Jonathan Howard Runs The Dream and Raises Autism Awareness in Ottawa

Jonathan Howard Meets Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion
Photo from Run the Dream - Jonathan's Blog

Jonathan Howard Runs the Dream across Canada to raise funds to support people with autism and raise autism awareness. He began in March in St. John's, Newfoundland and hit Fredericton, New Brunswick where I met him on June 5. I had the opportunity to talk with Jonathan at that time and I was very impressed. He is a sincere and dedicated young man of 24 who has committed the better part of a year of his life to help people with autism.

Jonathan has met, and raised autism awareness, with provincial premiers along the way. This week, as detailed in his hometown journal, The Mississauga News, Jonathan arrived at Ottawa where he was joined on his run by Kathleen Provost, executive director, Autism Society Canada, and Senator Jim Munson. Jonathan also met with federal Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion. Jonathan reports on his blog that he had extended an invitation to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Jonathan, very diplomatically, states:

For those wondering- What about the Prime Minister Stephen Harper? The invitation was sent a week ago and I am still awaiting a response. Lets Hope!

Far be it from me to challenge Jonathan in the Hope department. If anyone can get Mr. Harper to wake up to the realities of autism in Canada it just might be him.

Keep up the good work Jonathan!

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Senator Jim MunsonTables Bill To Recognize World Autism Awareness Day

SENATOR JIM MUNSON TABLES BILL TO RECOGNIZE WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

OTTAWA, June 10, 2008 – The Honourable Jim Munson, Senator ( Ottawa – Rideau Canal ), today introduced a bill to recognize April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. By recognizing World Autism Awareness Day, Canada will join 192 other United Nations members who agreed that such a day would bring autism, a neurological disorder that affects an increasing number of families around the world, to the attention of all.

“By recognizing World Autism Awareness Day we are saying to families with autism: You are not alone. We care,” said Senator Munson. Autism affects one in 165 Canadian families and there is no known cure. The number of Canadians diagnosed with autism has grown by 150% in the last six years and there is no national strategy to address the growing problem. “World Autism Awareness Day will draw the attention of citizens to the plight of the many families, in Canada and around the world, who are affected by autism,” said Senator Donald Oliver, seconder of the bill. Worldwide, autism affects more children than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

For more information, please contact: The Honourable Jim Munson
Senator ( Ottawa – Rideau Canal )
Tel: (613) 947-2504

The Honourable Donald Oliver
Senator ( Nova Scotia )
Tel: (613) 943-1445

LE SÉNATEUR JIM MUNSON DÉPOSE UN PROJET DE LOI VISANT À RECONNAÎTRE LA JOURNÉE MONDIALE DE SENSIBILISATION À L’AUTISME

OTTAWA, le 10 juin 2008 – Aujourd’hui, l'honorable sénateur Jim Munson (Ottawa / Canal Rideau) a déposé un projet de loi visant à faire reconnaître le 2 avril comme la Journée mondiale de sensibilisation à l'autisme. En reconnaissant cette journée, le Canada se joindra aux 192 autres membres des Nations Unies qui ont accepté de faire que cette journée attire l’attention de tous sur l'autisme, un trouble neurologique qui continue de toucher un nombre croissant de familles de partout au monde.

« En reconnaissant la Journée mondiale de sensibilisation à l’autisme, nous disons aux familles aux prises avec l'autisme : Vous n'êtes pas seules. Nous nous préoccupons de vous », a déclaré le sénateur Munson. L'autisme, qui est incurable, est un problème pour une famille canadienne sur 165. Au cours des six dernières années, le nombre de Canadiens ayant reçu un diagnostic d'autisme a augmenté de 150 %, et il n'y a pas de stratégie nationale pour combattre ce fléau sans cesse croissant. « La Journée mondiale de sensibilisation à l’autisme attirera l'attention des citoyens sur le sort des nombreuses familles du Canada et d’ailleurs touchées par l'autisme », a affirmé le sénateur Donald Oliver, qui a appuyé le projet de loi. Dans le monde, l'autisme touche plus d'enfants que le cancer, le diabète et le sida réunis.

L’honorable Jim Munson
Sénateur (Ottawa / Canal Rideau)\
Tél. : 613-947-250

L’honorable Donald Oliver
Sénateur (Nouvelle-Écosse)
Tél. : 613-943-1445

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Autism Awareness: Run the Dream in Fredericton on June 5, 2008

Jonathon Howard will soon be in Fredericton.

Jonathon is raising awareness of autism across Canada, and raising funds for children's charities supporting autism, by running across the country, beginning on March 25 when he dipped his toe in the waters at St. John's Newfoundland. On June 5, 2008 from 7 to 9:30 he will be at the Delta Fredericton for an event which will feature "Their Stories", online video interviews of family members, caregivers, and persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders who share their personal stories of living with autism.

Keynote speakers will include Brian Rimpilainen of Fredericton. Brian is the Autism Society New Brunswick representative with the Autism Society Canada and he has worked tirelessly toward development of a National Autism Strategy and inclusion of Autism in Medicare. He will be running with Jonathon from Oromocto to Fredericton on June 2. The evening at the Delta Fredericton will be filled with music by Steve Waylon and Rebel Ridge, Cathy Hutch and BJ McKelvie. Cathy and BJ will be performing their autism song "I'm In Here".

In New Brunswick we have accomplished much with hope - and with hard, focused, work. Our focus has been on ensuring that autistic children in New Brunswick receive evidence based interventions and education both preschool and during the school years. Much has been accomplished although much remains to be done. Adult care for persons with autism in New Brunswick is abysmal and requires a massive overhaul. Efforts to provide decent residential care for autistic adults in New Brunswick will be successful only with hard, focused, work and determination. And with hope. Jonathon Howard's Run the Dream spreads the message of hope for persons with autism and those who love and care for them and hope is invaluable in fueling our efforts to make gains for autistic persons as preschoolers, students and adults.

Although I was aware of Jonathon Howard's Run the Dream since he began in late March the impact of what he was doing to raise autism awareness in Canada did not hit me until I spoke at the Medicare for Autism NOW! event in Oakville, Ontario on April 19. I had the privilege of meeting Norah Whitney, president of FEAT Ontario and her son Luke. Luke is a very smart young man and I enjoyed talking with him. One of the first things Luke said to me was to ask if I knew Jonathon Howard. At the time I couldn't say that I did, although I knew about Run the Dream. After June 5 I should be able to give Luke a different answer.

I urge everyone who can to attend the Run the Dream evening at the Delta Fredericton on June 5. Tickets are available at ticketatlantic.com. For more info contact Mike at 902‐444‐3887. Admission is $25 and will go towards children's charities that support autism.

It should be a lot of fun and a good evening for autism.

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Autism, Abby and ABA at the Shape of Behavior

In Facility is changing world for autistic children Lucretia Fernandez of the The Courier of Montgomery County, Texas tells the story ofAbby who, as a three year old was diagnosed with autism. Abby had difficulty sitting at a table to color a picture, participating in preschool or daycare activities. After being diagnosed with autism her parents immediately sought help for Abby and enrolled her at the Shape of Behavior. An individual ABA program was designed for ABA and within two weeks she was sitting at the table. After six months of intervention Abby was able to go to preschool where she has completed her first month.

The Shape of Behavior is a Houston, Texas facility with six locations. It's web site states that it provides individualized data-based treatment for children with autism and other developmental disorders "by shaping small successes to improve the quality of life for all individuals". The facility also conducts conduct research in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis. The Shape of Behavior web site contains information about its staff qualifications, locations, therapy clips, and a concise list of the characteristics of of Behavior Analytic Treatment:


Characteristics of Behavior Analytic Treatment

• Treatment that is individualized
• Treatment that is empirically validated
• Treatment that measure behavior and learning
through direct observation
• Functional analysis of the causes of behavior
• Emphasis on using positive reinforcement
to increase desirable behavior
• Technological procedures that can be replicated
• Achievements are described in scientific terms
or the principles of learning
• Practical significance in the improvement
for the individual child and not just
statistical improvement
• Creating improvements that last over time
and in new places where appropriate

Abby's parents sought help immediately upon learning of their child's diagnosis. The help they obtained, ABA treatment, has been thoroughly studied for decades and shown to provide real and lasting gains for autistic children. Parents of newly diagnosed autistic children would do well to follow a similar path, and take action to help their children learn, develop and live life as fully as possible.

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Run the Dream Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day

RUN THE DREAM LAUNCHES "THEIR STORIES" INITIATIVE

IN CELEBRATION OF UNITED NATIONS WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Internet-enabled video interviews with parents, family members, caregivers, and persons with an Autism Spectrum Disorder will be recorded and made available for the public on the Run the Dream website.

April 2, 2008 is the first annual United Nations (UN) World Autism Awareness Day, fulfilling the UN resolution which encourages all member states to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society. In support of this resolution, Run the Dream is launching Their Stories, web-based video interviews with the persons most affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who can best describe what it means.

Run the Dream invites parents, family members, caregivers, and persons with ASD to share their stories, via a video interview which can be recorded on the Run the Dream web site, http://www.runthedream.ca/stories.html#stories, starting immediately, and viewed on the same web site starting on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day. Stories will be recorded and shared with the public on the Run the Dream website until the run is completed at the end of November this year. Run the Dream will continue to share these stories by then compiling the videos from each province and presenting them to the respective Premier, and likewise will present all videos from across Canada to the Prime Minister. The Their Stories initiative is the very first of its kind in Canada using an automated web-based structured interview process, and based on our research, is a global first as well. This innovation is possible through the generous sponsorship of Minavox ( www.minavox.com) and the use of their ground-breaking Canadian-developed technology, Savisys.

In the few days since Jonathan Howard started his run, stories from across Canada have flooded Run the Dream's e-mail inboxes, "Jonathan Howard, created the concept of Run the Dream and started a cross-Canada run in support of ASD on March 25. Even though we're only in the beginning days of this journey we've already received touching stories and offers of support from a large number of Canadians who want to tell their story, and who want to help in making Run the Dream a success. In our view these stories are worthy of sharing with every Canadian. We're delighted that Minavox is making their software and service available to Run the Dream for this purpose," says Bill Robertson, Chairman of Run the Dream's organizing committee.

Working with Autism Society Canada (ASC) http://www.autismsocietycanada.ca/Run the Dream wants to ensure all voices are heard. Those people who do not have access to a computer or a webcam can share their stories using any PC with a webcam, including those of ASC's community partners, through the Their Storiesweb portal. "ASC represents a very large collective voice of the autism community in Canada; we applaud this opportunity to tell Their Stories", says Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE- Executive Director, Autism Society Canada.


This innovation is possible through the generous sponsorship of Minavox (www.miavox.com ) and the use of their ground-breaking Canadian-developed technology Savisys. "Minavox is proud to be associated with Run the Dream and Autism Society Canada, and to be able to provide its services to let Their Stories be heard." said Todd Nowensky, Managing Director and Vice-President of Business Development for Minavox Inc. Added Geoff Kushnir, Managing Director and Vice-President of Technology: "In our view this is one of the best illustrations of what is being described as the new era of the internet, Web 2.0."



Jonathan Howard, 24, McMaster University alumnus, and accomplished athlete developed the Run the Dream campaign to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their families. Run the Dream is an eight month solo run across Canada, starting in St. John's, NL on March 25 and finishing in Victoria, BC on or about November 21. The run will cover approximately 9000km, crossing 10 provinces and more than 650 communities across the country. The campaign is targeted to raise $2.5 million to benefit children affected by ASD and their families. Jonathan appreciates the groundswell of support that has already formed behind his effort and would particularly like to acknowledge the contributions of the sponsors (listed below) of Run the Dream.


# # #


For more information on Run the Dream or to schedule an interview

with Jonathan Howard please contact

Alex Bittner at: alex.bittner@runthedream.ca, 888-507-5885 ext. 4.

For more information on Autism Society Canada please contact:

Lynn Andrews, Director of Communications:

lynn@autismsocietycanada.ca

For more information on Minavox please contact:

Ada Nowensky, VP of Marketing
anowensky@minavox.com


Run the Dream would like to thank their sponsors:

Telus – Official telecommunications sponsor for Run the Dream

Gatorade

Landmark Sport Group

Mariposa Cruises

Minavox

Evolution Rehabilitation and Personal Training Ltd

Whitewater Web Solutions

Brightworks

Spa Sensations

Lauren Canzius
General Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Run The Dream
lauren.canzius@runthedream.ca

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Faces of Autism on World Autism Awareness Day

I do not hide my contempt for CNN's coverage of autism issues. CNN's coverage is, at best light and fluffy feel good stuff with little influence in the discussion of autism issues by people trying to actually help the many children and adults with autism disorders. At worst CNN coverage misrepresents the nature of autism and autism interventions. But there is some good media coverage of autism available. For World Autism Awareness Day I personally recommend that anyone interested in getting a realistic picture of autism try reading the Vancouver Sun's outstanding six part series Faces of Autism by columnist Pete McMartin with photos by Glenn Baglo.

Faces of Autism provides gritty, coverage of persons with autism, their life prospects and the impact that autism has on many families. The photos by Glenn Baglo are an honest portrayal of autism, particularly those of autistic 14-year-old Kristi Jansen who swings from crying to laughing to screaming in a matter of seconds. Kristi lived at home at the time of the series publication in April 2007. "Her body, home and family members -- especially her mother -- bear the scars of her violent outbursts that have only been calmed through years of expensive therapy."

Glenn Baglo's pictures of Kristi are very moving and strike a realistic chord for me as the father of a severely autistic 12 year old. She is shown smiling, laughing, crying and screaming. But she is never presented as the only face of autism. Faces of Autism emphasizes the range of autism realities. It is respectful, responsible and well informed coverage of autism and well worthing reading on World Autism Awareness Day - or any day.

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Run the Dream - Jonathan Howard Runs Across Canada for Autism

INSPIRED YOUNG CANADIAN RUNS ACROSS CANADA FOR CHILDREN'S AUTISM CHARITIES

Jonathan Howard's Run The Dream Campaign is Targeted to Raise
$2.5 Million for Autism

On March 25, 2008, in St. John's NL, Jonathan Howard dipped his shoe into the Atlantic Ocean, signifying the beginning of an eight month solo run across Canada, finishing in Victoria, BC on or about November 21.

The run will cover approximately 9000km, crossing 10 provinces and more than 650 communities across the country. The campaign, with the inspirational name Run The Dream, is targeted to raise $2.5 million to benefit children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

In partnership with Autism Society Canada, Jonathan is proud to dedicate his run to the cause and to children everywhere, "I want children to dream like anything's possible," says Jonathan. "This run is my way of telling children and their parents to never stop dreaming." Working together, Autism SocietyCanada and Run The Dream will raise awareness about ASDs. "Children, youth and adults with ASDs and their families from coast-to-coast will be watching and cheering Jonathan on as he Runs the Dream! " says Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE- Executive Director, Autism Society Canada.

Day one of the run included a visit to St. John's City Hall, Mile Zero of the Trans Canada Highway , a rally with students at Memorial University and an official launch with the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador at the Elaine Dobbin Centre. From St. John's, Jonathan will continue to crossNewfoundland toward the town of Holyrood.

"We the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, no strangers to chasing the dream, will be with Jonathan, in spirit, every step of the way," says Joyce Churchill President of Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador .

Coinciding with Jonathan's run is the first annual United Nations World Autism Awareness Day taking place on April 2. He will be near Gander NL into the 9th day of his run at that time.

Kicking off the campaign was a launch party on March 20 in Jonathan's home town, Mississauga, ON. Events and fundraising opportunities are scheduled throughout the eight-month campaign in cities across the county. You can log on to www.runthedream.ca for more information or to make a donation.

Jonathan Howard, 24, McMaster University alumnus, and accomplished athlete developed the Run The Dream campaign to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by children with ASD and their families. Jonathan appreciates the groundswell of support that has already formed behind his effort and would particularly like to acknowledge the contributions of the sponsors (listed below) of Run The Dream.

# # #

For more information or to schedule an interview with Jonathan Howard please contact Alex Bittner at: alex.bittner@runthedream.ca, 888-507-5885 ext. 4.

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World Autism Awareness Day Resolution

United Nations A/RES/62/139


Distr.: General

General Assembly

21 January 2008

Sixty-second session

Agenda item 66 (a)

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly

[on the report of the Third Committee (A/62/435)]

62/139. World Autism Awareness Day

The General Assembly,

Recalling the 2005 World Summit Outcome1 and the United Nations Millennium Declaration,2 as well as the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields,

Recalling also the Convention on the Rights of the Child3 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 4 according to which children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community, as well as the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children,

Affirming that ensuring and promoting the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities is critical to achieving internationally agreed development goals,

Aware that autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life and results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, mostly affecting children in many countries irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status, and characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non -verbal communication and restricted, repetitive behaviour, interests and activities,5

Deeply concerned by the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent development challenges to long -term health care, education, training and intervention programmes undertaken by Governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, as well as its tremendous impact on children, their families, communities and societies,

1 See resolution 60/1.
2 See resolution 55/2.
3 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1577, No. 27531.
4 Resolution 61/106, annex I.
5 See International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth revision


(subcategories F84.0 and F84.1), endorsed by the forty-third World Health Assembly in May 1990.

Recalling that early diagnosis and appropriate research and interventions are
vital to the growth and development of the individual,

1. Decides to designate 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day, to be
observed every year beginning in 2008;

2. Invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations
system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including
non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Autism
Awareness Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of autism;

3. Encourages Member States to take measures to raise awareness
throughout society, including at the family level, regarding children with autism;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the
attention of all Member States and United Nations organizations.

76th plenary meeting

18 December 2007

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Autism Trek Update - Federal Health Minister Clement Passes the Autism Buck (but not the bucks) to the Provinces

The Belleville Intelligencer continued its excellent coverage of dedicated Autism Dad Stephan Marinoiu's winter Autism Trek to Ottawa reporting on his greeting in Ottawa by long time autism advocate Senator Jim Munson and his meeting with federal "Health" Minister Tony Clement. Mr. Marinoiu described the challenges faced in Ontario where ABA service did not become available for his son. Unfortunately, as reported by Mr Marinoiu and the Intelligencer, alleged Health Minister Clement merely passed the buck for autism services, but not the bucks, to the provinces.

High School political science students in this country are aware that the primary constitutional responsibility for health care rests with the provinces. But our history also shows that the provinces and the federal government have cooperated to provide a national health care system. There is nothing to stop the federal government from spending some of those surplus dollars taken from all Canadians to help provincial governments fund needed autism services across Canada. So that all Canadians with autism receive the services they need.

It is long past time that alleged "Health" Minister Clement put the Health back in his title and started acting like a Health Minister.

To put it politely Minister Clement - do your job or step aside please.

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Autism Trek Update

In Blizzards no match for man on 450K walk for autism the Ottawa Citizen interviews Stefan Marinoiu, updates his gutsy mid winter trek to Ottawa to plead with federal politicians for a national autism strategy and describes some of the dangers he is facing on his trek:

"The Ontario Provincial Police, who stopped him the first night for walking illegally on the highway, have kept an eye out for him, picking him up several times and driving him into the nearest community. "They told me I was gonna freeze to death," he said. "It has been so cold you feel like you are going to die the next second but I take the next step. I am walking for all the tens of thousands who are like my son. No matter what, I am going to accomplish this.""

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Michelle Dawson's Many Mistakes - Mistake #1

Michelle Dawson is a well known "autistic" who expresses her views on a number of autism issues and individuals involved with autism advocacy. She has consistently advocated against ABA for autistic children, notwithstanding ABA's endorsement by such agencies as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the MADSEC Autism Task Force, New York and California health and education departments, the Association for Science in Autism Treatment and the office of the US Surgeon General to name the better known. She also indulges in personal criticisms of anyone who dares disagree with her "wisdom" on autism issues. But Ms Dawson doesn't alway get her facts straight. In the following post, copied from a blog site run by neurodiversity hub blogger Steve D, Ms Dawson wrongly claims that I hold the view that "some autistics just naturally are write offs":

Also, there is no doubt that a lot of autistics are written off. But I disagree with Bill and with Mr Doherty that some autistics just naturally are write-offs.

The problem with Ms Dawson's cavalier comment is that it is not true. I have never used the expression write off to describe any autistic person and have not at any time advocated the view that ANY "autistics", or persons with autism, are write-offs, "just naturally" or otherwise.

My son, unlike Ms Dawson, was diagnosed with an Autism Disorder at age 2. His diagnosis is Autism Disorder with profound developmental delays. In 9 days Conor will turn 12 years of age. I have spent much of the past 10 years actively advocating, along with other parents, for autism specific pre-school intervention and school instruction, along with accommodation in their learning environments here in New Brunswick, Canada. I have also worked for improvements in residential care and treatment for autistic adults. My actions have been those of one who does NOT write autistic persons off. I do not write off my son who is much more severely autistic than Ms Dawson.

I am assuming that Ms Dawson did not intentionally misstate my views on autistic persons. I am assuming that her comments were simply a mistake, the result of hostility to those persons, like me, who fight for ABA help for autistic children in Canada and who do not accept her as an authority of any weight on autism or autism interventions.


Ms. Dawson's full "commentary" follows.

February 8, 2008 12:10 PM

Michelle Dawson said...

In a well-designed multi-site RCT, Tryer et al. (2008) showed that placebos were dramatically effective in reducing "aggressive challenging behavior" in developmentally disabled adults. Some of the adults were autistic; there was no difference in the dramatic effectiveness of the placebo in autistics vs other developmentally disabled people.

The dramatic effect of the placebo was rapid and sustained for 6 months (the intended follow-up period).

This is why good experimental design exists, and the authors of Tryer et al. (2008) take the trouble to argue that developmentally disabled people deserve to benefit from and be protected by recognized standards of science.

This is one of the major things I go on about.

So that would be at least part of my response to Dr LaVigna (who is unsurprisingly enthusiastic about the services he provides).

Also, there is no doubt that a lot of autistics are written off. But I disagree with Bill and with Mr Doherty that some autistics just naturally are write-offs. More plausibly, autistics who are written off have very difficult outcomes, but this would be true of all human beings who are written off.

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Open Mic For Autism

"Open Mic for Autism" is a compilation album that benefits the FEAT Foundation in BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment) and it is scheduled for released on Christmas, 2008. The purpose of the album is to promote awareness for the condition of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and to provide resources out there for parents who may have children with autism. 50% of the sales proceeds will go towards FEAT, and the remaining funds will go towards a benefit concert where all ticket sales will go towards helping children with autism. The concert will extend itself into an ongoing open mic event that will allow individuals with disabilities to share their art and personal experiences with the rest of the world.

The above image is from the Open Mic for Autism web site and the above information is from Open Mic for Autism The Blog. Check both for more information and updates about this effort to promote real autism awareness, assist in autism advocacy and .... provide some direct help to children with autism. If you are a social networker you might want to visit the Open Mike for Autism Facebook group.

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MY DAD IS WALKING TO OTTAWA TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT AUTISM! Facebook Group

Right now a dedicated Dad, Stephan Marinoiu, in a real display of courage is walking from Toronto to Ottawa to raise awareness for autism. His daughter Lia has started a Facebook Group called MY DAD IS WALKING TO OTTAWA TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT AUTISM!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8363327485

For those of you who are not from Canada, or have never visited that area of Ontario during the winter, what Stephan Marinoiu is doing takes real courage and dedication. Visit Lia's Facebook group to see pictures, read updates and show your support for Stephan Marinoiu's autism trek.

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Autism Resources Miramichi Gets A Boost

Lila Barry accepts a cheque for $30,000 from MLA Bill Fraser. They
are joined by ARM board members Dianne Pineau and Linda Robichaud.
Photo and caption from Miramichi Leader Online Edition
© 2007 CanadaEast Interactive, Brunswick News Inc.

In Autism centre receives government funding the Miramichi Leader reports on a positive autism development in Miramichi, New Brunswick as Autism Resources Miramichi receives funding to get started. New Brunswick has seen its share of advocates of alternative non evidence based treatments for autism. Lila Barry, Dianne Pineau and Linda Robichaud at ARM will ensure that parents receive reliable information about evidence based interventions for their autistic children - and strong moral support through the tough times:

Barry and other parents of ASD children were at the office of Miramichi-Bay du Vin MLA Bill Fraser last Monday, Jan. 7 for the official funding presentation. She said the centre will especially help parents who are struggling to deal with affected children.

"As a parent you're actually trying to reach out to other parents. Parents often when they first get the diagnosis; they're always in a state of anxiety and overwhelmed with the diagnosis. They don't necessarily have anyone to turn to or don't know who to turn to once their child is diagnosed," she said.

Barry also said stress levels are very high for parents of ASD children and family separation and divorce often result. She said many parents are often desperate to get help for their children and turn to the wrong sources of information.

"It's difficult obtaining reliable, accurate information on best practices, treatment and research," she said. "So often there is some much out there on the Internet that is just garbage."

She said parents will often spend large amounts of time and money chasing worthless therapies and miracle treatments. She wants the centre to provide these parents with the right information needed to help.

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Autism and Affection - Conor Waits Anxiously For Dad

Last evening I got home late after finishing work at 8 pm local time. When I pulled in the driveway I could see Conor though the window in our side door .... waiting anxiously for Dad. His mom said he had been asking for me since 5:30 pm and had gotten a bit upset, asking for me almost non stop, with some wall banging. He was happy to see Dad and insisted (Daddy help) that I help put him to bed.

Obviously I wish Conor had not gotten upset but at the same time I would be lying if his expressed desire to see his old Dad at the end of the day did not lift my spirits considerably. Although I have trouble with the concept of finding joy in autism, I have no trouble accepting Conor for who he is, a fun loving, caring boy who loves his mom, dad, brother, Nanny, Grammy, Grampy and whoever shares his life with him in a caring way. That is who Conor is ... with or without autism.

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Autism Speaks Tackles Autism Crisis in South Florida Mar 24 - 28

Donald Trump, Bob Wright, Suzanne Wright, Melania Trump
Photo: TOWN-CRIER Online

Autism Speaks is continuing to show outstanding leadership in tackling the Autism Crisis in the US and around the world. Co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright have joined with Donald and Melania Trump, local parents and autism advocates in organizing a South Florida autism awareness and fundraising initiative to take place during the last week in March. Autism Speaks Week, March 24-30, will include a number of activities including a Television News Series on the autism crisis of escalating rates of autism diagnoses, March 24 to 28 on NBC stations in the area, an on-line auction, ING Direct Ride Now South Florida motorcycle ride, Saturday, March 29, a telethon and broadcast of 'Autism Every Day', and a concert for Autism Speaks, headlined by Lionel Ritchie, Sunday March 20.

As stated by Bob and Suzanne Wright in TOWN-CRIER Online:

“Autism is a national health crisis that is affecting families in every corner of this country, from Florida to Alaska,” Bob Wright said. “Autism Speaks Week will shine a spotlight on the struggles of South Florida families and inform people about what they can do to improve the lives of individuals with autism in their community.” “Our hope is that this series of events will increase the level of understanding and acceptance,” Suzanne Wright added. “The money we raise will help Autism Speaks fund autism research and support community organizations here in South Florida and across the United States that provide critical services to children and adults with autism.”

The ability of Autism Speaks to generate public awareness of autism, raise funds for autism research is amazing. And now Autism Speaks is turning its considerable abilities to assisting local autism support organizations. Not content to engage in endless peurile debates over the appropriate metaphors to use in describing autism or whether to say "autistic person" or "person with autism" Autism Speaks is actually doing something constructive, in a big way, in addressing the Autism Crisis.

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Offensive Autism Language at "Aspies for Freedom"

On December 29 I commented on the offensive language and hypocrisy demonstrated by neurodiversity blogger Do'C at Autism Street in Offensive Language On Autism Street where he referred to Donald Trump and Jenny McCarthy as "celebrity idiots". Now another neurodiversity blogger fresh off the suppression of the Ransom Notes campaign is insulting Autism Speaks with the following caption: autism speaks are retarded.

The blogger MATTHE was quick to receive chuckles from his fellow "Aspies for Freedom":


autism speaks are retarded Author Message matthe


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Post: #1 autism speaks are retarded
any comments? Today 01:14 PM Lestat


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Post: #2 RE: autism speaks are retarded
No need for comment, you are preaching to the choir here mate The light blinds
So behold darkness as our new light
In our darkness we can see
So with others blindness
We take flight. Today 03:28 PM flardox


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Post: #3 RE: autism speaks are retarded
Lestat Wrote:No need for comment, you are preaching to the choir here mate


I like the comment!


short and simple yet profound
I'm watching always watching..... Today 08:03 PM shamshir1218

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Post: #4 RE: autism speaks are retarded
*chuckles at the thread*

It is funny because it is true!!! This person's views are not representative (Gareth)
Please do not remove this notice
The way of the warrior is my path.

Apparently mocking those with intellectual disabilities, by using terms used to describe them in the past as insults, is OK with the neurodiversity blogging crowd. Don't hold your breath waiting for Ari Ne'eman , Estee Klar-Wolfond, and Kristina Chew, all of whom condemned the Ransom Notes language, to express their outrage at their fellow neurodiversity bloggers derogatory mocking of the intellectually impaired. Pomposity they can do. Sincerity, genuine concern for the intellectually disabled; even those who are autistic? Not so good.

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Autism and Public Places, Conor Makes Progress

My son Conor, for first time visitors to this site, has Autism Disorder with profound developmental delays. One of the issues which has plagued Conor from his earliest years has been his inability to handle being in public places. He is beyond any doubt sensitive, overly sensitive, to environmental stimulation. At one time we could not visit a department store with Conor without him having a meltdown on the scene. We dealt with it by staying in the store and ignoring the tantrum behavior that often accompanied such visits. Conor would literally scream and kick on the floor of department stores. Other shoppers would look at us with the look that said "why are they abusing that child?" Neurodiversity bloggers will still make that accusation. But with time that behavior was eliminated and Conor, to both our benefit and his, began to be able to visit public places without engaging in tantrum behavior or having a meltdown.

In the past several months though Conor began to regress. Even in places where I took him on a regular basis it became difficult, and sometimes impossible, to visit for any time without a meltdown. I continued to take him to the most familiar places with the least environmental stimulation to try and restore his comfort level with public settings. After making some progress for awhile I pushed the envelope too far during the Christmas holidays, as I commented on previously, and Conor had one of the worst meltdowns I have ever seen.

Even more recently though Conor has again shown great progress. We ask him whether he wants to go into the grocery stores when we go there or give him the option of "stay in car with Daddy" while my wife gets the groceries. Usually Conor would say "stay in car". But he surprised us fairly recently by saying "Sobeys" the name of the grocery store we were going to visit. Last night again when going to the "Superstore" grocery store Conor expressed the wish to go in the store. Inside the store, I buy apples individually and I asked for his help in counting and placing apples in the plastic bag before I tied it up. Conor smiled and had fun in the store.

I also took Conor for a drive to a nearby community and back. Conor enjoys driving with Dad preferably with no radio or discs playing. At the end of the drive I took him to a local McDonald's expecting to have to again go through the drive through because it had been awhile since Conor would sit down in McDonald's without a tantrum. This time though I asked him and he agreed. We went inside and Conor was smiling and relaxed. It was fun.

If parents are struggling with visiting public places with their autistic child have faith that things can improve. You may have to try different approaches and you may want to consult any therapists who are working with your child but the situation can improve with time and effort.

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Dr Sanjay Gupta and Autism in 2008

Many parents of children diagnosed with Autism Disorder were surprised that Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and CNN, chose Amanda Baggs to feature as an example of the life of a "low functioning" autistic person. Ms Baggs has spent her life on the internet detailing her childhood and teen years which she spent, by her words, diagnosed with schizophrenia (about which she often lectured via internet news groups with the certainty that she now expresses about autism), attended school for gifted students, started college, conversed orally with educators and medical personnel, and had at least one boy friend. She is a very capable writer with an excellent command of language and a very sharp intellect. Few parents of severely autistic or low functioning autistic children would recognize their children, or their children's autism, in the life of Ms Baggs.

Then, with millions of autistic persons in the world, some of whom live their lives in the residential and institutional care of others, some with little or no ability to communicate, orally, by means of technology, or otherwise, Dr Gupta and CNN decided to further illustrate the world of autism by interviewing ... yup ... Amanda Baggs. At that point may parents struggling to achieve a better life for their autistic children simply wrote off Dr. Gupta as a credible reporter on the realities of autism.

Now it is January 1 of a new year and, like many, Dr Gupta has given some hints of what he would like to do in the coming year. On Paging Dr Gupta Blog on the CNN website Dr. Gupta reviews his 2007 highlights and mentions that, in 2008, he may once again feature autism on his show:

I also had a chance to introduce the world to Amanda Baggs. While I have spent most of my life as a neurosurgeon, I had to start by admitting that I knew very little about autism, which is why I spent months reading, talking to experts and simply trying to assimilate all that I had learned. It was a daunting task and I will always wish I could do more and report on all aspects of autism. Stay tuned for more in 2008.

CNN is one of the world's great communication and education organizations. People around the world listen to CNN and learn about the world from CNN. Hopefully Dr Gupta means it when he says he wishes to report on ALL aspects of autism. He might start by visiting the Long Island residential care facility where a middle aged woman who could not communicate at all was repeatedly abused by staff until outed by a conscientious co-worker and video recordings. The good doctor could also interview people with knowledge of the life of Tiffany Pinckney who died in Toronto from starvation and neglect while living in "the care" of her adoptive sister. Or he could talk to parents whose autistic children wandered into traffic to be lost forever or who have been restrained physically, left in a brick walled isolation room for hours, or simply sent home from school.

I remain hopeful, even while recognizing that it is unlikely, that Dr. Gupta will actually explore and report on "all aspects of autism". All aspects of autism are just not heart warming and pretty enough for CNN ratings.

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Autism Mom Jenny McCarthy On Chicago Sun-Times Ten Women Who Inspired in 07 List

In a move that will undoubtedly provoke angry outbursts from Autism Hub bloggers the Chicago Sun-Times has named Autism Mom and Celebrity Autism Activist Jenny McCarthy as one of the The ten women who inspired us in '07. Paige Wiser and Lisa Donovan of the Sun-Times noted that:

Jenny McCarthy

The zany blond struck a serious note this year, going public with her son's autism diagnosis. Her book Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism was honest, informative, down-to-earth and sometimes painful. McCarthy took a gamble, going public with her problems and shattering her fantasy image. Mothers everywhere thank her.

I do not subscribe to Ms McCarthy's views about autism causes and treatments but I try to keep an open mind and science is not, despite the views of neurodiversity bloggers to the contrary, a process by which possibilities are closed forever. New evidence, new studies may well support her anecdotal evidence about autism cause and treatment.

I do admire Ms McCarthy for speaking out about her son's condition and her efforts to help him. She must have known that as a beautiful actress she would be subjected to scorn and ridicule in some corners for presuming to enter the public debate on issues that affect her son so profoundly. But she did it anyway and encouraged many other parents in doing so. And she probably brought more attention t