Welcome Natalie Palumbo Newest Contributing Editor to Age of Autism
We’re happy to announce a really terrific addition to the list of contributing editors on Age of Autism. Joining us is Natalie Palumbo, 17, from Lexington SC, the sister of a 21 year old young man, Anthony, who has autism. Natalie was recently interviewed about her life with Anthony for Age of Autism. She is a tremendous advocate for her brother and acknowledged the responsibility she's chosen to embrace when she and her brother are adults. This is an increasingly important perspective for us to highlight at Age of Autism. Natalie is the face of the future when countless thousands of siblings will have to be there for family members who can’t speak for themselves. Please welcome Natalie! -- Dan Olmsted
I am tearing up because I am the part-time nanny to a dear friend with fraternal 2yr old twins, the boy ASD, the girl a very bright and vivacious NT. This could be an age projection of them, both physically and situationally. My heart swells but is also profoundly sad.
Posted by: Joy B. | May 01, 2012 at 12:24 AM
Congrats Natalie !!!
We have seen quite a collection of "Autism moms and dads" on the AoA site,
however it will someday be the "sisters and brothers" who carry the responsibility for these children who will no longer be children.
Posted by: cmo | April 30, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Welcome Natalie! I was impressed by your insight and the compassion in your interview responses. I'm sure you will bring a valuable perspective here.
Posted by: Jeannette Bishop | April 30, 2012 at 12:18 PM
Welcome Natalie! I wish your next project concerning the media and how they portray autism as compared to the reality, all the best of luck. A great idea. Wish you would just take a sneaky look at what the National Health Service in the UK - the NHS as we call it - has to say about the safety of MMR. I Googled it only today, found it quite scary. They have a long list of links to all the mainstream media in this country all with articles about just how safe it is!
Posted by: Patricia | April 30, 2012 at 11:25 AM
The word is getting out. Here's more about Natalie.
http://lexington-sc.patch.com/articles/lexington-student-advocates-for-autistic-adults#photo-9745656
The words "Not Born This Way" are riveting.
Anne Dachel, Media
Posted by: Anne Dachel | April 30, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Wonderful addition to the team. Welcome Natalie!
Posted by: Josh Day | April 30, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Fantastic! I'm sure that Natalie will make a tremendous difference as a young editor with a lifetime of experience with autism. Congratulations!
Posted by: Monika Clark | April 30, 2012 at 09:42 AM
Welcome Natalie. I am in North Augusta, SC. SC lacks advocates for autism big time-especially when it comes to the legislature. Looking forward to speaking with you in the near future.
Maurine Meleck
Posted by: maurine meleck | April 30, 2012 at 08:56 AM
"The counter campaigns against a cure for autism breaks my heart. They believe their high functioning status in the spectrum defines the condition. It would be like focusing on only the mildest forms of any illness, condition, or disease because they seem more media friendly, and ignore the fate of those more intensely affected. It would be shameful for its neglect. If you can argue against a cure, you obviously don't need one. For those who can't fight for themselves, they need us to never give up."
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Welcome Natalie! :)
Posted by: Jeanne | April 30, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Welcome, Natalie!
You'll be a role model for many, I'm afraid, whether you like it or not.
Posted by: Terri Lewis | April 30, 2012 at 08:26 AM
Welcome, Natalie! Wish every single one of our kids had a sister like you!
Posted by: Donna L. | April 30, 2012 at 08:26 AM
Natalie
Welcome!
John
Posted by: John Stone | April 30, 2012 at 07:31 AM
Welcome Natalie!
Posted by: Benedetta | April 30, 2012 at 07:16 AM
Great news. I felt like I learned a little more about autism, when Natalie described her brother. Even though I "know everything about autism" already.
I was just very impressed with her interview. Welcome Natalie!
Posted by: Willa | April 30, 2012 at 06:52 AM