A Sad Announcement from Age of Autism
We are heartbroken to announce that our dear friend, our brilliant colleague, journalist par excellence, dedicated book co-author, the heart, soul and leader of our "rebel alliance," Dan Olmsted, passed away this weekend.
Age of Autism has been a family for many years, and to all of you, we send our condolences, as we are grateful for yours.
We will share more information as it becomes available. And the rebel alliance will carry on in his name, we assure you.
Mark Blaxill, Kim Stagliano and the entire Age of Autism Team
I considered Dan a friend, a mentor, and someone that could lift you up from the deepest despair. I swear he never forgot a single word you had said to him ever no matter how many years had passed and that is a rare talent. He told my story in his column way back in 2003-04? and we have stayed in touch ever since. I was always shocked that a reporter of his caliber ever asked "my opinion" on things. He especially encouraged me to keep writing which was the greatest compliment of all. I am at a loss for words and there is a hole in my heart. What a man, what a hero, what a loss!
Posted by: Kendra | January 23, 2017 at 08:17 PM
...So sorry & sad. Sending prayers to the families / especially Kim & Mark and to all those who knew him well.
We now have even more help from above.
Posted by: go Trump | January 23, 2017 at 08:14 PM
Such a tremendous loss. My heart breaks for his family and this growing community. His wisdom and understanding of the issues was breathtaking. RIP
Posted by: Cinda Nichols | January 23, 2017 at 08:11 PM
So sorry - huge loss.
Posted by: Scott H from canada | January 23, 2017 at 08:08 PM
Dan, you touched many lives and made an impact on the world. A life well lived.
Posted by: Karen McDonough | January 23, 2017 at 08:06 PM
I am greatly saddened to hear this news. I never met him but have come to this site regularly since shortly after it launched. I also read his book. His work has influenced my thinking profoundly. I really can't believe this. I feel like there were so few truly good souls out there making a big difference on such an incredibly important issue. We couldn't afford to lose even one. Yet now we have.
My only very small consolation is knowing that Dan lived to see RFK Jr. summoned to meet with the president-elect and talk about creating a vaccine safety commission.
I heard a priest once say that God calls us when our most important work here on Earth is done. Maybe Dan's most important work was done.
Still, I feel incredibly sad.
Posted by: Lisa | January 23, 2017 at 08:05 PM
Sorry for your loss. I was getting to know him by here and Facebook and what I see he was a great, hard-working advocate for you and your Age of Autism and Canary Party teams! Why are all the good guys going? 😥😥
Posted by: SusanE | January 23, 2017 at 08:05 PM
Dan gave his life for this cause. He spent the best years of it doing this for little reward other than seeing the cause moved forward, seeing children spared, giving voices to many of us in an era of pretty terrifying silence.
I was thinking there must be a mathematical formula for how much grief each person he knew is experiencing right now. So those of us who knew him through this work, through the cause, must offer condolences to those who were closer to him, his family and loved ones or those who worked longer or more intensely with him. But it's hard because we're all doing it through tears of our own. The longer one knew him, the kinder he became and the more he left behind to amplify the sense of loss of the man himself. You can't say that about everyone but that was Dan.
Rest in peace, dear Dan. And deepest condolences to all who loved him.
Posted by: Adriana | January 23, 2017 at 08:05 PM
My deepest condolences to Dan's family and all those who loved him.
Posted by: Rhonda Apollo | January 23, 2017 at 08:03 PM
Prayers for peace for Dan's family and friends. I am so saddened. I've always been grateful that he saw our needs for information and understanding and means to communicate what is happening to our children his "story of a lifetime!"
http://www.ageofautism.com/2007/11/welcome-to-the-.html
Posted by: Jeannette Bishop | January 23, 2017 at 07:56 PM
Dan, you were a hero. I hope I can be half as brave and make half the impact you did. It's clear from your work you were a uniquely special human being. I can't thank you enough.
Posted by: Mary | January 23, 2017 at 07:54 PM
What a tragic loss to all of us in the autism community. Dan was an inspiration to me and I will surely miss him and his brilliant writing. Watch over us Dan as I know you will in our continuing fight for a cure.
Posted by: Gayle | January 23, 2017 at 07:48 PM
Such sad and shocking news. Condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by: Renee | January 23, 2017 at 07:41 PM
I am so sad. Dan's tireless search for an end to the age of autism was inspirational, and his profound influence will live on. My deepest condolences.
Posted by: Scott Laster | January 23, 2017 at 07:35 PM
Condolences to his family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Condolences to his work mates, and team mates on this site; I am so sorry for your loss.
Condolences to every one here on this site, that reads him. I am so sorry for your lose.
Oh, God what a blessing he is to us - was - It is just too much.
Posted by: Benedetta | January 23, 2017 at 07:34 PM
Dan had no skin in the game, YET, he chose to enter the fray...and the autism world was never the same.
Dan researched. He investigated. He wrote. He spoke. And he revealed many truths that might not have been revealed when they were, or ever even seen the light of day, were it not for Dan.
Dan took much criticism over the years, as does anyone who reveals the heinous truths about what is being done to children, and their families, and to people of all ages, via vaccines. He could have moved on from this cause, YET, he didn't. He stuck it out, and took the criticism from the ignorant, arrogant, and often corrupt vaccine profiteers without flinching. He did it for our kids. He did it for kids not yet born. He did it because it needed to be done.
Dan was a champion of and a friend to the autism community. He was part of it, in the family kind of way, even though he did not have a child of his own with autism.
Dan, I enjoyed our communications in the past few years, and will miss them. More importantly, I will miss you, and all that you did, day in and day out, to bring voice to our cause, and to stop the Age of Autism in its tracks.
Thank you, Dan, you will be regarded and remembered as a hero.
Posted by: Laura Hayes | January 23, 2017 at 07:26 PM
May Dan find a way to lean across the worldly gap and whisper into ears, like a Dickensonian tour guide of transgressions-past, to chastise and awaken the many whom were beyond the reach of his compelling words, compassionate example, and eminently sound scientific citations. Like so many, I will miss Dan's savy and incisive works. Godspeed and good night from Florida.
Posted by: LizP | January 23, 2017 at 07:25 PM
A true loss for our community. His work impacted so many lives. Prayers for his family, friends and everyone who loved him or his work.
Posted by: Crystal | January 23, 2017 at 07:22 PM
Words? Fail. This just hurts. He was a bright light.
Posted by: Louise Kuo Habakus | January 23, 2017 at 07:13 PM
I didn't know him well but my condolences to the family and AoA on this horrid loss. God
Bless.
Posted by: Joe Gooding | January 23, 2017 at 07:08 PM
A shock for all of us who have followed him for so many years. A terrible loss for his family, friends and
the Age of Autism. I am struck by the memory of what he wrote on AOA at the end of 2016 about the death of his sister and others.God Bless, Dan RIP.
Maurine
Posted by: Maurine Meleck | January 23, 2017 at 07:08 PM
Dan sought the truth, found it and wrote about it, the way a true journalist should.
I learned so much from him. My children are healthier because of his work. Many children are safer.
Dan was gentleman and he will be profoundly missed.
Thank you, Dan.
Posted by: Louis Conte | January 23, 2017 at 07:06 PM
After meeting Dan at an Autism One conference we exchanged several emails and phone calls. He was an honest and articulate journalist, a warrior for children's health, and just a very decent human being. This is a such a sad loss for Dan's family, his friends, and all of his readers. I am so sorry.
Posted by: Jim Thompson | January 23, 2017 at 06:58 PM
So sad. Such a brilliant man. Condolences and prayers to family and friends.
Posted by: Jenny Allan | January 23, 2017 at 06:57 PM
Such sad news! Thank you for fighting to get the truth out, Dan. You will be greatly missed. RIP
Posted by: ATSC | January 23, 2017 at 06:55 PM
Dan is a giant in our community and a true inspiration! His loss will affect so many. It certainly affects me. I'm so sorry to the entire AOA team and to Dan's family for this tragedy.
From Australia where his name is well known!
Posted by: Meryl Dorey | January 23, 2017 at 06:50 PM
Dan was one of the most loving and thoughtful men I have ever known. Ideed, he will be greatly missed. Brother-in-law Dick.
Posted by: Dick Augspurger | January 23, 2017 at 06:49 PM
So shocked to hear this.
Sending love to our extended family.
Tim and Laura Kasemodel
Posted by: Tim Kasemodel | January 23, 2017 at 06:46 PM
Dan was a great reporter with a kind and generous soul. His work will live on.
Posted by: Barbara Fischkin | January 23, 2017 at 06:41 PM
OMG. This is beyond terrible. Heart-breaking for us all.
Posted by: Sandy Gottstein | January 23, 2017 at 06:40 PM
Rest in peace Dan, you deserve it. You're a hero in so many eyes. Your legacy will not be forgotten. Fly with the angels sweet man.
Posted by: Sherri | January 23, 2017 at 06:38 PM
Noooooo!!!!!! I remember he was the first person I communicated with when I found this site about 10 or so years ago. I am so sad. He was a treasure. Godspeed Dan! You will be missed but not forgotten.
Posted by: jen | January 23, 2017 at 06:33 PM
I am so sad. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Posted by: Laura | January 23, 2017 at 06:32 PM
My friend, my colleague, and the most fearless journalist I have ever known. I am devastated. My condolences to your husband, family, and thousands of friends and admirers around the world, which has just become a bit darker. Go, stir the pot and rake the muck on the other side. Listen to the pipes, and stay forever in our hearts.
Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling.
From glen to glen and down the mountain side.
The summer's gone, and all the roses falling.
It's you, It's you, must go, and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow.
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow.
I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so.
But if you come, and all the flowers are dying,
And I am dead, as dead I well may be.
You'll come and find the place where I am lying.
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.
And I will know, tho' soft ye tread above me
And then my grave will richer, sweeter be.
And you'll bend down and tell me that you love me
And I will rest in peace until you come to me.
Posted by: David Kirby | January 23, 2017 at 06:30 PM
Beyond belief sad. I am so sorry.
Posted by: Patience (Eileen Nicole) Simon | January 23, 2017 at 06:27 PM
Just a totally sucky thing to happen to a great man and his family. I am beside myself with sadness. It was his journalistic integrity that swayed my husband and I away from vaccination altogether. We will be forever grateful for his tireless efforts to solve the so called, 'mysteries' of autism, aka, gut and brain injury. Thank you, Dan. RIP.
Posted by: Debbie Voss | January 23, 2017 at 06:27 PM
What a terrible shock. He was such a fine man who gave many gifts, who made the world a better place.
Posted by: Gary Ogden | January 23, 2017 at 06:24 PM
I'm in shock and mourning. Oh no. Dan's voice has kept me sane for ten years. One of my few true heroes. So true, insightful, honest, articulate, funny, gentle. Go softly with God's love, Dan. You have given us so much.
Posted by: Anna Quandt | January 23, 2017 at 06:21 PM
Dan, you touched the hearts of many. It's unimaginable the ways you will be missed. Thank you for everything.
Posted by: Becky Estepp | January 23, 2017 at 06:21 PM
Sending my deepest sympathy's, to his family & close' friend's, he will be deeply missed by many . Honorable Man and Advocate for all of us in the Autism Community' .. RIP Dan ...
Posted by: Janice Morenzone | January 23, 2017 at 06:20 PM
So sad to hear this great man is no longer with us.
Posted by: Beth Secosky | January 23, 2017 at 06:19 PM
My deepest condolences. This news is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family, friends and colleagues. He will be deeply missed and his legacy will continue to inspire many of us to continue the fight.
Lujene G. Clark, MA, LMT, MLD/C
Posted by: Lujene Clark | January 23, 2017 at 06:16 PM
Shocked and saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. A true autism warrior.
Posted by: ChrissyD | January 23, 2017 at 06:11 PM
Shocked! So very sad to hear this. The world has lost someone who was a great journalist, humanitarian and warrior for autism. God Bless his family and close friends during this difficult and heartbreaking time.
Posted by: Christina S. | January 23, 2017 at 06:11 PM
I am so saddened by this bad news. I have never met him, but feel like I've lost a very close family member. In some way he is. Condolences to his family.
Posted by: LNR | January 23, 2017 at 06:10 PM
The world has lost one of its greatest heroes! He will be dearly missed. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones and everyone at AoA.
Posted by: annie | January 23, 2017 at 06:05 PM
As a journalist, he devoted his life to getting the truth out, unintimidated by relentless official hostility. And now this, at the moment when he had finally broken through the wall of silence. Our condolences to all his friends and loved ones.
Posted by: Jonathan Rose and Gayle DeLong | January 23, 2017 at 06:04 PM
I don't know what to say, other than that I am so sorry for our entire community and particulary for all who knew him, loved him, and worked with him personally. This is a great and tragic loss. RIP, Mr. Olmstead. I am very sorry that you died so young. This is so very sad.
Posted by: Someone | January 23, 2017 at 06:03 PM
So very sorry to hear such a sad news. The entire autism community will miss Dan. What a tragic news!!!!
Posted by: Albert Enayati | January 23, 2017 at 05:59 PM
This is so sad. I had the privilege of meeting Dan at an autism conference a few years ago. He fought unceasingly for children with autism. He will be missed.
Posted by: Jennifer Hutchinson | January 23, 2017 at 05:59 PM
Rest In Peace. Very sad
Posted by: Mari Graves | January 23, 2017 at 05:58 PM
A friend just literally emailed me about this. I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. Will be keeping Dan's family/friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Bayareamom | January 23, 2017 at 05:58 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this terrible, terrible news. Thinking of all of you at Age of Autism. His work and his words touched so many people's lives.
Posted by: Jennifer Margulis, Ph.D. | January 23, 2017 at 05:55 PM
How can this be??? Omgosh How can it be??
Posted by: KFuller | January 23, 2017 at 05:55 PM
So shocked and saddened! What a blessing his work has been. I am so grateful for him and his insightful writing. Prayers to all who loved him.
Posted by: Bridget | January 23, 2017 at 05:52 PM
Dan Olmsted was my mentor, encourager, and friend. He sent me the final chapter of "Autism Epidemic Denial" on the 19th, just before the weekend. Last words from the book: "We cannot afford an unchecked autism epidemic. We must not accept the brutal injuries that have driven it. We have an obligation to end the epidemic and to put the Age of Autism in the rear view mirror."
Stay with me in spirit, Dan, and I will stay with you.
Posted by: Dan Burns | January 23, 2017 at 05:51 PM
So very sorry to hear this. Dan will be missed.
Posted by: Maria | January 23, 2017 at 05:50 PM
I am beyond heartbroken, for his family and our entire autism community. Such a beautiful man, with a huge heart and intense passion for truth. A very tragic day for us all... forever grateful for his amazing efforts.
Posted by: Honey | January 23, 2017 at 05:46 PM
I am at a loss for words. RIP Dan. You are missed.
Posted by: George Mead | January 23, 2017 at 05:46 PM
This news is heartbreaking. Dan is a special one of a kind community member who fought for our kids and had dedication like no other. I am so sad and heartbroken. Sending love to his family and friends. We love you Dan.
Posted by: Lisa@TACA | January 23, 2017 at 05:42 PM
At a complete loss for words to express my sadness on losing Dan .. a man I had the greatest admiration and respect for .. RIP my friend.
Posted by: Bob Moffit | January 23, 2017 at 05:41 PM
So sad to hear.
Posted by: Jane Tallman | January 23, 2017 at 05:38 PM
Shocked and saddened by this news. Forever grateful for him fighting the fight.
Posted by: 4Bobby | January 23, 2017 at 05:37 PM
One of the brightest lights has gone out. I will never be able to express how sad this is. RIP Sir. Prayers for all your loved ones.
Posted by: Wendy Frye | January 23, 2017 at 05:35 PM
Such a sweet, compassionate, kind, loving and brilliant man. Prayers for grace and strength for his husband, family and thousands of friends who love him. Rest peacefully, Dan.
Posted by: Wendy Fournier | January 23, 2017 at 05:34 PM
We have all lost a GIANT
Rest in Peace Dan. You will be thoroughly missed.
Posted by: Ed Yazbak | January 23, 2017 at 05:32 PM
Shocked would be an understatement. What an incredible loss. You were a genuine person and brave enough to take this all on with grace and strength - not to mention your sharp wit. You will be missed tremendously. RIP Dan - you were quite the warrior and we were so lucky to have you in our corner.
Posted by: Sonja | January 23, 2017 at 05:31 PM
Praying for his family. So shocked right now.
Posted by: Jeff | January 23, 2017 at 05:31 PM
I can't believe it. He was still relatively young and seemingly vital. What happened?
RIP, Dan.
We will miss you very much. You were the heart of AOA and will remain in pour hearts.
Posted by: no-vac | January 23, 2017 at 05:30 PM
Stunning news about a wonderful human being, great mind, fantastic researcher with few peers who could match his breadth of work and detail. I had the pleasure of meeting Dan once with Mark 7 years ago, when they conducted a tour on their remarkable book on the 500-year history of "Mercury."
Over the past year and a half, I reached out to Dan on several occasions when I needed insight or a link or feedback on my Poul Thorsen research, or the under-vaccinated Amish community, or his fantastic anthology on the history of Polio, its vaccines, over the past 125 years. That should be turned into a book, as it's an eye opener on so many levels.
I just spoke with Mark, who informed me that he and Dan just completed their new book, "Denial" a counterweight to the "In a Different Key" nonsense from 2016. And that reminded me of the great story of Marathon, Ancient Greece, when the teenage boy/scout ran the marathon across uneven ground back to his city to announce winning the war: "Nike!" Victory!
Nike! to Dan Olmstead for crossing that finish line to announce his Victory in finishing that next great and important book. I will do everything I can to help Mark and the ASD community make sure that book is a Nike! success.
Posted by: James Grundvig | January 23, 2017 at 05:30 PM
This man made a difference, and we will all be forever grateful. He will be deeply missed.
Posted by: Mary Southon | January 23, 2017 at 05:29 PM
I am shocked as well. What a guy!!! I am so sorry for everyone who knew and loved him, he will not be forgotten for all he has done for our kids.
Posted by: Meg | January 23, 2017 at 05:28 PM
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Dan's passing. I've been an admirer of his writing and reporting on all things autism at AOA for many years. Sending condolences to his friends, family and colleagues.
Posted by: Lisa Thompson | January 23, 2017 at 05:26 PM
I'm speechless. I am so sorry for your loss, to all at aoa and his family. Just shocked.
Posted by: Carter's Daddy | January 23, 2017 at 05:24 PM
:'(
Posted by: Deb S. | January 23, 2017 at 05:24 PM
I, too, am heartbroken. I first met Dan about 6 years ago when I had the privilege of giving him a tour of nonPareil Institute. We were just barely open, but trying our darndest to change the future for adults with autism. He was always so supportive of the autism community, as well as all of us, parents and providers, trying to do whatever we can to help people with autism.
His clear writing style and his singular focus were unparalleled. Oh, he will be missed! My condolences to all of you who knew Dan well.
Posted by: Vicki Hill | January 23, 2017 at 05:24 PM
condolences.
his contributions to humanity is his legacy.
he is missed.
Posted by: Ottoschnaut | January 23, 2017 at 05:20 PM
I am heartbroken.
Posted by: Ginger Taylor | January 23, 2017 at 05:20 PM
I am so saddened to read this! My heart goes out to his family.
Posted by: AnneJ | January 23, 2017 at 05:18 PM
Oh my God. I'm so sorry Kim and everyone at AOA. What a loss for our community. Rest in Peace Dan. You will be missed.
Posted by: Andrea | January 23, 2017 at 05:14 PM