REVIEWS OF AUTISM YESTERDAY SCREENINGS
Please let the world know about the Autism Yesterday movie screening you hosted or attended in our comments section. Thank you.
Please let the world know about the Autism Yesterday movie screening you hosted or attended in our comments section. Thank you.
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I am looking for a support group in Little Rock,Arkansas. I have a 28 year old daughter with Asperger's.
Posted by: cindi kelley | June 13, 2008 at 07:00 PM
We screened the movie at our church attendance was 24 people 6 of which have or know of someone who has Autism. My reaction was the movie was good but I was expecting more details on treatment and more details on the road from diagnosis to recovery. Most of the participants were not aware that Autism is recoverable and I received many questions on why if one child has it the other ones in the family do not. One lady in the group refused to believe that vaccinations could have been a contributing factor since she had twins one of which has Autism and the other one does not(NOT Identical Twins). I tried to explain the genetics behind why some are susceptible and other are not. Not sure she understood my explanation. Overall the crowd thought it was very informative and most learned something they did not know.
Posted by: Bill Hoffman | May 28, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE BY LOOKING UP "MOXLEY" MY SON HAS AUTISM,HE IS THE MOST THOUGHTFUL BIG HEARTED YOUNG MAN HE WILL BE 17 SOON. LOVES FISHING,HUNTING .MUSCEL CARS. WHEN I LOOK AT HIM I SEE ME WHEN I WAS GROWING UP [ LIKE LOOKING IN A MIRROR ] I LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART' I SEE THE DIFFICULTES HE GOES TROUGH AN I WHISH IT WOULD'NT BE LIKE THAT BUT ALL WE DO IS TALK SHARE FEELING AN GET TROUGH IT . HE IS VERY TALENTED ARTIST' HE CAN DRAW ANY THING HE THINKS OF' CARS PEOPLE 'ECT"" I JUST WANNA SAY 'HE IS THE BEST SON ANY DAD COULD HAVE 'WE LIVE IOWA NOW IF YOU COULD OFFER ANY ADVICE THAT BE GOOD THANKS FOR LISTIN . RICK & JACOB MOXLEY IN IOWA'
Posted by: RICK MOXLEY | May 21, 2008 at 06:43 AM
I screened the film in Montreal, Quebec, and the night was incredible from beginning to end! NHC, a school for natural health consultants, was generous enough to open their doors to us. We had over sixty people: DAN! practioners, OTs, RDI consultants, the HBOT providers, and dozens of parents (the well seasoned, and some who had never heard of biomedical interventions, and never believed recovery possible). After the film we talked and talked. Then we had gf/cf biscotti, and coffee and fruit, donated by Patsypie and Spectrum Supplements, and we talked some more. I have been asked to screen the film again. And lots of people asked me where they can purchase a copy. I'm still smiling!
Posted by: Julia Bronfman | May 01, 2008 at 09:53 PM
We screened this and had a roundtable of experts afterwards- a DAN!, a PT, an ABA therapist/speech path and an RDI certified mom. We had a lot of interested parents wanting to talk to us afterwards, and best of all, a reporter from the Little Rock paper who I started on the autism/vaccine issue shortly after the Poling case became public. She stayed through the whole thing and interviewed people afterwards. JB, if you'd like her email address, I'd love for you to chat with her. Your quotes are the best. She still hasn't published any pieces yet- is just slowly gathering info...but I fear too much of it will be wrong info. She has interviwed the developmental pediatricians in Little Rock, and they are...ahem...fools.
Posted by: Carrie Elsass | April 26, 2008 at 07:14 PM
I saw this beautiful movie tonight and was so happy to have the chance to see it. I fully expected to feel inspired and moved and motivated, and I did feel those emotions, but what surprised me was that as I watched the movie, so much anger welled up in me. I felt so angry about what families have to go through, so angry that the vaccine program is continuing unchecked, so angry that biomedical treatments for autism are being ignored by the majority of medical professionals and others who should be paying attention. Right before attending the film, I read an article in today's Schafer Autism Report from the Wall Street Journal repeating the same tired old mantra that "Whatever the outcome of the [Hannah Poling] court case, the overwhelming weight of scientific opinion is that there is no proven link between autism and the vaccines" with quotes from the CDC, AAP, FDA, Dr. Paul Offit...
It was comforting to read the comments below and to feel that there is hope for change. It's a grass roots movement but slowly catching on and gaining momentum because of the persistance of so many talented parents (as well as a few outstanding professionals who are not parents of affected kids). Thank you so much Julia and JB and all the others who made this great movie and are working so hard to turn around this crazy situation where children are being harmed by our own medical system which then refuses to treat them, and the harm is going unnoticed by most of our media and politicians and autism "experts" and pediatricians and gastroenterologists...
I feel that we are on the verge of major breakthroughs, that the media is paying more attention, that some politicians are taking note, that stories of recovery are proliferating and irrepressible. I hope and pray that change is coming. This movie will help to bring about this change.
Posted by: Twyla | April 24, 2008 at 01:50 AM
In our suburb of Atlanta we held two screenings at two seperate churches one on Thursday and one on Saturday. We gave literature about recovery options, providers and community based resources. I told my son's recovery story with a short power point presentation. I invited people from other communities that might I also benefit from biomed. Seven people from those presentations have made their appointments with a DAN doctor and two were able to get cancellations for this week. A what to do while you wait list was given as a follow up email to all who attended. On the second day, a parent wondered in of a recovered child older than mine, we had been living miles from each other and never met. She told her story also and many of Pete's teachers and therapist were also there to support the message of recovery. At the end of the second presentation we were invited by the minister who was deeply moved to utilize the church for any future meetings anytime. I plan to continue to help these families and many more. We have been in all local newspapers and a local talk show today and will be in the AJC next week. Fifteen other parents have emailed asking for the same presentation since the original sixty people from the first two screenings.I presented a short version for the staff at the public school where I teach and where Pete recovered and the response was overwhelming. I am taking a GFCF shopping tour for new parents this weekend. Atlanta was a very hostile place for recovery in 2003 when we began and I am glad to have had the opportunity to bring such a beautiful experience into the hearts and minds of effected families, providers, teachers, ministers and my community at large. This was a homerun with bases loaded for all recovering families...Go Braves!
Rescue Angel
Hope Nelson-Pepe
AKA Pete's Mom
Posted by: Hope Pepe | April 23, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Our Premier took place in the Fine Arts auditorium of one local high
school.
The program evolved to include presentations by a local Hippotherapy
provider and the Child Find team of the school. Attendance was small -
30 people, some parents, some service providers from the school and
community. 3 Moms felt compelled to respond that the documentary was
their story. They felt exactly as the parents felt and shared they
had said the same words.
All 3 parents had been toying with the idea of biomedical
interventions. All 3 will be continuing contact to find out how to
move forward. Those 3 parents represent 10% of the viewing audience
AND a total of 7 affected children, including an adult child with
Downs Syndrome.
Thank you so much for making this documentary available so we could
begin outreach in our service deprived state. We have Autism groups here, and Parent support groups - the problem is, they are all associated with a particular university that gets a lot of drug funding money - the speakers they send to communities actually tell parents that biomed doesn't work and there is no such thing as a recovered child...a situation we will be working hard to change, with help from materials like this.
There will be an encore presentation (possibly more) in the coming
weeks. I will report on those as they happen.
It has made a difference already.
V
Follow up:
The Mom with the adult child went home from the presentation and was on the internet until 2 a.m. - she downloaded Dr Krigsman's video from ARI, and was on the phone the next morning to make an appointment. Her daughter's initial problems began with the live pertussis vaccine, and she regressed with the MMR as well.
We have a new Yahoo! group for New Mexico parents to find biomed info
Service providers in the area are signing up to have their services linked to our website so parents can find them
At least one of the therapists in the area is now looking for signs of gut distress (she says she will never see the posturing and self-injury the same again)so she can refer parents to biomed interventions.
The pebble has broken the surface, and the ripples are beginning to widen!
Posted by: Victoria J West | April 23, 2008 at 08:02 AM
we have a split autism community here. I called teachers therapists and direct care staffers. I also had parents and familys i have been involved with for over 14 years. I have been speaking of the vaccine connection since 1994. Its so great to have the backing of so many organizations and groups. I had a out door viewing with a turn out of over 70 people. It was great. I have been getting calls starting from the early morning till after i leave for work in the afternoon. I come home at night and have at least 3 messages on my machine good work with the dvd it hit home here and i am grateful to be a part of this. I am presently teaching deveroue a school for autism about the diet and chelation they are very interested and plan on holding a dvd group with them also. thanks kathy cady
Posted by: kathy cady hyde park new york | April 23, 2008 at 12:13 AM
I hosted a viewing in Maine on Friday evening at a local library. I had 100 people show up. It was a great success. I had one DAN! doctor and 4 DAN! friendly doctors there who answered questions after the viewing. The question and answer period went on for almost 2 hours after. There were many parents there who are doing biomedical treatments already. We had a mingle time after which worked out well. Many new parents seemed very excited to talk to parents who are seeing success with the interventions.
The local news channel also covered the event. They will be doing a two part series next month on the event along w/ the story of one childs recovery and another part discussing mhbot as an autism treatment.
Laura
Laura
Posted by: Laura Plourde | April 22, 2008 at 09:40 PM
I tried to book several locations and finally was able to reserve the educational center of a large alternative food market in Manchester,NH. Emails went out to over 400 families and only 4 people responded saying they would come. The Center said I needed to cancel because they would only allow the use of the room if 7 people responded. I am grateful for all the copies of the dvd's because I am going to be giving those out to MD's, ND's, the area agency ,the parents who responded with a yes and others who could not attend but wanted to. I also was published this week in the editorial section of the local paper and had a chance to rebut some info in the Associated Press.
Posted by: Maria Rawlings | April 22, 2008 at 08:15 PM
A great inspriational film and a wonderful tool to inform parents and professionals about biomedical intervention! This film showing provided a great boost for our biomedical parent's group that had been meeting every month at Barnert Hospital in Paterson, but now meets at Valley Hospital since Barnert went bankrupt in Dec. We did the showing at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. There were 40 parents who came--from those who have been doing bio med for years whose kids who have lost the diagnosis or vastly improved to those who were brand new. One couple who came was a therapist who I had spoken to years ago about the biomed and its positive benefits for my son. She remembered that talk when her daughter--who was completely neurotypical-- became autistic over the course of a couple of months after her 4 year old MMR boosters. She took her to a neurologist at Valley Hospital who wouldn't believe that she had no symptoms of autism before that shot at age 4, despite this woman's protests that she works with kids with autism and certainly knows the signs! Fortunately she got her to a DAN! soon after, and her daughter has greatly improved.
DAN! Dr. Jo Feingold answered many, many questions after the film--about chelation, the biofilm protocol, HBOT, diet, etc. Manette Louden who produced the film Vaccine-Nation with Gary Null also spoke about the work she is doing to put together a film about recovery. She was kind enough to distribute copies of Vaccine-Nation free of charge to all the attendees!
Thank you so much to everyone who played a role in putting this film together. I previewed it with my kids before the showing at Valley, and my son really enjoyed seeing the recovered kids talk, especially the little girl who spoke about that yucky yellow drink she had to take before she learned to swallow pills. " I used to drink that yucky yellow drink too!" he exclaimed. "Now I can take the pills, and pretty soon I won't have any more autism either!"
Posted by: Mary H | April 22, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Dear Lisa & JB Handley:
Yesterday night was a wonderful one!!! Mission was accomplished!!! We all enjoyed the gathering.
There were 37 people, including Mr. Enrique Sánchez and myself. Mr. Sánchez (the translator man) made his job for free.
Had the cinema would have been full of people (I rented a 125 people room), the event were have been a complete success. The problem was that the mail in Peru is not so efficient as in US (due to the customs restrictions), so even I made the marketing in advance many weeks ago, I was not sure of getting the movie on time. Therefore, I had to make the arrangements in just one day, including the invitations activity. Besides that, I am very happy for giving me you guys the opportunity to being the screener host in Lima, Peru.
I am also attaching to this mail a copy of the letter I handed it out to the audience and the accounting numbers of the event. I send the photos by using "flickr.com."
Thank you very much to both of you guys and God bless you,
Edwin
Posted by: EDWIN NAVARRO | April 22, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I was thrilled to be a part of this! I hosted along with another "angel." Our turn out was less than I had hoped for and my initial reaction was one of disappointment. However, the responses I've gotten after the fact have changed my mind. Many who wished to see it were unable to because of the weekday showing. So, many families have watched since the initial showing in their own homes with their extended families, friends and therapists! Better yet--I have given copies of the film to all the autism support groups who have asked!
We've also agreed to host another in a few months on the weekend to allow more families to come.
The best thing I've done with 2 of my copies??? I donated them to our local library!!! Since virtually nothing comes up when you type in autism for a search "Autism Yesterday: Autism is Reversible" is huge!!!
I can't imagine how different my child's life would be without biomedical interventions! Thank you so much for allowing us to help you get the word out to parents. Hearing other parents talking about hope and healing means the world to families who have never heard of DAN! and biomedical interventions.
Thank you!!!
Jenn Kurtz
Posted by: Jennifer Kurtz | April 22, 2008 at 04:47 PM
We had our showing in the Napa Library. About 45 people. I had people write comments anonymously on index cards and turn them in before leaving...most said that the film was inspirational, motivating, moving, emotional, wonderful....Two wrote that the title was misleading and that the content could actually make people feel LESS hope since biomedical intervention doesn't work for everyone. (Come on people!) Our discussion jumped around from sensory issues to diet issues to vaccine issues. The audience was interested in why more people do not know about recovery methods for autistic kids - many said they had never heard of kids recovering from autism. Some were in disbelief. But I hope this event opened eyes to the fact that there are kids who are improving by leaps and bounds. All in all it was a great evening.
Posted by: Keri | April 22, 2008 at 04:29 PM
WOW, the movie here was not so well recieved...we are in an area where the 2 larger agencies will have nothing to do with Bio-med/natural or anything that has to do with recovery...but I was able to see the video here with 9 of us...I sent 1 copy to the mountain area families they are about (12). and then 1 to a family I was hoping they would show it to there family/friends at least...then one went out to another family who was going to share it with there church family, so they could understand more about their daughter. I felt like the burden of proof was lofted from me...thank you so much for this DVD...I pray more parents will as for the vaccine titers to be done...Julian's titers came back in the high 300's and then some came back stating no immunity...BUT...we have autism.
once again thank you
Denny
Posted by: Denny | April 22, 2008 at 04:15 PM
I want to thank you all. ALL of you for caring enough to host these events and show the movie. Where would we be without Generation Rescue? Without ARI? Without TACA ? Without Bernie? Without other like-minded parents? A scary thoguht.
I can tell you where my son would be...he would probably be fulfilling the negative crystal-ball view of autism that was presented to us upon his diagnosis. Thank you all for caring. thank you for extending hope. thank you for your continued support and advice. this community has changed my life. I started out feeling so completely alone. So scared. So confused. And the people I have met here are the best of the best. I will never re-pay the debt of gratitude I feel to so many for helping my son....but I will keep on trying. thank you JB and Lisa, Bernie, Kevin, Lisa and countless countless others for fostering hope and good health in so many children. With love and tons of respect.
Julia
Baxter's mom
Posted by: Julia Berle | April 22, 2008 at 03:44 PM
I showed the documentary down here in Evansville Indiana. We had about 25 people and many took notes and asked lots of questions. I've received a lot of feedback on parents starting the diet and trying to get into a DAN! doctor. I thought the film was great and talked about everything from diet to vaccines. Thank you so much to the Handley's for doing this. I had my son's Special Education teachers who have been teaching for 40 years and have never heard of Biomedical. Believe me, your film has everyone buzzing around here. It's keeping me very busy!
Keep up the good work!
Joelle Hardman
Evansville Indiana
Posted by: Joelle Hardman | April 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Mine was an intimate setting, and very well received. I was there 3 hours afterwards answering questions and was followed to the car. (closed and all the lights out!!)
It's a wonderful, positive message that I pray will spread as intended.
My showing had two chiro's and one OT and they had the most questions.
Many thanks to the families in the film and especially to Lisa and JB.
Posted by: Ann Brasher | April 22, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Hi JB, Lisa and all who worked tirelessly to get this movie distributed to us all!
Shelly and I joined forces and pounded the pavement to get the word out in our ever so traditional community. In the shadows of Vanderbilt University, our message seemed to fall on deaf ears. No media attention was given to us. We spread the word as best we could and were pleased to have 45 or so attendees at our viewing this evening. My church was wonderful to GR and offered the use of its building as well as provided refreshments for the guests. They have shown nothing but love and acceptance to the two children in our church with autism (mine and one other), both of whom are long time biomed-ers.
I was so pleased to see a local church preschool offered attendance at our premiere as Continuing Ed. credit to its teachers! 10 teachers joined us. Wow, we really opened their eyes. They had lots of questions.
The response was so positive. Thank you for giving us an instrument to tell the story our children so desperately want told! We raised a little money...and will be sending that your way tomorrow.
Thank you again. I was proud to represent GR and was thrilled to be called to action on its behalf!
Karen
Lisa & JB-
First, thank you for making accomodations for the movies!
Putting together a movie like this must have been (emotionally) a difficult thing to do. The viewing definitely raised many questions.
Most important, it inspired the viewers and there were many tears of hope that this can be overcome.
This is an awesome tool for awakening people. I am proud to be associated with an organization that has such tremendous courage.
God Bless and much love.
Jeffry
Hi guys!
I think the film showing in Evanston, Il went really well. We had 50 people, a great panel, and a really interesting q and a. The film was beautiful.
We raised $170. I'll put the checks in the mail tomorrow.
Take care,
Alexandra
Reporting in from Southern New Mexico! The program evolved to include presentations by a local Hippotherapy provider and the Child Find team of the school. Attendance was small - 30 people, some parents, some service providers from the school and community.
3 Moms felt compelled to respond that the documentary was their story. They felt exactly as the parents felt and shared they had said the same words.
All 3 parents had been toying with the idea of biomedical interventions. All 3 will be continuing contact to find out how to move forward. Those 3 parents represent 10% of the viewing audience AND a total of 7 affected children, including an adult child with Downs Syndrome.
Thank you so much for making this documentary available so we could begin outreach in our service deprived state.
There will be an encore presentation (possibly more) in the coming weeks. I will report on those as they happen.
It has made a difference already.
V
We had a great time last night! We showed it at our local MRDD site, ESchool at 7 pm. The local television station announced it at the 5 pm and 7 pm news, and we had about 25 people there (We are a town of 14,000, and NO ONE has been doing bio intervention except me for my son.
In fact, everyone thought I was crazy 5 years ago.) Last night there were parents of kids my son was in Early Intervention with 5 years ago, none of whose chidlren are main streamed like my son is, and there were parents of children in Early Intervention now--ALL of them are excited to get moving now! I am also part of a small group of peple in MRDD (I am on the County MRDD Board) that has formed a non profit here, and we bring a DAN! physician in every three months, and have opened a house where we are trying to 'clean up' middle school aged kids that had to be removed from their parents' homes due to the severeness of their disability. All of these 'hopeless' children have improved and we are just starting chelation now! As a result the critical mass your film is helping to create, the Vice President of our local hospital board has agreed to let me present to the Board and the Recruiting Committee and the chief of Staff, so that they will recruit a DAN! physician.
This film is what a core group of us have been saying here in Appalachian Ohio, a black hole for biomedical treatment,and you gave us such strength and filled everyone with motivation. Thanks! I can't wait to see what happens next!
Sandra
Posted by: AY Feedback | April 21, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Lake in the Hills, IL was another Chicagoland viewing area. Those that attended our viewing were all parents relatively new to the diagnosis and new to biomedical intervention. Everyone loved the film and felt charged to go home and get started on their child's recovery. Way to go JB and Lisa! I am proud to be a voice for such a phenomenal organization.
Posted by: difuccisara1 | April 21, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Tami! Nice Job and Way to GO!!! Good to hear it when we talked and good to read it as well! I don't know who all your volunteers were, but I would like to thank them as well for helping you make this happen! That is incredible!!! WOW!!!!
Ang
Posted by: Angela Warner | April 21, 2008 at 12:07 AM
My review is late, but I could not read thru everyone's reviews without adding mine. I would like to thank the amazing volunteers who came to make history at the Autism Yesterday premier in Olympia, WA.
I think (?) this was the very first time that there has been an assembly of legislative reps and Department of Social and Health/Division of Developmental Disability management who have ever attended a documentary about autism in a state-owned building in WA. Even more so, a film on a topic that is considered "controversial" by the mainstream medical, and the cousins of DSHS/Medicaid- DOH. All this in a state thta is home to the man who funds internationally thimerosal injections for all. I chose to not advertise far in advance, because to do so could mean that someone, just maybe somebody, would google GR or the movie and consider it too controversial and pull the plug. So, we had a 400 person auditorium to fill, but I only gave 3 days notice, and guessed that wasn't going to happen. Frankly, I had no idea whatsoever how many people would show up. I was way too busy wondering if someone in management HQ was going to find the GR full page ad that says "if you caused a 6000% increase in autism, wouldn't you try to cover it up?". (please note, the same week of the film, I saw an article bragging about how WA had the most improved vaccination rates....) So, while the movie was showing, I stood at the back and counted heads- I counted 56. Could be better, could be worse, could have been cancelled all together. I was hapy, because it's not always about quantity, sometimes it's about quality.
There were (I think) 6 legislative reps there. I heard back from yesterday from a Senator who had an emergency with one of his kids and was unable to make it at the last minute, so sent his rep- that the event was well received by the staffers. Every staffer got a copy of the DVD and in fact, I think everyone who wanted one got one.
There were some staff who worked with foster kid placements there- I was very glad to see them. A rep from the local ARC and another organization here came- very cool!
I could not have done it without help from the amazing volunteers who came. We had literature and books to give away- and lots was picked up. The balloons that matched the movie cover and posters looked great and made the event festive. Our awesome volunteer autism mom-photographer (napoleonphoto.com) has pictures to prove it!
The event started out by giving my standard lead-ins I use when addressed mixed company. The world was once thought to be flat, and ulcers were once thought to be caused by stress. This is a necessary 3 minutes, in my mind, when addressing those from outside the autism parent realm. I saw some heads nodding (whew, nice to see they were still with me so far...).I was very happy that NOT EVEN ONE person left while the documentary was playing. I thought that was incredible.
Having the parents- (probably 6 of them?) come speak on stage after the show was a powerful message to those in the audience. As I was packing up to leave, someone commented that they never realized about the cost of autism on the parents. I know it's really, really hard to speak up there- and the parents all really spoke from their hearts- that was really powerful.
Honestly, I want to publicly thank everyone, SO MUCH- for helping make the Olympia premier a success. I hope you all enjoyed the event. I've gotten nothing but positive feedback.
For everyone who held a premier showing- no matter if 3 people or 300 people came- you made history. You were one of 150 (?) in the world who showed this movie! You gotta be proud of that!! Thanks to JB and Lisa for another history making event.
-Tami
Posted by: RimlandFanWA | April 20, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Autism Yesterday Premiere for Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR
Stacy Cayce and I hosted the premiere at The Arc of Clark County in Vancouver. Thank you ARC for generously donating the space! We had around 50 people who came (Stacy we forgot about the few who had to leave early and the few who arrived late). I was absolutely thrilled considering I didn’t send out the invitation until April 4th. We also provided childcare and there were 13 absolutely amazing children (11 with ASD and 2 NT) there with us. Hats off to Heather who, due to circumstances beyond our control, was our only provider for the evening!
The movie is simply awesome! I’ve spent the last two days on the phone with many people who were there, and it’s my impression that it gave people hope, motivation, support, and inspiration! Oh yeh, before the movie started, I made sure everyone knew that Jenny McCarthy was down in Portland watching with us!
After the movie we had incredible DAN! doc, Dr. Leigh Ann Chapman, available for a question and answer session that went well over an hour. Our attendee’s asked some great questions, and through her answers Dr. Chapman provided our parents and professionals with an incredible amount of knowledge about vaccination and all things bio-medical. Dr. C. YOU ROCK! Thank you sooo much and I can not wait to bring my boys in to see you!
For me personally, I have been on such a mighty high since Thursday night! I feel so full of hope for all of our children and their recovery! I feel inspired, and even more passionate about helping our children (if that is possible)! I felt connected with my community in a way that I’ve never experienced. I also sense through this feeling of connection the possible need and benefit to our community for a bio-med support group for my area and I am considering starting one. One of the ones where you actually meet face to face, and one in which you can bring your kids if you choose or need to. Yes, Inspired!
Lastly, Jenny… I would like to thank you for getting on and posting about the “wealthy” issue. We all live to the extent of our means. That’s just how it is. There are some who have the resources to back track and get at it sooner than others, but in the end we all end up going into serious debt helping our kids. And like Stacy pointed out, even if you are not able to get into see a DAN! doc for two years and pay for the testing, there are many things you can do. The first is educate yourself. Get as many tests done through your traditional doctor regardless of whether they are as sensitive as DAN! testing. These results may still yield something useful to you the educated parent. Second, keep a journal and try the diet or supplements and keep track of what you see. Third, look for studies. We have already enrolled our younger son in one and have seen incredible results. We are hoping that we may be able to get both of them into a second study we have our eye on. There are many, many things you can do to help your child. And I have to say from my own personal perspective that to not do these things and say that only “the wealthy” can afford to treat their children is a cop-out. We’re in debt up to our eyes, don’t own our own home, and are a one income family and we are still managing to do a few things, and it is helping. Luckily – Bush decided that we all will be getting a tax rebate this year and we have ours ear-marked for the most part to finally go a bit further. Focusing on and being able to maintain a positive attitude about what you ARE able to do is a wonderful thing!
Thank you Lisa and JB for giving us Autism Yesterday. And a special thank you to all the families who opened their homes and hearts and shared their children’s stories of recovery to make Autism Yesterday possible!
Posted by: Angela Warner | April 20, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I hosted a small screening in Wrightwood, California. Those attending were parents and also some students from our local high school. My son, a child who is almost recovered, attends a typical pre-school on a high school campus. The high school students work as classroom helpers in the preschool. His teacher has witnessed the constant improvement my child makes and offered extra credit to any of the high school students who attended. I was thrilled to see that several young people attended the screening and participated in the discussion afterward as well. We had a few parents present who had never heard of biomedical interventions and were asking a lot of questions. We also had a few parents who are already treating their children and they were able to share with the other families what was working for their kids.
Posted by: Bernie Moxley | April 20, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Jenny:
Thank you so much for allowing us to experience your son's recovery through Autism Yesterday. While I am sorry you are flat broke (as so many of us are now!), I agree with you...it was worth every cent. It was wonderful to 'meet' Ryder...his happiness seems absolutely contagious...and I'm thrilled you now have that...you deserve it.
Posted by: Barbie Hines | April 19, 2008 at 04:58 PM
I hosted a small screening in my home in NYC. It was attended by parents, grandparents, therapists and other professionals working with ASD kids. For the most part, the film was very well-received and we had a lively discussion before and after the film. Many of us wished the movie had been longer! The only consistent negative I heard was that many attendees were dismayed by the references to a "window of opportunity". I know that the parents in the film were sharing their beliefs and that this "window " can be a motivator for parents of younger children, but for parents of older children -- particularly those who may just be learning about biomed and have an older child -- it could be discouraging. It may be that the younger you start, the better, but research currently is showing that our brains have far more plasticity and ability to heal well beyond those first few years of life.
All in all, a great job to Generation Rescue all involved, esp. the families who opened their lives and homes to all of us so that we could share in their childrens' recovery and to Lisa and JB for making this movie! Well done! I am proud to have been able to host a screening. I sent home DVDs with several attendees (incl. some professionals who want to share it with other families) and have a # of people who could not attend but want to see it, including speech pathologists and developmental pediatricians.
Posted by: Kim | April 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Hi all,
I need to post this to dispel the myth that all the families in the film (and all those who are doing biomed) are wealthy, and that is the only way you can recover your child. We are absolutely not wealthy, and we are in debt up to our eyeballs. We didn't really care what it took to get our son well, even if it meant taking 100 years to pay it off. Not everyone comes from that line of thinking, nor is everyone comfortable with that, but that's how we felt and we are flat broke! On the (gigantic) upside, we have a child who is getting better and better every single day!
We still have a little ways to go. There are attention issues and still some rigidity, but this child is not moderately autistic, as he was first diagnosed three years ago! He is in regular kindergarten, making lots of friends, and he is by far the best reader in his class. He is happy and social, funny and goofy, and an absolute love. He floors me every day when he comes up with some new insightful thing to say, and I still marvel over how neurotypical some of the things that come out of his mouth are! I don't think I will ever lose that feeling. I can imagine that he will be 30 years old and I will still get chills when he says something that sounds so "normal".
I know how hard it is playing the waiting game, and our recovery (still in progress...the home stretch) came relatively quickly. There are those whose kids recovered in a year, and many who have taken much longer. You still have to keep trying and stay positive for your child and your family. There were times when my mind started going to "it's just not going to happen/he's regressing/this is too much work/I can't go on like this for much longer" but I had to push that out of my mind and keep my eyes on the prize. And I am just so thankful for where we are at now.
Keep the faith everybody! Lisa and JB - love you guys!!! This was amazing!!
Jenny DeMaria
(Ryder's mom)
Posted by: Jenny DeMaria | April 19, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I attended a screening of the film last night here in Phoenix. The turnout was small but there was a PT therapist there who was asking a lot of questions about diagnosis and next steps when you think there might be an issue. So just for that it was a success. I also met a handful of other very passionate, strong moms who were on the same page and we exchanged notes and emails. There were two films showed and the first one, I cried like a baby, it just left you feeling like "my kid has the same problem, but what can I do to fix it" Autism Yesterday on the other hand was very empowering and I felt support from the film for what we are doing.
We need to go another step further and start sharing what is making a difference for each kid specifically. For my son it has been, Diflucan, Valtrex, and B12 shots in conjunction with Dr. Amy Yasko's protocol. Although each child is different, sometimes we are afraid to try something even though we have read everything there is to know about it. When we meet people whose kids are making great progress and sharing what has worked most effectively, it really helps.
Thanks JB and Lisa for all that you have done. I will continue to be a grateful supporter and voice for Generation Rescue and Age of Autism.
Denise
Posted by: Denise Cossey | April 19, 2008 at 10:40 AM
My husband and I hosted a local premiere in Ft Worth, TX last night. It was a very stormy night and we still had 33 people show up for the showing including parents, therapists, homeopaths and one doctor. The movie was received very well and we had a tremendous discussion afterward. I've recieved a lot of feedback from those who saw the film and everyone was very excited about it. The film was able to portray what parents who's children are recoverine have all been feeling and wanting to say to the public. The film was able to be a testament to our families' struggles but also their triumphs and hope for all children and families.
In addition to local parents, DAN doctors and therapists, I also invited 100 traditional doctors and the local press. As a result, our local CBS affiliate called me this morning (the morning after the premiere) to ask how the premiere went and to tell me that they are working on a special segment about the connection between autism and vaccines. They have asked to come to our home and interview our family for the report.
While many who intended to participate were kept away by the weather, I was able to arrange with several groups to have additional showings scheduled throughout the meteroplex. Including a local Autism group who until now has refused to welcome a biomedical discussion but this film seems to have turned them around and agree to hold an even for the community and show the film!
Thank you to GR and all of the families and professionals involved in making this wonderful film!
Posted by: Lisa Barli | April 19, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Hello Christina Blakely,
I hope you remember me. I was the very last person to RSVP for the viewing of Autism Yesterday. I had a great time. It was very interesting and exciting to see so many parents in need of reaching out to one another. I am also very concerned that there were several mothers and fathers that came to the viewing hoping to become a part of Dr. Usman's practice when she can no longer take in new patients. I just wish that they would have taken the time to listen to what I had to say because there are many doctors throughout the country that would be willing to take more patients and my wife and I could have walked them through the insurance procedures. Sometimes being a father is tough especially when being and looking so young to have a child with Autism. Even though we are no longer in Dr. Usman's practice we still love her and respect her as one of the best DAN Doctors in the entire Midwest. If you don't mind I would love to post the next ACE Meeting "Building Strong Families on the road to recovery" on our Website. Our Website is www.EnigmAutism.com
Thanks again Christina and I hope to see you soon again and this time with my wife because our baby sitter cancelled at the last minute.
Posted by: M. Family | April 18, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I co-hosted with another local rescue angel and while we had a rather small showing, we did have one person travel 500 miles just to be there! :) The person who ran our sound for us works at a local school. Originally she said she would just start it and leave to go watch kids outside, but she was riveted and stayed thru the whole thing. At the end, she asked for 10 copies to hand out to various parents in her school that she believes will listen to the message. So while it wasn't the huge event we hoped and planned for, if we help even one child, it's all good.
Posted by: Wyndie | April 18, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I hosted a satellite event near St. Paul, MN. The main event was in a movie theater in Wayzata, MN (and hopefully they will post here as well).
We had 16 people come - 5 of which were social workers who have since asked me to do a private screening for their department. 3 Dads came! 2 parents of adult children attended - they were taking notes furiously and asked a ton of questions. A couple with 2 autistic boys, originally from Somalia, also came. These parents are the bravest parents I have met as they face cultural challenges that far exceed what the rest of us can even imagine. We had 3 atendee who were knew to biomed and the rest were 'old hats'.
Afterwards I showed a video of my own daughters road to recovery. You can see it at the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wOMIEc2Y9Q
We had a long discussion afterwards. Lots of great questions and discussion. More babies (and grown-ups!!!) saved.
Posted by: Libby Rupp | April 18, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Well, Christina said it best when she said this premier "rocked the Midwest"! I'm overwhelmed by the success of my screening, absolutely overwhelmed. I rented a movie theater in Orland Park, IL (southwest suburb of Chicago). The room held 240 and we were filled about 150 of the seats! The movie was incredible on the big screen, and afterwards, we stayed for well over an hour talking about treatment and politics. Multiple people from the screening have already contacted me today about getting on the path to recovery. I'm exhausted (no microphone in a movie theater is rough!), but it was so worth it. Perhaps the best thing of the night was at the end. A young teacher there who works with children who have Autism said, "You know, the school where I teach warns me repeatedly not to listen to parents who believe their child's autism was caused by vaccines. After tonight, they'll never convince me it was anything but. Thank you, thank you for helping me help my students." Now THAT was something. Thank you so much to everyone who made the evening possible. We changed lives last night.
Posted by: Julie Obradovic | April 18, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Moonbeams, if you are referring to me as the "naysayer about the money" you misunderstood what I was saying.
"Word of mouth is no way to treat this epidemic - this needs funds, this needs a ton of money, this needs federal muscle to get the word out."
I was alluding to the fact that you need money to reach every autism family out there that needs help. I was not talking about needing money for treating autism (in that particular sentence).
If your comment was about something else, please ignore this. Thanks.
Posted by: Gayatri | April 18, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I helped co-host with another Rescue Angel, our coverage for the Portland OR and Vancouver WA metro area. We had someone as far as Olympia WA come to see the showing.
I thought it would make me cry, but instead I found myself smiling through most of it, for the courage and drive of the families depicted and knowing that is also why I keep moving forward. I hope it inspired the viewers just as much.
We packed the room at the ARC, approximately 45 adults. We were also blessed to have DAN! Dr. Leigh Ann Chapman take a Q&A session for over an hour after the film. We had many families who were familiar with biomed treatments, but also some who where still learning or who had never tried. Dr. Champman has a wonderful way of presenting information that is easily understood and gave parents wonderful information.
To the naysayer about the money, it is far from that. I may live on the West Coast but we are far removed from being wealthy. I did the first two years on my own by reading, researching and learning, before I was able to even take my son to a DAN! doctor. It can be done.
~Stacy Cayce
Hillsboro, OR
Posted by: Moonbeams | April 18, 2008 at 04:48 PM
We hosted an event at our local independent movie theatre here in Durango, Colorado. Three local sponsors covered the cost of the theatre rental and advertising. We were thrilled to have approximately 125 guests that each gave a $5 donation to Generation Rescue. We received many hugs and thanks after the film for bringing this to the forefront in our community. We have a horrible issue with mercury in our environment from power plants in New Mexico. Two viewers from a Montessori school on an area indian reservation asked for a copy of the dvd and asked if I would volunteer to do an in-service day at their school (which I agreed to - must be a need for this information). I also met a few families that are now interested in biomedical treatments. I feel that our event was a complete success and many, many eyes were opened last night in our little neck of the world!! Thank you Generation Rescue for giving me this opportunity to make a difference!!!
Posted by: Amy & Michael | April 18, 2008 at 03:29 PM
It was the Premiere that rocked Midwest!
A group of about 40 gathered at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church here in Oak Park. There were other premieres in the Chicago area as well-McHenry County, Northwestern University, Orland Park to name a few (hopefully they'll post so we can hear how they went) Thanks so some lovely friends, we had the space and the equipment donated. Some parents had been travelling down this path for a long time. Some had not. Others brought their family members who had supported them along the way. For more than one couple, this was their "date night". Afterwards, we had a Q & A with Dr. Usman and some local parents. Everyone came away with a great feeling of hope. Then, at 4:20 a.m., an earthquake shook a large portion of Illinois and Indiana. Coincidence? I think not! Time's are a-changin'. People are being shaken out of denial as they witness the treatment and recovery of children everywhere. May we have many more nights like last night (sans earthquake)!
-christina blakey
Posted by: cblakey | April 18, 2008 at 12:37 PM
We had our screening at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg, IL. We filled the large lobby of the church with ten 8 ft. tables with GF/CF foods that were sent to us by The Gluten Free Pantry, Ener-G foods, Bob's red mill, Houston Neutriceuticals, KinnickKinnick, Arico Foods, Kirkman's,Glutano, Pamela's Products, and Gluten Free.com! These went over really well! We had info about Autism One, ARI, ASA and autism one stop shop and additional catalogues from Different Roads to Learning, Super Duper Pantry and Pyramid Products. We had psychologists, pediatricians, educators and parents there...125 of them! My "warrior mom" wife spoke on the Bio med and GF/CF road to recovery that our son is on, we showed the film "Autism Yesterday" , then I "the pissed off dad" spoke about talking to all of our regional state and federal legislators ( I let the crowd know who the butt heads are and who is potentially on our side)then I spoke about the importance of dads getting involved and helping these moms get their kids better. Dr Ayoub drove up from Springfield to do an incredible presentation that was just full of great info that nobody in Galesburg has been able to hear before. Dr. Ayoub, thank you sooooo much for taking the time away from your family to help those in our community! I truly believe we changed a lot of lives last night and possibly saved a lot of kids that haven't even been born yet! The Q & A was great and you could tell that there were a lot of knowlegable parents there and there were a lot of open minded educators and doctors there as well! Our very own doctor, (the one that gave my son the 10 vaccines in one day that damaged my son!) announced to us that she is going to the clinicians seminar at Autism One! This was a great and powerful evening that Generation Rescue has made possible, thank you so much for the chance to work with you on saving these children! God Bless You!
Curt & Kim Linderman NAA of West Central Illinois (very soon to be a brand new chapter!)
Posted by: curt linderman sr | April 18, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Whoa. Why would you assume all the families depicted in the film are wealthy? Kaden's and Rhys' family is not wealthy by any standard. Kaden's and Rhys' real wealth and assets are in the love and passionate commitment of their parents. Although money certainly helps when you have an ASD child, you don't have to be rich to make a difference for your child.
Bravo to everyone who was involved in the film. Melanie, Derek & Julia: You ROCK!!
Posted by: Lynne Arnold | April 18, 2008 at 12:12 PM
We had a mixed experience with our screening. I was really grateful for the two moms who showed up with affected kids-I feel like they may actually get some help that they wouldn't have otherwise gotten, and for that it was worth all the work!I loved the film, and several people in attendance expressed their gratitude and appreciation for it afterward. We had a DAN physician there who answered questions for about 45 min after, and there was some great discussion. The guy who ran the AV equipment was not familiar with the issue, and he was full of questions and very open-minded. Our total turnout was 15, including support group members and people helping with the screening.
Now for the other side: we had several people walk out right after the movie, some visibly angry. I had one person contact me before the movie ask me if this was propaganda for the anti-vaccine groups. I had sent out press releases extensively to every media outlet in the area, small and large, and no media showed up. I feel like our area , the larger Seattle area, is a difficult place for biomed parents and biomed ideas because of the prevalence of the ABA and FEAT folks who can be very antagonistic toward biomed. In our area we have also had several natural practitioners persecuted by the Department of Health and had their liscenses revoked, some who were treated autistic children. The UW "Center of Excellence in Autism" we have here is not biomed friendly at all. After having this experience I am more aware than ever of how we need to work for unity in the autism community, and I have some ideas for that!
Thanks Lisa and JB for your dedication in putting this together...you are heroes!!!
Cyndi Kershner, Bothell, WA
Posted by: cynditk | April 18, 2008 at 12:08 PM
We had a smaller crowd, about 16 people in all, including 4 kids. We had a discussion for over an hour following the film. There was an Aspergers family that was ready to do some testing to see if they would find anything to fix. I think the information we presented might have been overwhelming. We have a severely physically sick child, and we have extensively researched and explored a lot of treatments, and consequently our experience has been that of a disorder that has been very difficult to treat. They said there was another autism (non-biomed) support group in town but we were told that that was not as "intense" as us. I think your fervor is in direct relation to the extent of damage your child has. If there isn't much off, and you are kind of getting by, the inclination to treat is a lot less.
We had another family doing bio-med that was there talking to the people as well. Both of our families have been doing this for a long time with something to show for it, but our success has not been as quick as the families on the film.
A psycholgist wanted to know how we knew that our kids were actually physically sick. I told her our experience, and my husband later said "there was no stopping you!"
A speech language pathologist took my contact information for a child that was 2 years old, had been diagnosed after the MMR (what a surprise). She was trying to get them to do the diet and they were hesitant and lo and behold now the child has diarrhea.
Another person on the board of the community college took my contact information for the local autism chapter, she said they might need someone to talk about treatments. I said sure.
What was painfully evident was the fact that there is nobody out there from the government telling people about treatments for autism. People are suffering, parents are suffering, their kids have been taken away and they do not even know that they can do something about it. Word of mouth is no way to treat this epidemic - this needs funds, this needs a ton of money, this needs federal muscle to get the word out. Sure we can do our bit and we can talk to people one by one but I do think we are doing a great disservice to the citizens of this country by not providing them the help they so desperately need. You should see the grace and the dignity of these autism parents, they are beautiful people. I was honored to meet some of these families last night.
Finally, the funny thing was - nobody, not even for a second, doubted the vaccine connection to autism. It was a presumed given.
Thank you, Lisa and JB for the initiative. And for the record, yes I did catch Eli Stone last night and it made me feel slightly better. Its very demoralizing and heart-breaking to "see" autism in the community - there should be no autism. Period.
Posted by: Gayatri | April 18, 2008 at 11:06 AM
To agree with LLAND.
Parents are showing up younger and younger to Biomedical events locally.
Good that they are Internet savy and coming for parent to parent help with children under 2, but incredibly sad that no reform has yet to happen.
The pediatricians are still making the same flawed statements and failing to diagnosis early. Sometimes we get these kids on our doorstep before they are formally diagnosed, toe walking, stimming etc.
It is hard to watch the baton of vaccine injury pass down to yet another generation. Now instead of Rhogam it is shock that the pregnancy flu shots were loaded with Mercury.
It pains me to stand on the sidelines and witness beautiful young couples face this issue after years of collective advocacy.
Vaccine reform cannot come soon enough for me.
Posted by: Karen Atlanta | April 18, 2008 at 11:00 AM
We gave a screening here in Birmingham (UK) last night to an audience of around 30 made up of parents, educators and researchers. Everyone seemed to enjoy the movie and we had a long discussion session afterwards. A lot of the parents present had done at least some biomed and the stories of success can only help encourage everyone to soldier on. The description of two steps back then three steps forward certainly rang true for us and quite a lot of the interviews drew nods of recognition from our audience.
Well done to all at Generation Rescue involved with producing such a great movie!
Posted by: Tim | April 18, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I was sad to see children in the film and watching the film are so much younger than my child. (Why has this gone on so long?) It was also sad to hear, several times, about the small window of opportunity to recover a child. Not that I don't understand that but hearing it again was hard. But I that said I think it is a great film to show parents. And not just parents of the newly dx but all new parents. Thanks, GR!
Posted by: L Land | April 18, 2008 at 09:54 AM
We had our screening on 2 huge screens at a local church last night. We counted 75 in attendance. After the movie I was able to announce that a local pediatrician is going to DAN! and I will be managing the family's cases, and he will be taking insurance. Not only were we able to share the fact that we have ways to help our children, we were able to say they could find help locally and affordably! We had reps from the local health food store, the girls from Coastal Compounding, a local kinesiologist/nutritionist/chiropractor, and the staff from the ped. office to help answer questions. The local news was there and did a story at 11. I would say it was half and half, families already on board with biomed and those that came to learn about it. Afterwards there was lots of sharing of numbers and stories, it was a great and EXTREMELY hopeful night. Thanks, JB and Lisa, for the time and energy it took to pull off something so wonderful. Did anyone watch Eli Stone last night? A rabbi on the show said that in the Jewish faith they believe to save one life is to save the whole world. Let's just go ahead and assume that last night, hundreds of worlds were saved. I'm proud to have been a part of this.
Posted by: Kim in Savannah | April 18, 2008 at 09:52 AM
pinkdove,
You can buy the DVD through amazon.com.
Beyond that, I don't know. I haven't seen it yet, and here where I am (Cincinnati, OH) buying the DVD may be the fastest way for me, too.
Terri L.
Posted by: Terri Lewis | April 18, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I just returned and unpacked my car from our 2 screenings today.
The first was at a restaurant across from the CDC.
The highlight of that screening was that a family drove from Alabama to be there. A couple of the mothers had just started treating their kids, a few of us that had been treating, shared our success stories.
Quite amazing that across the street was a multi-million dollar national health complex - but a little huddle of parents were across the street were the ones dishing out real answers for Autism.
From that screening, I drove 40 minutes north to Stone Mountain where we had our second screening at a therapy center.
At that screening we had new parents and one child who had completely recovered. His mom shared their incredible journey. He was so normal, I thought he was a sibling!
A dad of an affected child supplied some professional quality AV equipment
so we were able to view this beautiful film on a big screen.
Again parents of newly diagnosed children lingered, taking home materials and porphyrin testing kits. We had a local DAN doctor field questions and explain labs. It was very nice to see smiles and optimism at both screenings. Parents left with solid biomedical information.
I don't have words for this film. The parents embody my thoughts for the last five years. I could watch this over and over again and not get tired of seeing these beautifully transformed kids!
I will be showing this film wherever I can.
Thanks JB and Lisa for your constant effort on behalf of our kids.
Big thanks to the parents who participated in this project opening the door of your homes to cameras. Because of you, there is a child out their getting help and healing tonight!
Posted by: Karen Beauvis Atlanta | April 18, 2008 at 07:00 AM
once again, how can people not in the US see this movie? thanks
Posted by: pinkdove | April 18, 2008 at 02:07 AM
We had a double feature tonight showing Finding The Words and Autism Yesterday for 43 parents, educators, therapists, friends and grandparents. There was about an hour of discussion afterwards with people ready to begin adding biomed to their programs. Even those who have already implemented a biomedical program learned something from the videos. Thank you so much GR!
Posted by: NWI-NAA | April 18, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Great film. Thirty five attendees spent 90 minutes asking questions when the film ended.
Posted by: Janice Kern | April 17, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I thought it was terrific -- positive and powerful enough to get the point across but not preachy or political. I saw it in Arlington with a biomed group hosted by Brooke Potthast. She asked me to say a few words after, and I started with, "I can't improve on what Baxter said when his mother asked him what caused autism. 'It's the skeleton and the crossbones,' he said, clearly referring to the thimerosal bottle."
Posted by: Dan Olmsted | April 17, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I hosted a screening in Wilkes-Barre, PA. About 60 parents and educators showed up and many will start the diet as soon as they can. The families depicted in the film -- wealthy and West Coast -- didn't look anything like the families that filled the JCC auditorium, but they all had one thing in common -- hope.
Posted by: Paula | April 17, 2008 at 09:27 PM