As I said he's part of the Offit Youth.

http://kerboblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/mercks-arian-man-child-is-born.html

Gatagora, I would put Teresa Binstock and Jake Crosby on the IACC. Their knowledge and integrity would do wonders for what makes that group deliberately dysfunctional.

Posted by Gatagorra: "But in the end, who else would government put in this post but a pharma-leaning enemy of safer-vaccine proponents?"

Gatagorra, your entire post is right on the money, and we all know that "somebody" is always behind these nominations to government positions. That "somebody" is a group of co-conspirators representing Big Pharma and their paid government trained monkeys---the same kind of groups who place their lackeys into the F(ederal)D(eath)A(dministration) and the C(enters)for D(eception)and C(orruption). They hand select their nominees from the same puppet gene pool of those who willingly represent their interests and do exactly what they are told.

And as Benedetta says, "I can not help thinking that Ari has someone behind him pulling his strings."

Since Ne'eman is "A senior majoring in political science at the University of Maryland", and has been exposed here as a shameless self promoter who utilizes his own propaganda, he is the perfect candidate to promote the industry and political anti-recovery and pro-vaccine propaganda.

As stated on the NCD web site:
NCD’s current issues under research include"Improving Access to Health Care..." - so, Melody whatever you want to parrot about the graces of Ne'eman be mindful of the fact that his views will impact healthcare for a sub-set of the military. Obviously, he has made it clear what his views are and accordingly I am going to write my Senator and ask that he also put a wrench in the nomination. Hell, I wouldn't even feel comfortable if this guy was the PTA chair of disabilities for my kid's school!

It is your choice. I'm not trying to stand in proxy of Mr. Ne'eman, nor did I state that he is 'the' key person in the progress made re: seclusion and restraint. He, with many other groups, have been key. That does not mean you can strip him of what he has done.

I don't know where Mr. Ne'eman stands on biomedical issues, nor do I think it is important for a council whose sole purpose is to empower the disabled. If your child has medical issues along with their Autism, by all means treat them. Normalization in Neurodiversity terms only speaks of changing nonthreatening behaviors with the sole purpose of making a person look normal.

Normalizing behaviors takes a great strain on those of us who have an ASD. You can see it in high functioning children. They work all day to look normal at school, only to come home and crash and have a rash of behaviors at home. Why put those sorts of unnecessary pressures on a child who is also trying to speak in a way that's understood? And that has to work hard to write legibly? And has to work hard to overcome the sensory stimuli in his day?

Also, Kim, I was not trying to twist your words. Much of my statements were directed towards Dadvocate. I understand that some people give credit where it is due. But to ask empathy in a way that you can see it and understand it of someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, well, it seems like a two-edged sword. It is hard for anyone on the spectrum to understand what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. We can have sympathy. We can have empathy at times, though our outer appearance may say otherwise. We may even be over empathetic.

As for not wanting him to take the seat in the appointment because he doesn't agree with Autism Speaks' practices and mission, that is your right. I will not try to change anyone's opinions, but I do want to make sure the facts are accurate. Who here knew that Autism Society of America stands behind his nomination? Or Easter Seals? Or The Special Olympics? These are still very important parts of the Parent Autism Community.

But I think that's where everyone is confused. I think there should be a distinction made. There are two separate communities with respect to Autism. Within those two, there are several subsets. There is the Parent Autism Community that consists of parents with Autistic children, whether they be adolescent or adult. Then there is the Autistic Community. This consists of those on the Spectrum. I believe his appointment was because of his active voice within the Autistic Community.

If you chose to disagree with his appointment based on the facts, that is your choice. I do not care to change people's opinions because I believe in choice for all people. I just want to make sure people have facts before making a judgement.

Melody-- you wrote:

"Ari Ne'eman has been a key person on getting "The Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act" (H.R. 4247) presented and passed. I know it's surprising as ASAN and Ari Ne'eman don't always gloat about what they have done".

No, Ne'emen was NOT the "key person" to get the reports of restraint and seclusion to the GAO and he DID gloat about and exaggerate what small part he did play to his following-- just as you using this small efforts as a means to campaign for him. We know who the key people are behind the GAO effort, the ones who've worked on this issue for years before Ne'eman was ever involved: http://www.ageofautism.com/2009/08/the-angel-in-the-engine-reports-of-restraint-seclusion-and-special-treatment-in-special-ed-.html

I think people are grateful for the effort that Ne'eman pitched in at the *11th hour* on quite a few activist efforts and they politely ignore the fact that he then writes on his site that he was chiefly responsible for any progress. He did this in the Nate Tseglin case when, in fact, it was about 50 parents-- many related to AOA-reader types-- who showed up at the Orange County court house on Nate's behalf that made the impact.

Everyone knows that Ne'eman is a political animal. They know what he wants when he approaches an activist effort. He wants credit; he's amassing badges. Because he's a political animal who seeks clout and often manages to get some because his message is generally pharma-friendly, they're not going to stop him from pitching in. The really hard working people in these efforts don't CARE who takes credit as long as there's success and justice. So they let Ne'eman play his games.

But as a bystander watching people sweat for these particular causes, I've been taken aback by Ne'eman's pattern in this regard even if the activists themselves are more philosophical about it or outright ignore the prank. The fact that he's using these issues as "badges" to serve his own ends now is not surprising.

Melody - You have your view and I have mine, which is based on experience. I don't need or desire to have a proxy discussion. Mr. Ne'eman has done some good advocacy work on the issues he cares about, that I'll easily and readily concede. However, I think you give him and ASAN far too much credit re H.R. 4247 and other initiatives. Many disability groups and individual advocates, elected representatives and lobbyists are key in the legislative process, all working together to get this, or any other, bill passed.

Law and policy often makes strange bedfellows and you need to regularly work together with people whom you don't see eye to eye with (and sometimes loathe). I don't see any evidence that Ne'eman has or can do that.

My strong and unwavering opposition to his appointment is very nicely demonstrated by the conspicious absence of the largest and most important autism advocacy groups in the U.S. on the list you provide below.

Mr. Ne'eman chose to declare war on these organizations (and much of their core mission)some years ago, instead of working together on issues of mutual interest. I think that approach is coming back to bite him, no matter how hard he uses proxies to try to "walk back" the record.

Melody - you're twisting my words. I have not said that Ari is unqualified overall. I have said that he is missing a critical empathy and goal that is important to our community. I also suggested an Aspergian whom I think meets all of the criteria for the community, while vocalized that he himself does not want a cure. That's John Robison. If Ari Ne'eman brought all of his talents to the table and ALSO approved of electric shock aversive treatment for autistics, I can imagine there would be an outcry of refusal for his nomination. NOTE I AN NOT SAYING HE APPROVED OF AVERSIVES IT'S AN ANALOGY. We're talking about one major "campaign plank" that we feel is missing. Not the entire platform.

Thanks. KIM

Dadvocate,

I would love to discuss all the things Ari Ne'eman has done that shows he's the right choice. I would love to discuss the groups he has worked with. I would love to discuss how Ari is anything but polar.

But first, I must say, Ari is complying with the White House's request that he stay away from making any public comments while the confirmation process is being executed. I know that he could go against that, but would that mean not working with our government.

Okay. Now that that's clear, I will go into the rest of issues many have brought up. Last night I tried to be eloquent, as I try not to be confrontational.

Ari Ne'eman has been a key person on getting "The Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act" (H.R. 4247) presented and passed. I know it's surprising as ASAN and Ari Ne'eman don't always gloat about what they have done. He's also given much testimony to different pieces of legislation and judicial rulings including testimony on what could be put in place to prevent discrimination based on the results of a personality test.

He was also appointed to the New Jersey Special Education Review Commission. He's a board member of TASH ( http://www.tash.org/index.html ) and the Autism National Committee ( http://www.autcom.org/ ). His ASAN organization is part of the JFAAN which is a coalition with the following organizations involved:

ADAPT, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind, Hearing Loss Association of America, Little People of America, National Association of the Deaf, National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations, National Council on Independent Living, National Federation of the Blind, Not Dead Yet, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, United Spinal Association.

Would any of that suggest that he cannot work with others?

He may not believe in genetic testing to lead to prevention of Autism. He may not believe in normalization. But he does believe in helping Autistic children progress and become more independent. If you believe normalization means not potty training your child, you would be wrong. Normalization means changing non-threatening 'behaviors' in your child to make them look normal. Making your child give eye contact just to not look 'abnormal', or stopping your kids from handflapping when they are excited. Those are examples of normalization. These do not hurt anyone and are only done because of the social stigma associated with them.

If anyone would actually like to discuss with me, I would be happy to. I just hate having to continue to shout to the hills when some are going to continue to ignore what is said. My email is melody at asparenting dot com. Feel free to email me. I don't mind at all. If you want to ridicule me, go on ahead. I just hate the misconception that just because someone doesn't believe in a cure they can't possibly have anything but bad intentions for other Autistic individuals.

Dadacate;
I can not help thinking that Ari has someone behind him pulling his strings.

That would be the case of my son???

I don't mean to sound like I do not believe a -- well I do not ---if you have autism even high functioning autism you are limited. Or at least mine is.

Kim, well said; autism as currently defined, is such an heterogeneous condition that it requires people able to acknowledge its full diversity, strengths and challenges to represent it. The issues faced by low functioning individuals are essentially ignored by the neurodiversity movement; this is particularly true of the health comorbid problems. Most Asperger individuals have not witnessed these problems, learned about them or experienced them. Having said this, we must also acknowledge that autism is not solely a vaccine/ heavy metal issue and that it can potentially benefit from a whole range of interventions and services, some of which had been promoted by the ND movement.

Regarding the issues of pre-natal screen, this debate is simply ridiculous, because from what is known of autism today, there is not one single gene that has been found to be predictor of the condition, even Fragile X or NF-1 mutations are not necessarily associated with autism. If a genetic association had been simple, it would have been identified by now. Instead, the genetic seems to imply the existence of susceptibility genes, for example those associated with immune impairment, or involved in the control of epigenetic modulation. In those instances, the answer to susceptibility is not abortion but prevention and management. Prevention is not by avoiding those genes but by avoiding the environmental factors that impact on them.

I'm quite curious about certain things. The National Council on Disability ( http://www.ncd.gov/ ) states the following:

The purpose of NCD is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, and that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

Would any of you say that Ari Ne'eman does not agree with any of those goals?

Some have argued that Mr. Ne'eman cannot speak because of his age. Others have argued that Mr. Ne'eman cannot speak because he is too high functioning. Yet others have argued that if Mr. Ne'eman can speak, but only if they get a say as well.

I ask you, if he were your child, would you be proud of what he has accomplished? Within 10 years of being diagnosed, going to a self-contained school, and being subjected to acts of abuse, would you expect your child to rise above that to help others?

Just because Mr. Ne'eman has learned the rules of political engagement, does that mean he lives a life without disability? Does that mean that just because he can speak for himself that he did not endure just as much as other children?

I am an adult with Asperger's Syndrome. I am disabled and unable to work. I luckily can function enough to have two wonderful Autistic children. One of which we know will never function even as much as I do.

That does not mean I cannot work with the Ari Ne'eman's of our community to make sure my son isn't forced into a group home. It doesn't mean I cannot work with him to gain at least one self-help skill. It does not mean I have to let him sit in a self-contained classroom just because he cannot communicate like the other kids. It does not mean I must hide from the world. What it does mean is that no matter what we are, or where we are, we are still human beings. We still should have the same rights to engage our communities in a meaningful way.

I know the struggles of the parents with "lower functioning" children. I know the struggles of the parents with "higher functioning" children. And I know the struggles of at least some of the living Autistic adults. Whether you believe there is a cure or recovery. Whether you believe we are all on the same spectrum. You must believe that we are all just as deserving of respect, assistance, and understanding.

@Kim, I had another post, but it is no longer up. Oh well. I was just saying there is a difference between us. You dream of a future without autism. I dream of a future of progress and acceptance. Afterall, a future with no autism, means a future without my son.

Since my others posts have not made it to the board, I am assuming that they were lost in transit?

However, the statement:

"Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others."
Yep, that about sums it up. The guy is a sociopath."

That, in my opinion, is far more descriptive of your behavior today. Since people on the spectrum do not share the ability to see beyond their own needs, or have the ability to empathize with others, it may appear as sociopathic to you, but in fact, it is called AUTISM.

However, someone who does not have autism and is "normal" in every other respect who behaves this way would be considered sociopathic.

What is stunning to me is that if someone outside our "community" said such horrible things about a person with autism, the entire community would rally behind that person and demand an apology. Such as we have done many times before (Savage, various television shows, etc.)

But if a person within the community decides to hurl insults on the comments page of this site toward a HF person with autism, and toward all of those with Asperger's and their parents...the "community" is quiet. The silence is deafening and speaks volumes.

How disappointing.

Kim, Did you take down my last post?

Look what I found:

Ari Ne’eman and the Controversy Over an Autism Cure
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2010/03/29/ari-ne-eman-and-the-controversy-over-an-autism-cure.aspx

I would agree that I am also very opposed to a genetics test that would have clearly aborted both of my children (including the not-asd child w/issues), as well as me and my husband (as I am quite sure we share many of the same genes). I believe that both of my children are buggered because of their "environment" (and their very different experiences - chemically, hormonally, one vaccinated, the other not, etc.).

I really think there are four types of folk - in terms of research/belief systems:

1) Autism Science Foundation types: ASD is 100% genetic. The rates are increasing because of better diagnosing. Very scary yucky people. How's that for scientific? "Yucky people." LOL.
2) Autism Speaks - who unfortunately, do not control science as they have to straddle every world scientifically. Autism Speaks isn't a benevolent epigenitic dictatorship that only funds things out of the UC Davis MIND Institute and like minded universities - how I wish it was. They have to balance all sorts of university researchers voices on their many boards/funding streams. So they have to balance the 100% genetic types AND the epigenitic types, as well as all the other areas of Autism - ABA, political advocacy, etc., etc.
3) Us - most of us are probably epgenitic types in terms of causation: something caused my child's system to spiral (and NOT my neighbor's child). But we differ from the University epigenitic types in two ways: we'll openly blame vaccines (one of many environmental triggers) and we want to fix it NOW - we can't wait for "corroborated multi-site science" to catch up.
4) The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) types (Ari Ne'eman) - who "seeks to bring about more accommodation and acceptance of neurological diversity in our society." Who want science to stay away from genetic research - as that research will abort all of our future children and even our future selves - that being autistic is a different way of thinking - that they were born this way. I'm paraphrasing from everything on this entire lively conversation on this board here.

So we come full circle with ASAN: born this way - different way of thinking - that means 100% genetic to me - Which is why this angers me re: the ASAN and/or the Autism Science Foundation. I am very much an epgenitic type, and not just about vaccines damage - all chemical/hormonal damage. But, the ASAN's fight for acceptance and accommodations is clearly worthy - but not enough. I'm with EVERYONE who says they wish John Robinson was nominated.

Colleen - well said (comparing ASD community to CP community) - How ridiculous that we don't belong as our children are now high functioning (or high functioning to begin with). I know - let's start a Age of Autism for VERY autistic parents and a different Age of Autism for the HF families. Joking. Thank you Kim and everyone at Age of Autism for making all of us feel welcome. Gatogorra - I had to laugh when I read your earlier post. My husband and I gave a knowing look to one another when my sister was beating us up re: promoting baby doll play with our second son - the NT w/serious issues one ("you'll make him gay!"). That would be the least of our concerns - and, we too, would jump for joy for him to grow up to be a well adjusted, fully empathetic, NT joint attention adult - and I could give a you-know-what how he floats his boat.

Colleen, huh? Are you having some problem following the arguments here? You wrote:

"Instead, they are arguing that a high functioning person with autism should be separated on the spectrum, that they do not live in danger of being abused or raped and that they have deep relationships with others. They cannot possibly be "lumped in" with a more affected child".

I wrote that RuPaul and Ellen DeGeneris don't have to worry so much about being raped and abused. Those people aren't HFA. They're gay activists in case you're not aware. The point is that being gay is not a disability. Neither is being black or Hispanic (which my children are).

Ari has a sweet face.

With me being a mother of an aspergers or better description would be a young adult male left with a brain injury caused by a stroke that he suffered from as a baby because of a third DPT VACCINE SHOT, I have a soft spot for this young man.

It is hard for me to believe this face I am seeing has some one else's voice behing him. I know that would probably be the case of my son. I could not imagine my son into anything but his "God of War" video game. He might have a voice for that???

My young man loves to put on his suit too, but it is rare because he has menial jobs that will not support him, not even medicaid, and the government will help.

He missed to test the government of Ky scheduled. On one of those days it snowed and they even closed the city schools - it is bad roads and so I cancelled but I also begged for us to be reschedule and with luck the did.

Can you believe my son got the flu when it was next sechuduled!!! I had little patience with my son, I thought he should let me drive him and he could take the test anyway. But he said he was really sick and even missed two days at his commmunity college. I did call and said once again and told them we could not come and to please reschedule again. I got the same illness the very next week - it was rough!

But now I have called and called and called and they will not return my calls or rescedule. What am I going to do. What is he going to do.

All it was - was a test to tell them what he is interested in. It is an all day test????

I wonder if Ari as he is standing there in this picture, showing off that sweet face is really thinking about getting home, shutting himself tightly into his room, lining up his plastic collective figures of video games, and just playing his video games all day long, coming out long enough to get himself a quick something to eat: and dreading when once again he has to venture out to school or where ever he has to go????

Hi, Rethinking - I disagree. Ari has been nominated as the representative of autism for this council. He has stated categorically that autism does not need a cure and that the treatments I use, that have helped my children function, are not worthy of study. He does not represent my children's needs. Without these treatments, my girls are unlikely to achieve any of the goals of the council. Perhaps the answer is that the council needs more than one representative for autism - someone who is a self-advocate, which I believe is indeed worthwhile. And someone else to speak for those for whom autism is a very different kettle of fish. Thanks for the conversation on this.

KIM

How ironic it is that so many within this community raved over the Temple Grandin movie. How ironic that you all found her story so compelling and wonderful and inspirational. And you also felt that it did help shed light on so many issues autism holds for people.

And here we are with some people on this board not arguing valid points about why he should not be appointed to this board. (I understand that some of you have and this isn't to you)

Instead, they are arguing that a high functioning person with autism should be separated on the spectrum, that they do not live in danger of being abused or raped and that they have deep relationships with others. They cannot possibly be "lumped in" with a more affected child.

Seems an awful lot of parents on here need some serious learning of their own. Perhaps you would like to watch that movie again?

Kim - As am I.

In a perfect world, I'd love to advocate for those who can and DO function in society in spite of their issues. I'd love to make sure they have employment opportunities, equal protection under the law, and most of all the acceptance for that which they cannot change.

However, more and more, it seems like they are becoming the focus in our community, and "they" seem to want it that way. This is why I'd like them to leave the "community", because they only seem to focus on themselves.

So when I see a large group of folks spouting off about how independent they are, and how we have to accept them, and at the same time include those who can't care for themselves, I have to speak out against them.

I mean, we've all seen THIS crap... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgbr8lTsrCA

They don't even use the word "Asperger's" in the video.

Yeah right Ari, let's leave the stereotypes behind.

This kid is a stereotype. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXbe2VHa37w

So I guess we're leaving him behind, right Ari?

Hey look I'm sorry to offend anyone, but this is just getting to be too much. People with Asperger's and HFA are drastically different cases than what many of us are dealing with. People need to know there is a HUGE difference, and they need to know what these people go through.

YES, the lower functioning ones ARE more deserving of support. If for no other reason than they can't support themselves. If you have a childed labeled with Asperger's who is unable to attend school, that sounds like an issue with the label they received, because it doesn't represent the vast majority of those with Asperger's.

As a result, your child may not be getting the care that they need.

I think some of you have misunderstood me. I apologize. Many of our kids have high functioning autism - we aren't separating them out at all! Nor Asperger's - which many of our kids have as well and we know can be profoundly debilitating and require treatment. I'm only referring to folks are vocally claim to be against treatment - not all our kids. Thanks. KIM

The people I would most like to see nominated to this position are Theresa Binstock or Jake Crosby, though it's not up to me.

Ne'eman understands the degree to which his advocacy is useful to pharmaceutical companies, which makes his movement a bit "astro turf". I've had the "honor" of debating with Ne'eman online regarding the use of psychopharmaceuticals in autism. His chief concern with the issue was political alienation, of appearing to be "anti-pharma"-- not the number of children dying or being injured by the drugs, not even the idea that drugs are intended to "normalize" autistic behaviors.

It was a shocking bit of hypocrisy on his part and he did effectively end up defending the use of psychotropes as "evidence based". In response to others posting "evidence based" research on the dangers of the drugs, he pulled a Rambo, no longer pretended to argue rationally and simply flung out accusations of "Scientology", intending only to censor the discussion.

Ne'eman's defense of drugs may have come from an actual naive belief in the righteousness of mainstream medicine or it may have been calculated, hard to say. He clearly thinks that if he plays a certain game, he may see some of his platforms put forward. I believe he sincerely would like to halt the aspirations of genetics research toward selective abortion-- a position shared by the entire autism-recovery community. He has stepped up to stop restraint and seclusion in schools (though not chemical restraints; and he also tends to step into these efforts at the eleventh hour and then take full credit for work done by others if any progress is made).

But unless the ever-rising numbers of the epidemic are stopped, those trends (abuse in school; the search for the gene that could justify selective pregnancy termination) will not stop. Ne'eman, by calling for censorship of and against funding of recovery science and railing against those who argue vaccine/environmental cause, is actually part of the problem that will make things worse for the disabled. This will be particularly true as resources have to be divided between more and more (and more and more) disabled individuals and as taxpayers-- as they typically do in hard economic times-- begin to resent the disabled like a plague of locusts.

Ne'eman has also been caught online "plotting" to cast the safer vaccines/autism recovery movement to religious groups which attempt to "reprogram" homosexuals.

I don't know about anyone else but I'd cut off at least an arm and a leg (and probably more) if I could get a guarantee that my son would grow up to be RuPaul and that my daughter could be just like Ellen DeGeneris. Independent adults, capable of communication, deep relationships and friendships, able to fend for themselves and keep themselves safe from rape and abuse, not at risk to die from seizures, wandering, abuse and forced drugging in institutions once their parents are no longer around to care for them; not at higher risk to die from mitochondrial-mediated cancers and autoimmune diseases; able to eat without experiencing pain or brain swelling.

“Why people have gotten upset is, he doesn’t seem to represent, understand or have great sympathy for all the people who are truly, deeply affected in a way that he isn’t,” said Jonathan Shestack, a co-founder of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, whose mission is to help finance research to find a cure.

It is ridiculous to say that Asperger's and HF autism should not remain on the spectrum. The fact that so many parents here have children with both asperger's and autism should tell you that it IS the same but at different degrees of functioning. Not to mention, many kids with HF autism started out as affected as the lower functioning kids and, for whatever reasons, got better.

Should we tell all those kids that are doing so much better that they get tossed out simply because they improved?

My son, like Henderson's, cried to me as well knowing he was different and didn't want to be. But he looked just like yours when he was 2 years old, and 3 years old and so on. He got better as time went on and for that I am grateful. But reading the criteria of autism...he fits it too. Does it look different than a more affected child? Of course. But that doesn't mean it isn't autism anymore.

There are many degrees to many illnesses and disabilities. Cerebral Palsy may leave someone in a wheelchair. Others may be able to walk with a brace or a walker of some type. Because the one who can speak and walk and enjoy life make it less cerebral palsy? No. It just means they were more fortunate.

My son wanted to get better. Mostly though, he does want acceptance. It doesn't surprise me that many people who have Asperger's want that, nor does it surprise me that they argue for the neurodiversity group. They lack experience with more affected kids.

I can understand the concerns people have with this man's appointment and I fully support airing those concerns. But, let's try to remember that some of these HF people fighting "their" fight are on the spectrum and, therefore, perhaps don't have the insight or ability to empathize with your situation (DUH). But that should not open to door to calling them names like "wacko" or "insignificant little turd" because their opinion, formed by an autistic mind, doesn't agree with yours. Especially at the same time as apologizing to parents of high functioning kids who have to fight that exact type of bullying our children regularly endure.

Argue the points. But leave the insults out of it. Frankly, there is nothing more upsetting to me than the thought my HF child may have to endure further insults as he gets older, particularly from a parent of a child with autism.

I really find it offensive the remarks that have been made about Ari (the ones calling him a turd, wacko and the like). Just because you many not agree with neurodiversity or acceptance does not make those who do believe in those values mentally ill. Name calling doesn't help the Autism community. Shame on all of you, instead of trying to thwart Ari's nomination you should be celebrating that there will be an Autistic voice serving on the NCD. Wow.. I'm surprised that you all didn't object heavily to John Elder Robison's joining the Autism Speaks Board. According to your way of looking at Ari and Temple, Robison is not the right flavor of Autism either. Oh wait, he's now somewhat affiliated with your group so he's okay because maybe you think he agrees with you. Guess what- he's for acceptance and for services and supports just like Ari.

Ari has never said he's against treatments that will make life easier for those on the Autism Spectrum, he's just pointing out something you all don't want to hear and that is: just because you may think your child has become "normalized" he's still Autistic, he's just been given the tools to be able to function. We should be focusing our research $ in that direction rather than the elusive cure you're all seeking.

I would like to reiterate, word for word what Amy said above:

"Dislike! Ari is not 'anti cure' he's anti throw millions of dollars into research of autism while our kids suffer from abuse by society!

Besides this, the NDC has no say in how funds are spent.

This is just pure venom by those who think our kids needs to be eradicated. Shame on anyone who thinks their kids are better than others. Shame!"

Ari is not anti-treatment or for anti-normalizing which so many of you claim he is- he is for putting money into making sure that the services and supports are in place for all of our children, whether they be the Asperger's flavor of Autism or the more severely affected flavor of autism. Ari can speak better for your children than you can because in spite of your insistence that he has no idea what it is really like to be autistic, he does because Aspergers does indeed share the core characteristics of autism, only to a different degree. He's Autistic, and Autistics should be having a voice.

You all should be celebrating that there has finally been a person with an ASD nominated to the NCD instead of blocking his appointment. Getting the voices of our Autistics heard in as many places as possible is important.

Am I misunderstanding what Ari is desiring? A test so that children with Autism can be destroyed in the womb? How is that advocating for kids with Autism/Asperger's syndrome?
Please tell me I misunderstood what was printed.

Henderson? How sad that your child is crying about being "different'. We are all different and that is part of the beauty in this world. We are all different. Help your child to not be ashamed of his differences that make him unique.

If Ari Ne'eman is the representative of the Autism crisis then there would not really be a crisis. To those who are not part of the autism community or have an understanding of what is truly happening, the nomination of Ari Ne'eman as the representative of the Autism epidemic cast an entirely different picture of the problem. What's the big deal...he can communicate well, live independently and become a tax paying citizen of society...why he's even a sharp dresser! Since you can't really make the real problem go away, let's just make it look good. I have one of each and they are worlds apart...I am not nearly as worried about my son with Aspergers, however my daughter's autism diagnosis keeps me busy 24/7 with no option to be sick, tired or done. Ari you may represent my son well but you don't have a clue about the real problem and the real problem is what will bring us to our knees no matter how good you make it look.

I have Non-Verbal Learning Disability, which is similar to Asperger's. My son has moderate Autism. His development was stalled for 3 years, and he has made leaps due to EEG Neurofeedback. In 3 months my son has gone from an aggressive, minimally verbal, incontinent 7 year old to a toilet trained child who engages in pretend play for the first time in his life. He now asks and answers questions and if things continue at this pace he will move into the HFA category before long. Would Ari disagree with this treatment because it makes my son "less Autistic"? Seriously, this is an honest question? Are many of the problems between parents and ND really just a matter of semantics?

Quit whining about Ari already. So, he has Aspergers' and not classic autism as his dx. So, he is not a "cure" person stuck on research for causes, cures and preventions like Age if Autism is.
You say you are for treatment and progress- SO IS HE. Aren't we all?
So what is your real problem with Ari's appointment? I would love some real and raw honesty here so we can quit the inner bickering and get some real progress made already. Is that not on your agenda?

I honestly can't believe this insignificant little turd has come as far as he has. My guess is he's had some silent partners in his rise to the podium, with dubious intentions.

Honestly, and no offense to those that have children with Asperger's, but there needs to be a clear and defined separation between the two dx's.

There is no value in have a group that might miss a few social cues being lumped in with people who cannot speak, wear diapers, or require 24x7 care. In fact, to consider the two as being under the same umbrella is harmful to BOTH sides.

Asperger's needs to be removed from the autism spectrum.

Why? Because people (outsiders) just don't know the difference.

It's like saying that pneumonia and the common cold are varying degrees of the same thing. We know that's true, because they're both respiratory issues, but most if not all people KNOW the two are definitely not in the same class.

The same cannot be said for Asperger's and classic autism.

I don't want these people speaking for my son, and to be honest, want them as far away from him as possible. That includes Ari, Temple, and all the rest of them. No matter what they have to say, I just don't want to hear it because it has nothing to do with my son and his issues.

If they want to speak for children with autism so badly, they should procreate, vaccinate, and hope for the "best". Stay away from my child.

Excellent points, Kim. I wish it was John Robison that got nominated to the council.