Invisible Autistics: Intellectual Disability and the CDC's New Autism Figures

co·mor·bid·i·ty (kmôr-bd-t) 

n.

A concomitant but unrelated pathological or disease process.

medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com

Intellectual Disability is rarely mentioned in public discussions of autism spectrum disorders.   It is sometimes mentioned dismissively as a co-morbid condition, an unrelated condition which coincidentally occurs in some cases of autism. In fact Autistic Disorder and Intellectual Disability also known as Mental Retardation and Cognitive Impairment, are just different aspects of the- same disorder.

Intellectual Disability is also hidden from public view by a mainstream media (CBC, CNN, the New Yorker, Time, Newsweek etc) that like to focus on the feel good stories with features about persons with Aspergers and High Functioning Autism,  all very intelligent people who communicate very well.  What the "feel good about autism" mainstream media don't like to do is actually visit institutions where some severely autistic persons live out their lives.  What the mainstream media does not like to do is present to the world the truth about the severely autistic , the Intellectually Disabled reality,  of Autistic Disorder. 

Professionals don't expressly mention Intellectual Disability as a factor in diagnosing autism disorders. High functioning autistic persons and persons with Aspergers for whom "autism" is a way of life, something to belong to, don't like to associate themselves with Intellectual Disability.  They prefer to associate autism, and thereby themselves, with Einstein, Van Gogh,  Mozart and every other historical figure of exceptional talent or ability.

All these groups scarcely mention autism and intellectual disability in the same breath and when they do they refer to autism as an occasionally coexisting but unrelated condition.  All are  hiding  the truth. All are  obliterating from public understanding of autism disorders the reality that autism, as in actual Autistic Disorder, and Intellectual Disability,  also know as mental retardation, or cognitive impairment, are in fact related aspects of Autistic Disorder.

Intellectual disability, mental retardation or cognitive impairment, are not listed as express diagnostic features in the DSM definition of autism disorders although it is mentioned by implication in the definition of Aspergers disorder.

1. no significant delay in language development
2. no significant delay in cognitive development, self-help skills or adaptive behaviors (other than social interaction)
   

The reason the DSM found it necessary to mention that there must be an  absence of any delay in cognitive development and language development before an Aspergers Disorder diagnosis can be made is that  so many persons with Autistic Disorders in fact have serious intellectual and communication  deficits. It is these factors which distinguish Aspergers from Autistic Disorder.

When an Ari Ne'eman or an Alex Plank purport to speak on behalf of autistic people and say We Don't Want to be Cured they are speaking on behalf of people who often have severe intellectual and language difficulties  that persons with Aspergers do not share.  They want to speak on behalf of these people because they identify with the word "autism" but they don't want to be associated with Intellectual Disability, Cognitive Impairment or Mental Retardation.

The number of persons with Autistic Disorder and Intellectual Disability  is extremely high.  They are far too high for the two conditions to be characterized as separate, coincidental, unrelated disorders.  This is clear from the recent CDC autism prevalence report which reported that between 29.3 to 51.2% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders also had an Intellectual Disability:

"2006

From 29.3% (Colorado) to 51.2% (South Carolina) (overall average: 41.0 %) of the children identified with an ASD also had an intellectual disability (an IQ ≤70, at the sites that had test results on intellectual ability for at
least 75% of the children identified)."

 

The range of 29.3 to 51.2% refers to children with Autism Spectrum Disabilities who also had an Intellectual Disabilty defined as IQ less than 70%. The ASD includes children with Aspergers Disorder who, by definition, do not have intellectual disabilities.   If  children with Aspergers are excluded  from the calculation then it is likely that children with actual Autistic Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities will range somewhere from 60% to 100%.

As startling as that last estimate may sound it is consistent with previous estimates of the number of persons with Autistic Disorder and mental retardation, intellectual disability or cognitive impairment.  The Canadian Psychological Association in its autism brief to the Canadian Senate Committee examining autism issues, Autism Brief to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology November 9, 2006, stated that the number of persons with autism (Autistic Disorder) and Intellectual Disabilities (Cognitive Impairment) was 80% :

"Cognitive impairment is present in about 80% of persons diagnosed with Autism and general intellectual functioning is most often below average. Persons diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder have average to above average intellectual functioning."

The CPA 2006 estimate that 80% of persons with Autism (Autistic Disorder) also have intellectual disabilities is consistent with the  new CDC range of estimated intellectual disabilities of persons with ASD which, once adjusted by removing Aspergers Disorder, places the CPA estimate right in the middle of the CDC range of 60-100%.

It is time to end the prejudice against autistic persons with intellectual disability. It is time to end the intellectual dishonesty of pretending that it is just a coincidence that so many persons with Autistic Disorder also have Intellectual Disabilities. It is time to stop treating persons with Autistic Disorder like invisible autistics.  Their intellectual disability is part of their autistic disorder, a very serious, disabling part which makes their lives much different than the high functioning media stars who wrongly pretend to speak on their behalf. 

It is time to stop hiding the truth about autistic disorder and intellectual disability. It is time to start including the Invisible Autistics, the intellectually disabled persons with severe Autistic Disorder, in public discussions of "autism".

autism

IACC Head Says No Question Environment Is a Component of Autism

David Kirby's recent interview with Dr. Thomas Insel of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee is quite possibly the autism interview of the decade, one that will be referenced in future histories of autism.

Kirby interviewed Dr. Insel after the release of new CDC data showing yet another stunning increase in autism rates to 1 in 110. In Dr. Insel on Rising ASD Numbers: “No Question” About Environmental Factors  Kirby quotes a very candid Dr. Insel  about the role of environmental factors in causing autism:

"there is no question that there has got to be an environmental component here."

That statement is a huge development in in the history of autism research. It marks the official  end of the "it's gotta be genetic" mindset of autism research identified 10 years ago by Teresa Binstock.

autism

Conor Shows Off His Christmas Haircut and His Nashwaaksis Middle School T-Shirt

Conor shows off his new, just in time for Christmas, hair cut and his Nashwaaksis Middle School T-Shirt. The names of the school graduating class, including Conor's, are in the school numbers. 

Everything went smoothly today when we went for the haircut.  That was not always the case.  For parents of younger autistic children who have difficulty getting their children's hair cut take heart.  It used to be very difficult to get Conor to sit for a hair cut.  It can and will improve.

autism

Is Obama Nominee Ari Ne'eman Flip Flopping on Autism as a Disability? But Not on His Opposition to Curing Autism?

Several autism blogs, including mine, have stated that Obama nominee Ari Ne'eman does not view autism as a disability.  In response Mr. Ne'eman  has apparently sent emails to Neurodiversity bloggers like Astrid and Lisa Jo Rudy stating that he does in fact view autism as a disability.  He has not apparently distanced himself from his positions opposing the right of parents to seek to cure their own autistic children. 

If Mr. Ne'eman now sincerely believes that autism is not a disability great but that is not what he said in the past.  And just as importantly he should make it clear that he does not oppose curing autistic children and in fact has no right to oppose the efforts of parents to seek cures for their children.

Following is a commentary I left in response to Mr. Ne'eman's statements at a Neurodiversity autism site authored by Lisa Jo Rudy, edited to fit the context of this comment:

1. Mr. Ne'eman's comments about autism not being a disability.

Ari Ne'eman in 2006 wrote an essay which is posted on the ASAN web site in which he in fact states that Autism is JUST a difference not a disease and NOT a disability:

"Difference Is Not A Disease"
...

"We see the world in a different way than our neurotypical peers (neurotypical is a word in the autistic community meaning those of the majority neurology). This does not imply a defect, but merely a difference — one that we have just the same right to as those of a different race, nationality or religion. Due to that difference in perception, we interact socially in different ways. Yet our quirks and eccentricities should be just as legitimate as the social skills of the mainstream.

.......


"We should recognize what diversity of neurology has contributed to the human race and what it can bring to the future. Difference is not, in itself, disability; it becomes disability when it is not properly understood and accommodated. Someday, I hope the world will recognize that those who think in different ways should be welcomed.""

Ari Ne'eman, Nov 24 2006, ASAN web site

Mr. Ne'eman now claims through messages sent to Neurodiversity bloggers that he does not claim that autism is not a disability. His past writings say otherwise. In the best light Mr. Ne'eman  is flip flopping on the issue of autism as a disability. 

2, Mr. Ne'eman is not a Doctor.

And he does not have Autistic Disorder diagnosis and yet he purports to speak on behalf of people with autism, which would include my son with Autistic Disorder whom he has not met and with whom he has ABSOLUTELY nothing in common.

A person with Aspergers, unlike the 30-51% of persons with autism does not, by definition in the DSM, have an intellectual deficit. The 30-51% of autistic persons having an ID figure is taken from the CDC report on autism prevelance released today.

Mr Ne'eman has no obvious communication difficulties judging by his writings, his video performances and his numerous Big Media interviews.

Mr. Ne'eman has no social deficits judging by his ability to interact extremely well with Washington politicians.

Mr. Ne'eman has no reported behavior challenges that are visible in any of his appearances.

I have a son with Autistic Disorder and Mr Ne'eman has no right to speak on his behalf or say that my son's autism is JUST a difference not a disability. I was visiting autistic persons in institutional care in my home province of NB Canada long before Mr Ne'eman's media skills and connections launched his career as an "autistic". I have seen the reality of autism for those who are in fact severely autistic. Many are living lives dependent on others visited only by parents who eventually die. That is an autism reality that Mr Ne'eman's pontificating about autism being JUST a difference does not touch on.

3. Mr. Ne'eman's Opposition to Curing Autism

I assume that Mr. Ne'eman has not flip flopped on his declaration that WE, referring to persons with autism, do not want to be cured. Mr Ne'eman has no experience as a person with Autistic Disorder to even begin to understand the realities of life for those who end up living in institutional care. or wander off to freeze to death in snow storms, or drown in local pools, or like my son wander into automobile traffic obivious to the dangers to his safety (he was rescued by a good Samaritan, a "Neurotypical").

Autism disorders are not JUST differences as Mr. Ne'eman says to this day on the ASAN web site. They are for those with severe Autistic Disorder exactly what they are called ... Disorders . They are severe disabilities.

 Mr. Ne'eman does not have  the right to tell OTHER parents that they should not seek to cure their children of their very serious disorders.

Mr Ne'eman is not the first person with Aspergers or High Functioning Autism to declare that people like my son do not want to be cured. NO ONE has the right  to tell parents of other people's children not to seek cures for their children's autism disorders.

President Obama has done a great disservice to the autism communicty and will only divide the autism community further by appointing this person who is wobbly at best on whether autism disorders are disabilities and who opposes the right of autistic children to be cured of their disorder should a cure ever be found .... should the research to find a cure ever be undertaken.

autism

Autism Rising - Time To Deal With Reality

Autism is rising.

The CDC is expected to release information today confirming that autism now affects 1 in 100 up from estimates of 1 in 150 formed just 2 years ago,and previous estimates of 1 in 166, 1 in 250 and 1 in 500. By any measure the increase in autism diagnoses is astonishing. Those who deny that autism is really increasing will, yet again, trot out the 1993-4 diagnostic definition changes as the primary factor explaining the increase in diagnoses.

Think about it people the definition was changed 15 years ago. We can no longer rely on that change to explain the dramatic increases in autism diagnoses that occur every two years.

US institutions like the NIH, the NIMH, the CDC and the IACC must lead the way in encouraging research of the environmental causes which fully explain these startling increases. (As a Canadian involved with autism advocacy I know first hand the pathetic ineptitude of Canadian research institutions to be of any assistance. As an autism advocate my name was twice put forward as a candidate to attend the sham National Autism Conference but was rejected by our Canadian leadership who instead opted for feel good autism representatives to attend) Leading Canadian autism researches like Dr. Laurent Mottron hold to the view that autism can not be cured, that it is nonsense to talk about curing autism.

If autism research leadership comes it will come from the US. Let us hope that despite President Obama's appointment of an anti autism cure person who does not believe that autism is a disability to a disabilities council advocates can pressure US institutions into conducting the necessary environmental based autism research.

Let us dig our heads out of the sand before it is too late.

It is time to deal with the reality of autism rising.

autism

US President Barack Obama Opposes Curing Autism

In a huge set back for autistic children and their parents US President Barack Obama has nominated Ari Ne'eman, a university student with Aspergers Disorder,  for appointment to the US National Council on disabilities. Mr. Ne'eman is a staunch opponent of curing, or seeking cures for, autism. 

The appointment, in addition to signaling President Obama's opposition to curing autism is bizarre in that Mr. Ne'eman does not even regard autism as a disability.  As Jonathan Mitchell points out at Autism's Gadfly,  Mr. Ne'eman does not even view autism disorders as disabilities having written:

We see the world in a different way than our neurotypical peers (neurotypical is a word in the autistic community meaning those of the majority neurology). This does not imply a defect, but merely a difference — one that we have just the same right to as those of a different race, nationality or religion.The belief was that anyone society labeled "disabled" could only go so far. Sadly, these misconceptions had the potential to become self-fulfilling prophecies. When the expectation is that people of a certain type can only reach so far, they are not provided with the same challenges and opportunities that educators give mainstreamed students....

.....

We should recognize what diversity of neurology has contributed to the human race and what it can bring to the future. Difference is not disability and someday, I hope, the world will recognize that those who think in different ways should be welcomed

Certainly difference is not a disability if you are a person with very mild Asperger's but for those persons with severe Autistic Disorder, some of whom freeze to death in snowstorms, drown in neighborhood pools, wander into traffic, bite their hands and chew their cheeks, bang their heads until bloody, starve themselves to death because of their intense aversion to many food tastes and textures or live their lives in institutional care; for many of these truly autistic persons, their difference is a disability. 

For the severely autistic their difference is a disorder, not a cool way to meet  a US President.

I am a Canadian with no right to pick a US President.  But like many people around the world I believed in the great promise of Barack Obama.

Now I am beginning to understand why so many are starting to reel from the great disappointment with the man who said Yes We Can and now has clearly signaled to families of autistic children that No You Can't.

There will be no autism cure sought during an Obama administration. Ari Ne'eman will see to that. 

autism

Autism and Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals: Time to Put a Stake Through the Heart of the "It's Gotta Be Genetic" Model of Autism Research

"My own hunch is that the NIH and NIMH will not change from within; the senior practitioners of the "it's gotta be genetic" model have too much influence. Just as Semmelweiss and his data were suppressed, so too will the NIH/NIMH autism-research insiders continue to act against the the growing body of new data in autism; the NIH's pro-genetic old-timers will cling to their paradigm and its funding. As a result, change within the NIH and NIMH will have to be initiated from outside those tax-supported corporations."

 

Teresa Binstock, 1999,  IGNAZ SEMMELWEISS and AUTISM: when prevailing paradigms resist change

"Right now, about 10 to 20 times more research dollars are spent on studies of the genetic causes of autism than on environmental ones.

We need to even out the funding."

 

Dr. Irva Hertz-Picciotto, 2009, UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Researcher

The CDC has issued its Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals which is available for downloading along with an executive summary and a list of the 212 chemicals present in humans measured by the CDC:

The Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals is the most comprehensive assessment to date of the exposure of the U.S. population to chemicals in our environment. CDC has measured 212 chemicals in people's blood or urine—75 of which have never before been measured in the U.S. population. The new chemicals include acrylamide, arsenic, environmental phenols, including bisphenol A and triclosan, and perchlorate.

The blood and urine samples were collected from participants in CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which is an ongoing survey that samples the U.S. population every two years. Each two year sample consists of about 2,400 persons. The Fourth Report includes findings from national samples for 1999–2000, 2001–2002, and 2003–2004. The data are analyzed separately by age, sex and race/ethnicity groups.

I do not want to be accused of quackery or woo or some other such  insult used to  bully people into submission who disagree with the scientific and medical orthodoxy of the day.  Therefore  I am not saying that because the CDC has issued another report measuring the presence of hundreds of toxic  chemicals in human beings that it  means that autism, or any  other neurological or developmental disorder, is environmentally caused or triggered by these substances. The CDC site (FAQ section) makes it clear that:

The National Exposure Report does not provide health or toxicity information, state- or community-specific data, specific product or environmentally related information, or regulatory guidelines or recommendations.

I also fully acknowledge that I have only begun to read this report and that reading it and understanding the report will take this humble layperson some time. The report itself though is further confirmation of the presence of many toxic, dangerous substances in human bodies, including the bodies of young children and pregnant women.  My suspicions aside, I recognize that further research is necessary to indicate what role is played by these substances in causing or triggering autism and other disorders in our children.

There is no dispute that autism diagnoses have risen dramatically and that some of the increase is accounted for by diagnostic definition changes, increased awareness and other social factors.  But no one can credibly say that the toxic substances described in  the CDC's latest report on human exposure to environmental chemicals are NOT linked to the increases in neurological disorders in children, including autism.

Tomorrow, Friday, December 18, 2009 the CDC is expected to release a study confirming that 1 in 100 persons have autism spectrum disorders.   Given the increasing numbers of  persons with autism disorders and the presence of so many environmental chemicals, including mercury, lead and arsenic, in the bodies of our children, it is time to do the environmentally based research to determine what impact these chemicals are having on the development of our children.

Amongst other research on the effects of these chemicals, it is time to emphasize environmentally oriented autism research.

It is time to put a stake through the heart of the "it's gotta be genetic model"  of autism research.

autism

Autism and ABA: Morris's (Unanswered) Challenge to Gernsbacher Will Be Featured at CalABA Annual Conference 2010

Edward K. Morris is scheduled to give what should be a fascinating keynote speech at the 28th Annual Regional Conference of the California Association for Behavior Analysis. Professor Morris's topic will be The Gernsbacher Lectures: Cut Aways, Outtakes, and Bloopers - and Essentialism. The CalABA conference is scheduled for February 18 to 20, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine California.

Professor Morris published a scathing article in the Behavior Analyst, A Case Study in the Misrepresentation of Applied Behavior Analysis in Autism: The Gernsbacher Lectures, in which he thoroughly, systematically and candidly dissected and demolished her criticisms of ABA. To my knowledge Professor Gernsbacher has not provided a public reply to Professor Morris's challenge.

Professor Morris's speech at the CalABA conference should be interesting. Hopefully Professor Gernsbacher will attend and reply, or at least offer a public rebuttal in some forum, to explain her anti-ABA crusades in light of what appears to be a devastating challenge to her opinions from Professor Morris.

Gernsbacher has influenced people, helping to turn some parents and professionals away from ABA as an intervention for autism, one recognized by state agencies, the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, the US Surgeon General and the AAP as the most empirically validated autism intervention to date. Having done so, she should back up her views in public debate with an informed and capable opponent of her views. .... if she can.

autism

Autism Reality NB Reviews Alex Plank's "Autism" Reality Video

Alex Plank a young man with an Asperger's diagnosis, apparently a very, very mild version of Aspergers, has produced a video called "Autism Reality". The video can be accessed at Static Vox.

In the video, posted on a Facebook thread started by Lisa Jo Rudy on which I participated, Mr. Plank mentions the autism spectrum a few times. And he includes interviews of some nice young people agreeing with Mr. Plank that autism is a "good" thing.

I offered the following video review on the FB discussion thread:

"Autism Reality Alex?

With respect, the autistic children like the boy who died recently in Nova Scotia, like my son who went missing, walking through dangerous traffic, the many who are never found safe might disagree. The autistic children who injure themselves with dangerous head banging, severe biting, chewing on their cheeks or starving themselves because of extreme taste and food texture aversions might disagree. The non verbal autistics living in institutional care might have a different perspective. I am glad though that you paid lip service to the concept of a spectrum of autism in your production. And I hope you, Ms Chew and Ms Rudy don't mind me mentioning some of these other autism realities.

Other than that it is a nice video, lots of good communication, good social interaction, lots of high functioning skills like driving, attending busy, crowded events, good video production skills and no behavior challenges. And of course there are no cognitive impairment issues. Good idea not to confuse the viewing public with that whole "comorbidity" thing.

Two suggestions if you ever edit the video though. One, maybe you could mention the fact that the autism spectrum refers to a spectrum of "disorders". Two, maybe you could add the dates that Einstein and Van Gogh received their autism diagnoses.

Harold Doherty

AutismRealityNB

PS. I like the "autism reality" bit"

autism

Autism, ABA and Damaged Psyches - Conor Doherty Replies

One of the biggest falsehoods spread about ABA as an autism intervention is the totally unsubstantiated allegation that persons with autism disorders who receive ABA intervention become robotic and otherwise suffer damage to their psyches. It is not clear if any of the perpetrators of this absurd myth have any actual experience with ABA. My son Conor has had several years of ABA intervention. Below are pictures of Conor relaxing on the Cozy Couch with Mom and, in a couple of somewhat blurred pics, "horsing around" with Dad. As you can see Conor was quite happy to let Dad play the part of the horse.

autism

Caring for a Child with Autism Requires Vigilance, Constant Vigilance

The tragic death in Nova Scotia last week of young James Delorey touched people across Canada, particularly parents of autistic children. Autistic children and adults going missing is not an uncommon story. Sometimes things turn out well. But not always as we all saw this past week.

The sad events in Nova Scotia reminded me of how I felt when my son Conor went missing six years ago at age seven. Fortunately, and because of the actions of a person I do not know, things ended well with Conor's safe return. Now, more than six years afterwards, I remember those feelings as intensely as when they first occurred and as I recalled them three years ago in Vigilance, Constant Vigilance:

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Vigilance, Constant Vigilance

A recent tragedy in Toronto has revived some terrifying memories for me. A 12 year old autistic boy fell to his death from the 16th floor of a Toronto high rise in early May while under the supervision of a caregiver who resided at that location and who has now been charged with criminal negligence causing death. The case has prompted calls from the Autism Society Canada for national standards for caregivers working with autistic persons.

I know from personal experience the challenges of caring for autistic children and the need for constant vigilance. Three years ago I was home alone on a Saturday with my then seven year old profoundly autistic son when I took a business call on my phone. I had gotten into the habit of taking such calls while listening for my son's whereabouts. This time I got too involved in the call.

When I hung up I could not find my son. I ran frantically around the house and the yard before calling 911. I was informed that he was safe at the nearby Ultramar. He had attempted to cross a busy neighborhood street oblivious to the dangers posed by traffic. A good Samaritan had stopped and helped him into the Ultramar from where I picked him up. The man was still there, waiting to ensure my son was safe, when I arrived but at that point he turned and left without waiting for recognition, reward, or expressions of gratitude.

In my entire life I had never felt such fear, guilt, relief and gratitude. The impact of these intense feelings in one short span of time was difficult to absorb. I can literally still feel them now as I type, three years later. The lessons learned will never be forgotten.

As a lawyer I would not prejudge the caregiver in the Toronto case - or the outcome of that case. As a parent who has "been there" I know that it is all too easy, unless we want our autistic children to live imprisoned in "safe" environments, for the unthinkable to occur. There is no training that can absolutely guarantee our children's safety. But, to improve the odds and reduce the incidents of tragedy, there should be minimum national training standards for those who provide care for autistic persons - parents included.

autism

Autism Reality in Ohio for a Brave, Caring Mother and her Autistic Son

The Autism News is carrying a story and video from Melissa Voetsch and WTOL News 11 in Toledo Ohio, of a 36 year old mother with breast cancer and her non verbal 16 year old autistic son. The mother is herself a special education teacher who lives with the great fear of many parents of autistic children .... what will happen to her son when she is gone:

“If I even allow myself to think of him without me… I can’t even go there,” said Born."

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – One young Toledo mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer is devastating, but her greater challenge is worrying about who will care for her autistic son.

35-year old Lorie Born’s uncertain. She’s getting a double mastectomy after two different and aggressive types of breast cancer were detected during an MRI.

Born says her 16-year-old son, Jeremy knows something’s wrong, but to what extent, she’s doesn’t know.

Indeed, the only thing on Born’s mind is getting through this for Jeremy. “I told him it was going to be hard for me to hug him — which is hard because we’re huggers.”

Autism robbed the 16-year-old of words, but his mother has been his constant connection to the world.

As a special education teacher, Born has no doubt Jeremy’s 24-hour care wore her down.

Born intends to fight for her son who sheds silent tears of love and for the mom who intends to continue to be his voice.

“If I even allow myself to think of him without me… I can’t even go there,” said Born.

A spaghetti dinner, bake sale and auction to benefit Lorie Born will be held at Bayside Boardwalk at 2759 Seaman Rd. in Oregon on Dec. 13 from 2-7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Donations can also be made in the name of the Lorie Born Cancer Fund at any Fifth Third Bank.

Source: http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=11650440

Please share this news with friends, family and also with your contact list on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace

autism

Jeffrey Cooper, Autistic Boston Teen, Missing 24 Hours

NECN.com reports that Boston police are searching for 14 year old Jeffrey Cooper who is autistic and has been missing for more than 24 hours. The report indicates that Jeffrey has difficulty communicating his needs and has gone missing before although never for so long or in weather conditions as have been experienced in Boston during the last 24 hours.

Let us all hope that Jeffrey is found safe and sound.

autism

James Delorey, 7 Year Old Autistic Boy, Has Passed Away

James Delorey, the 7 year old autistic boy who was lost in snow and cold in Nova Scotia for 2 days has died. He fought a good fight surviving for 2 days in the woods and for several hours after being found. Any parent has some understanding of the terrible loss suffered by his family. Speaking as the father of a severely autistic 13 year old who himself went missing across busy road traffic, but was fortunate to be taken quickly to a safe location by a good person, this story hurts ... a lot. And brings back vivid memories of the terrible fear that I felt on the day my own autistic son went missing.

autism

Found After 2 Days in Cold Snowy Woods Autistic Boy Fighting for His Life in Nova Scotia Hospital

James Delorey still has a ways to go toward recovery. The Chronicle Herald reports C.B. boy fights for life after two days in woods : "An autistic boy found barely alive after spending two nights outdoors in severe winter conditions was clinging to life in a Halifax hospital Monday evening." The Chronicle Herald reports James is still in very serious conditions. The article also details the overwhelming response from Nova Scotians and people across Canada including the 9 search and rescue teams from across Nova Scotia that aided in the search.

Now we can only wait for more news, hopefully good news, of James' recovery.

autism

Autistic Boy Found After 2 Days of Wind and Snow

An autistic Nova Scotia boy, James Delorey, has been found after 2 days of cold, snow and wind has been found. CBC reported he was on his way to hospital. On television news CBC is reporting that he is in critical condition with hypothermia.

autism

Harsh Autism Reality in Nova Scotia

Canadians are hoping right now for the safe return of 7 year old James Delorey, the non-speaking autistic boy who wondered from his Cape Breton home Saturday afternoon before snow and wind conditions picked up.

I have some idea of the fear and other emotions the family of this boy are feeling right now. In a 2006 comment on this site, Vigilance, Constant Vigilance I described the terror I felt , for a brief period, when my autistic son Conor went missing while I was occupied on a business phone call. That situation could have turned out badly but he, and I, were fortunate as a good Samaritan stopped and helped him across a busy street to a convenience store where I was able to retrieve him after calling 911.

I hope beyond hope that it turns out as well for young James Delorey and his family. Autism has many wandering children. It is one of the gravest dangers and harshest realities faced by autistic children and their families. It is an autism reality that the world needs to hear about.

Let's all hope for a Christmas miracle and James Delorey's safe return.

autism

7 Year Old Autistic Boy Missing in Snow and Wind in Nova Scotia

CBC and other news sources are reporting that James Delorey, a 7 year old autistic boy, has been missing since yesterday amidst snow and winds in Nova Scotia. The boy doesn't speak and was not dressed for the weather conditions when he apparently wondered off into the woods after the family dog. Hundreds of people on foot and ATV's (all terrain vehicles) have been looking for the boy today.

autism