonderful to see the AAP begin to open their minds to new ideas and treatments for our kids.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 02, 2008 at 10:21 AM
The AAP was definately feeling the pressure to acknowledge effective treatments promoted by the DAN movement, and to prevent the organization's image from descending any further. They are different than the CDC and FDA as they are a professional organization and I don't believe they have a revolving door to industry as much as the other agencies do. Many AAP executives and staff are truly concerned with the health and well-being of children, but have been absolutely brain-washed that vaccines are the pillar of public health for years...and to threaten the vaccine program would ultimately cause further harm. They now know better, hopefully. A radical change in thinking and policy by such a far-reaching organization doesn't happen overnight. I am not surprised that they have cracked, and it will be very interesting to see if other health organizations follow suit, and how the April 11th vaccine safety meeting goes.
Posted by: Hgmadre | April 02, 2008 at 09:21 AM
What a great thing. Whatever the political motivations, this will help some kids get the treatment they need, and that is undeniably good. Maybe it can re-open a dialogue I've tried to have with our pediatrician, and that would be good.
I think we should be proud as well.
We know many parents are searching for answers,” said AAP President Renee R. Jenkins, MD, FAAP
Those parents were us. And she heard us.
Posted by: Jack Russell | April 02, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I hope Dr. Rimland is smiling.
I won’t let superstition convince me that the date of this press release should contribute to the sinking feeling I’ve had since the meeting I went to last night with the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland. I will, however, link to a letter that I sent to their organization early this morning.
http://www.wideopenwest.com/~r_nemeth/ASGC_email_april_08.htm
It is my understanding that the DAN! organization has no certification procedure in place with which to license DAN! doctors. (Perhaps that might be why the AAP is happy all of a sudden to be backing them, but I’m speculating..)
I do hope that now that they’re getting the backing of a large organization like the AAP, DAN! will manage to put in place a system to standardize treatment through biomedical and chelation treatment. Otherwise, organizations are only as competent and ethical as the individuals who make them up.
Which doesn’t give me a very warm fuzzy feeling.
Posted by: Robin Nemeth | April 02, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Please remain positive. I know we've all been through hell and it is hard to do this considering how we've all been persecuted for so many (looooong) years; but, as my Granny used to say, "You get more flies with honey than vinegar." If we turn negative then the lines of communication will slam shut. Let's get our foot in the door, and let them get their foot in the door before we start complaining.
This could mean the end of all this insurance BS for us people... it really could. Remain positive. Think happy thoughts. Yeah, I know... but try... for the kids - our kids, and the kids coming behind our kids.
I'm reserving judgement until the AAP gives me a reason to believe they aren't sincere. Hope.
Posted by: Jeanne | April 02, 2008 at 07:47 AM
One more step forward.
Love the site Kim.
Posted by: Adaora | April 02, 2008 at 02:36 AM
Wow,how odd that they picked April 1 to announce this. I really, really, really, really hope this is real and that it is backed up by action since words can be cheap.
I believe that many different organizations now recognize that the autism community has finally found its voice.
Posted by: Richard | April 02, 2008 at 01:17 AM
We have a "pickle" here.
What happens if the AAP does not sign the endorsement to the currently proposed changes to federal legislation regarding the treatment and intervention regarding autism spectrum disorders? That would be the letter to Secretary Gates :)You can read that at http://www.autismsalute.blogspot.com
Yes I am again speaking of DoD... and TRICARE and ECHO. Federal policy is going to help ALL! I can tell you due to the NDAA '08 language; the latitide is there for DoD to make the necessary changes immediately to help all children!
Now for the "pickle"...
What happens if the AAP does sign the letter to Secretary Gates and the DoD fails to listen - AGAIN.... Ohhh my.... I would most certainly not want to be the person responsible for that.
What kind of storm will that spurn? I can imagine a few. Yes, indeed... a true "pickle" :)
Also to me personally it is noteworthy to add that the AAP may have obviously done this outside the CDC. Why is this not coming directly from the CDC? Ohhhh. I forgot! She is a Gerbil and they usually run from things frightening to themselves.
Mutiny on the Autism Bounty. And my own twist to Dr. Suess... "This mess is so big and so deep and so tall; the walls are crumbling, and we are conquering it all!" Ohhh Yeh Baby :)
Ang
Posted by: Angela Warner | April 02, 2008 at 01:02 AM
This is a step in the right direction. Maybe next year AAP will have to include the word VACCINE in the release to avoid 30 days of bad press.
Posted by: Elephant in the room | April 01, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Great...but. The tide is turning and they want to be on the winning team. Glad they included our kids in their statement.It's wonderful news but hard to swallow after so many past possibilities and preventable diagnoses. I'll let this sink in and maybe feel less anger later...
Posted by: Teresa Conrick | April 01, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I believe Dr. Rimland must be smiling...he has MOVED HEAVEN and EARTH for our children and the fruits of his labor, his life's work...Thanks be to God and Dr. Rimland!
Posted by: Jake's Grandma | April 01, 2008 at 11:11 PM
“The AAP has supported research into the causes of autism and will continue to do so.”
Before DAN! agrees to sit down and talk to the AAP, it needs to insist that the AAP modify the existing crazy vaccine schedule back to the 1970s schedule. Nobody is going to find any cause for anything, who are you kidding.
BTW, the AAP had announced several months ago that they were sending one representative to the DAN conference. Are they going to send two people now? What makes DAN! think the AAP is going to learn supplementation? Its a cover to pretend to do the right thing since s**t is hitting the fan.
Unless they make changes to the vaccine schedule EVERYTHING is a wasted endeavor - in my book. Forget cause, talk about prevention first. You have got to stop newer cases hitting the lists every single day - starting with "Hi, I am new here." How many times have you read that and how many times do you get that sick feeling in your stomach thinking OMG here's another one!
Sorry, not falling over in gratitude over this. It's an April Fool's joke even if it wasn't intended to be one!
Posted by: Well-timed AAP!! | April 01, 2008 at 10:56 PM
My heart soars!
More kids will get the help they need. More kids will be given relief from their suffering, like my daughter did when she began treatment with DAN! Chair, Dr. Elizabeth Mumper.
Hopefully, this will open the door to insurance coverage for our kids.
Posted by: Michelle O'Neil | April 01, 2008 at 10:16 PM
so does this mean that during Autism One, we'll be marching in front of the AAP thanking them for coming around and (hee hee) declaring Victory? (in a dignified/sober manner of course)? God bless em'..... re eeee eeeelly.
Posted by: curt linderman sr | April 01, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Welcome AAP, open the gates (No, not those gates - we don't need an addition to global warming). I agree Kim and Terri, let's be thankful, I think positive reinforcement is appropriate here and I'm sure Pavlov would agree...unconditionally that's my response!
I know Angela, don't fall out of your chair; your husband has actually posted a comment.
Yes Terri, Love does protect and does persevere. However, let us all keep both eyes open shall we.
"Conceal me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the tumultuous throng of the workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongue like a sword and ready their arrow, a bitter word..." (Pslam 64)
David Warner
Posted by: David Warner | April 01, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Has hell frozen over and someone forgotten to tell me about it?
Posted by: healingjack | April 01, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Terri, I wrote that post with a noose tightly held around my neck. Must. Not. Be. Sar-caaastic! Don't. Punish. Prrrooogrresss! (Use your Clif Hanger voice from Between the Lions for that part.)
Now, let's see how the rank and file peds respond over time. It's a VERY good announcement. Our children are treatable. Autism is treatable. Who knew? Well, WE DID! NAA did. TACA did. ARI did. So many parents did. Who didn't. We all know who didn't and who still doesn't.
And to the naysayers who bash us at every turn? When we nail down how to treat and recover our kids to their fullest potential? You sign your kids up too - and we'll welcome them with open arms. Even as you, their parents, have spit on us for years. This is about the PEOPLE with autism, always has been. At least for us.
Kim Stagliano
Posted by: Stagmom | April 01, 2008 at 09:14 PM
OMG!!!
My first, instinctive reaction.
Let's take a moment, here.
The AAP has actually DONE SOMETHING RIGHT.
Please. No cynical comments. At least for the next 24 hours. My special request.
Let's all call (or e-mail) and encourage this major, major step in the right direction.
More than a step--a leap, like a leap of faith. It took both courage and humility, I'm sure, for the mighty and powerful at the AAP to bow down before the truly courageous heros--the DAN doctors who have been doing this for years--and basically ask, "Uh, will you show the rest of us how to do this?"
OMG!!
Actual, decent, real human beings in the AAP.
"Love. . .keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13)
May we all be able to rejoice, if only for a moment, with this turning toward the light.
And then encourage them to continue.
Terri
Posted by: Terri Lewis | April 01, 2008 at 09:09 PM