San Francisco Chronicle

Recently I wrote about the meeting about Autism Speaks' "world's first Autism Investment Conference," held on Feb 22, 2013.

AS medical expert, Dr. Geraldine Dawson, was excited about all the investment and profit potential from the autism epidemic.

Dawson announced, "There is a great need for new products."

And here on the San Francisco Chronicle website, we see a great example of just what industry can come up with...starting at $232.15. 

"Weighted Wearables develops, designs and manufactures weighted adaptive products that facilitate proprioceptive feedback, increase attention span and postural stability, and organize arousal levels for learning. Suited for children and adults with various sensory integration issues, these weighted products are often beneficial therapy for autism, ADD, ADHD, PDD, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy."

Fox News

 Please notice that at the same time news stories are saying that another study shows vaccines don't cause autism, we're told about a "potential pandemic."

Floyd County Times

"In April 2010, Kentucky House Bill 159, a bill designed to provide more intensive treatment and care to Kentucky children with autism spectrum disorder, was signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear. The landmark bill required large group and state-employee insurance policies to provide an annual amount of coverage of $50,000 to children between the ages of 0 and 6, as well as $12,000 of annual coverage to children ages 7 to 21.

"Two years later, however, parents are still struggling to get the care they need, because large group insurance providers are not following the state mandate."

And next month, when the DSM changes, insurance companies will have more reasons to cut out coverage for kids with autism.

Salem (MA) Gazette

"They are bright and talented students, warm and loving friends, and with support and acceptance can be fully integrated and productive members of society. They are the individuals on the autism spectrum, and they have a voice in Salem.

"Though according to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as one in 88 children are diagnosed with autism every year, much is still unknown about the condition. Individuals on the autism spectrum have different or heightened perceptions of certain sounds and textures, which can result in behaviors that others do not recognize or characterize as abnormal."

"Though some individuals on the autism spectrum never attain independence or develop full communication, others - particularly those who receive extensive early intervention, and those fortunate enough to find love and acceptance - go on to lead full lives. Famous people on the autism spectrum include actress Daryl Hannah and Temple Grandin, an animal-rights advocate and designer of ethical cattle slaughterhouses. Grandin was portrayed in an HBO film by Claire Danes."

National Geographic 

"Conspiracy theories are as American as apple pie. A national poll released this week by Public Policy Polling (PPP) found that some popular conspiracy theories in the United States have persisted for years, like the belief that a UFO crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947.

"Meanwhile, new theories have gained believers, such as the ideas that Saddam Hussein was involved in the 9/11 attacks and that Osama bin Laden is still alive.

"Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the ideas in the new poll are based on a misunderstanding of science—or a stubborn refusal to acknowledge it."

"Some 20 percent believe childhood vaccines are linked to autism. These voters believe that childhood vaccines against mumps and other diseases could increase the risk of developing autism.

"Reality Check: A recent government study confirmed what many scientists have been saying all along: There is no connection between the number of vaccines a child receives and his or her risk of developing autism."

Nat'l Geographic is failing to do what's in the headline: "Fact checking..." Check the facts. Look at who did the studies.  Don't be duped by those trying to cover up the health care nightmare they've created.

Fox 4 Kansas City, KS 

"The new numbers on autism in America are astounding. One in 50 school-aged kids has an autism spectrum disorder. The warnings signs usually appear long, long before a child reaches school age. Experts say autism can generally be diagnosed as early as 18 months, and if the characteristics are really strong, it can be as early as 12 months.

"So what are some of the early possible signs? The baby doesn't bring his or her hands to the mouth, doesn't smile or respond to loud sounds or doesn't watch things as they move."

Anchor #1: "Pretty astounding! One in 50 school aged kids now has an autism spectrum disorder."

Anchor #2: "I thought it was one in 88."

Anchor #1 "Used to be."

Anchor #2: "Wow."

The numbers really don't matter.  No one is asking WHY.