PETA Got No Ethics As It Exploits Autistic Children

The ad above is found on the PETA web site and is, according to Newsday, featured on a billboard running in Newark New Jersey. Although not in agreement with all their positions or tactics I have always been sympathetic to PETA's alleged goal of seeking ethical treatment of animals. With the above campaign though PETA is not applying high ethical standards to autistic children. PETA is exploiting fear of autism to promote their goals concerning treatment of animals by pushing a connection between cow's milk and autism.

The PETA web site refers to a study in Rome in which "researchers noticed a "marked improvement" in the behavior of autistic children who were taken off dairy products". The study is a 1995 study. The site also refers to testimonial evidence that suggests that removing dairy from diets of autistic children provides relief. The testimony in question is a 2000 article by Karyn Seroussi "We Cured Our Son's Autism".

Although I personally am not persuaded that the evidence, at this time, supports dietary theories concerning autism I am not dismissive of them either. I previously commented in Milk and Autism Connection Claimed on the milk autism connection taking a wait and see approach to such claims. I have also refused to join those who attack parents for their testimonial evidence concerning Gluten Free and Casein Free diets even though I personally am not persuaded by their testimony.

There is already much public discussion of possible dietary influences as causes of autism. But it is a big stretch to say that "studies have shown a link between cow's milk and autism". Particularly when such a claim is linked to a dramatic image of a child's cereal bowl with cereal arranged to show a sad face.

PETA advocates for the ethical treatment of animals. In advancing that goal, it should apply the same ethical standards to its discussion of autism issues and autistic children. PETA officials could start a new branch of their organization - PETAC - People for the Ethical Treatment of Autistic Children.

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United Nations World Focus on Autism

OMRDD Takes Part in United Nations World Focus on Autism

NEW YORK, NY (09/26/2008; 1506)(readMedia)-- Representatives from the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) marked the opening of the 63^rd United Nations General Assembly in collaboration with an international call to attention to the global concern of autism.

OMRDD’s Executive Leadership, Executive Deputy Commissioner Max Chmura, Dr. W. Ted Brown, director of OMRDD’s Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR) in Staten Island and Dr. Eric London, Head of the Autism Treatment Laboratory at IBR, attended the event earlier today, in support of, and preparation for, World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2009.

The United Nations World Focus on Autism event, held at the United Nations Millennium Hotel, was hosted by Suzanne Wright co-founder of Autism Speaks, and moderated by Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international correspondent.

IBR is recognized worldwide as a leader in autism research. In May, IBR scientists were awarded a $1.9 million program project grant from the federal Department of Defense Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Program (ASDERP) that is funding a first-of-its kind study to examine how autism changes the brain throughout life. In addition, IBR recently took part in the International Meeting For Autism Research (IMFAR), held in London, where scientists presented to a worldwide audience of peers. IBR has also partnered with many global autism awareness and research organizations such as Autism Speaks, Cure Autism Now, Queens University in Ontario, Canada and the National Alliance for Autism Research. Dr. London serves on the board of Autism Speaks and chairs several committees; Dr. Brown serves on the Autism Speaks scientific grant review board, among others.

“I am pleased to have represented this agency and New York State at this prestigious event,” said Chmura. “New York State and OMRDD has been recognized as international leaders in the autism field through our progressive Autism Platform, as well as through IBR’s cutting-edge research that contributes to the treatment of the disorder. We are proud to have been invited to collaborate in this way.”

World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, which declares as April 2 World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). The WAAD resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the developmental challenges they face.

OMRDD’s Autism Initiatives

In response to the growing autism crisis, OMRDD created a comprehensive autism platform in May 2008 to combat autism on multiple fronts: research and training, treatment and family and individual supports.

The autism platform encompasses several key initiatives, including the newly created Autism Consortium and Interagency Task Force on Autism. The Autism Consortium will allow OMRDD to better address the needs of individuals with autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) by pooling research and treatment resources.

The Interagency Task Force on Autism calls on a team of state agencies, who support children and adults with autism, to work collaboratively to provide services and supports and guide the implementation of the autism platform. The task force will be co-chaired by OMRDD and the State Education Department.

The OMRDD Autism platform consists of:

→ Increasing research;

→ Translating research results into improved treatment options;

→ Uniting public, private and nonprofit interests to establish statewide research, evaluation and treatment capacity;

→ Networking across State Government to create a “People First” system of comprehensive services; and

→ Providing information to families.

ASDs are on the rise nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that within some communities, ASD now affects one in every 150 children. OMRDD currently supports more than 16,000 people in New York State with autism or ASDs.

The New York State Autism Consortium, under the leadership of OMRDD’s research arm, IBR, has created an autism “brain trust” in New York State, gathering many of the state’s finest scientific minds to collectively research, treat and address autism and ASDs.

OMRDD supports more than 120,000 people with developmental disabilities; of whom 16,000 people in New York State have autism or ASDs. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormalities in the development of social interaction and communication and by repetitive and/or ritualistic behaviors. Studies have shown a substantial increase in children diagnosed with autism over the past 10 to 20 years; approximately 1 in 150 births. Autism could impact an estimated 4 million Americans in the next decade.

About OMRDD

The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) provides high-quality services, supports and advocacy to approximately 120,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. OMRDD works with a network of nearly 800 not-for-profit providers to help people with developmental disabilities lead richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and productivity and homes in their communities.

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Medicare For Autism NOW! Two Percent Solution In The Epoch Times

The Epoch Times in Parents Lobby Swing Ridings in Autism Fight by Joan Delaney features the Medicare for Autism NOW! Two Percent Solution campaign for autism coverage in Medicare. The article includes commentary by Senator Jim Munson, Medicare for Autism NOW! activists Louise Witt and Beverley Sharpe, and humble parent advocate Harold Doherty from New Brunswick.

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Stephen Harper's Photo Op Support for Autism

Jonathan Howard has helped raise awareness for autism with his run across Canada. He has met with political leaders of all levels and parties. Some of those he met with are genuine in seeking to help autistic children and adults and their families. Some are not. Stephen Harper is not.

The Harper government did nothing to help autistic children across Canada receive evidence based treatment for autism. Not a thing. Until now. Stephen Harper posed recently with Jonathan when he and Terry Robinson arrived in Terry's home town of Dryden.

After all the struggle with parents advocating for their autistic children in every province in Canada over the past 10 years, after the Auton, Wynberg and Hewko cases, with autistic children in Canada still lacking access to evidence based effective autism interventions Stephen Harper finally offers his contribution to the cause of autism in Canada --- he posed for a picture with Jonathan Howard.

Well done Mr Harper.

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We Must Be Realistic About Autism

The importance of a realistic approach to autism is made clearer every time tragic news is received of an autistic child or adult wandering into danger, and sometimes death. We can have all the fine pseudo-intellectual discussions about labeling and the strengths enjoyed by some autistic people. But we must not, as some would have us do, embrace autism as a joy and ignore the harsh realities confronting some autistic persons and their families. Fortunately Keith Kennedy was found alive in the woods a week after walking away from camp. The stories of wandering, missing autistic people do not always turn out so well as illustrated by the tragic drowning death of a five year old autistic girl in Florida.

In Autistic child's death renews effort to keep kids safe Jennifer Rivera reports on reaction to the death of Kaitlin Bacile who drowned in a canal after wandering away from her home Saturday afternoon. Kaitlin left home through a door to the garage that she was able to get open. The article mentions some of the steps parents can take to protect their autistic children, including locked doors, alarms, tracking bracelets and teaching autistic children to swim. Do not assume that all autistic children are naturally good swimmers.

Personally I believe it is important to be realistic about your child's autism disorder and the challenges it presents and be proactive in preventing harm in coming to your child. Be alert, ever and always alert, to dangers presented by the everyday world of motor vehicle traffic, strangers, water and other hazards. And hope for the best.

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On Autism Issues Illinois Governor Shames Canada's Party Leaders

There is a federal election underway in Canada but autistic children and adults and their families are not included. NONE of the leaders of Canada's federal parties will commit to taking any real action to help. Not one.

Conservative leader Stephen Harper and his party continue their longstanding and total neglect and lack of concern for autistic children and adults in Canada. NDP leader Jack Layton recounts the excellent work done by NDP MP Peter Stoffer, a true champion of autistic individuals and their families, but makes no commitment himself, or on behalf of his party, to help. Likewise Liberal leader Stephane Dion who actually voted for Liberal MP Shawn Murphy's unsuccessful motion to amend the Canada Health Act to provide ABA coverage for autism under Medicare has offered to talk to provinces and stakeholders to listen to their "concerns". Green Party leader Elizabeth May has, so far, been silent on autism issues.

In the US, by contrast, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich called lawmakers into special session to deal with a state Senate committee measure that seeks to require insurance companies to cover expanded treatment for autism, as reported in the Chicago Tribune:

It's the Senate's third attempt this year to approve the measure, which would require insurers to cover up to $36,000 a year and unlimited doctor visits until age 21 for people with autism spectrum disorders.

In Illinois Governor Blagojevich takes action to ensure funding for autism treatment. In Canada our federal leaders either ignore autism altogether or offer self congratulatory sermons with no commitment or action to back them up. I am sure Governor Blagojevich does not have Canada in mind with his determination to help autistic children and their families in Illinois but he does, by example, put our federal leaders to shame.

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Autism Position of the Liberal Party of Canada

The Liberal Party of Canada recognizes the challenges that autistic Canadians face, as well as those affected by autism. That is why we had invested $16.2 million in autism research grants, which funded 32 separate projects. Although the delivery of health care services falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, a Liberal government would be open to discussions with the provinces, territories and relevant stakeholders about considerations for those who are living with or affected by autism.

Although the delivery of health care services falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, a Liberal government would be open to discussions with the provinces, territories and relevant stakeholders about considerations for those who are living with or affected by autism."

The above information follows a backgrounder on autism and autism issues in Canada from the perspective of the Liberal Party of Canada. This information was provided by a Liberal Party staffer to a representative of an autism organization and appears to be the official Liberal Party position. It essentially offers dialogue but makes no commitments for federal funding of autism treatment. It is a very weak and disappointing statement from the party of Charlottetown MP Shawn Murphy, the author of private members Bill C-304, which sought amendment of the Canada Health Act to include ABA treatment for autism. Most Liberal MPs, including Stephane Dion, voted in support of that motion. Now they make no commitment except to talk in the future.

Meanwhile autistic children across Canada will be going without the effective treatment they need.



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An Autism Question For Green Party Leader Elizabeth May

Ms. Elizabeth May
Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Dear Ms May

Re: Autism and the Green Party

I am the father of a 12 year old boy diagnosed with autistic disorder. The Center for Disease Control in the United States estimates that 1 in 150 children have, or will be diagnosed with, an autism spectrum disorder. This neurological disorder seriously restricts the lives of those who bear its burden. While there is no cure for autism at present there is an evidence based effective treatment, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) which has been recognized by many credible reviewing agencies as significantly improving learning, social and communication skills of autistic children receiving treatment. The gains have also been found to persist.

The most well known, and credible, of many studies, those of the American Academy of Pediatrics (2007), the New York State Department of Health (2005 rev ed), the MADSEC (Maine) Autism Task Force Report (2000 rev. ed) and the Office of the US Surgeon General (1997), all document the hundreds of studies over several decades that confirm the effectiveness of ABA as a treatment for autism. Families across Canada have sued, rallied and advocated, to obtain government funded ABA treatment for their autistic children. And yet across Canada we have a patchwork of provision of government funded ABA treatment. In many cases where treatment is funded the intensity of treatment required to provide effective treatment is not fully funded.

Shawn Murphy, the Liberal MP for Charlottetown introduced a private members motion Bill C-304 which called for a National Autism Strategy that included an amendement to the Canada Health Act to require provincial funding of ABA treatment for autism. The motion was defeated on a second reading vote by the combined opposition of the Conservative and Bloc Quebecois parties. The Liberal and NDP party members almost all voted in favour of the motion.

Ms May will the Green Party of Canada follow up on the Shawn Muphy autism motion by also seeking amendement of the Canada Health Act to require ABA treatment for autism?

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty
Fredericton, New Brunswick

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Saturday Morning Fun At The Circle Place

It was a beautiful morning, cool and sunny, so Dad and Conor decided to head to one of Conor's favorite spots - the Circle Place. After some fancy footwork Conor takes a break.

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Autism Reality in Oklahoma

There are some who believe, contrary to common sense, that one should find joy in neurological disorders like autism. Some of these advocates of neuro-nonsense also argue that there are no differences in functioning levels for persons with autism spectrum disorders. One of the most inane beliefs of some these pseudo-intellectuals is that the use of labels which distinguish different autism disorders, or distinguish between autistic people based on the severity of their autistic traits, presents unnecessary barriers between autistic people.

What the neuro-nonsense advocates do not deal with are the realities faced by people like Oklahomans, Deborah Decker, mother of two autistic children, one 5 and one 6, and Wayne Rohde, father of a 10 year old autistic boy, who appeared before the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee of the Oklahoma legislature. As reported by the Oklahoman:

Her voice quavering and her eyes welling with tears, Deborah Decker described for state lawmakers Thursday the difficulties her family confronts every day while raising her 5- and 6-year-old autistic children.

"For the last five years, my family has been living in crisis mode,” Decker, president of the Autism Society of Central Oklahoma, said as she and other parents pleaded for the state's help to obtain and pay for therapies for their autistic children.

The parents offered emotional accounts of how they struggle to pay for expensive behavioral and speech therapies not provided by the state or covered by private health insurers.

"We are bankrupt,” said Wayne Rohde, the father of a 10-year-old autistic child. Rohde urged lawmakers to require health insurers to pay for the diagnosis and treatment of the developmental disorder.

Deborah Decker and Wayne Rohde are struggling to help their autistic children who they obviously love dearly. They are facing autism reality in Oklahoma.


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Fredericton September 19 2008

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John McCain Visits Facing Autism in New Brunswick

Republican Presidential candidate John McCain honored Facing Autism in New Brunswick with a visit today. Well, I understand the Senator is not a big internet user, and he has other things to do, so it was probably a junior staffer.

Still it was interesting to receive a visit from the McCain campaign to this humble Canadian blog. The campaign was interested in my comment Governor Palin As A Special Needs Advocate?
I hope they were not offended by my Barack Obama bias.

Below is the visit information provided by Statcounter:
If you blog them they will come.

Liberal MP David McGuinty and NDP Candidate Marlene Rivier Commit To Funding Autism Treatment Under Medicare

The non-partisan efforts of the Medicare For Autism Now Campaign are featured in a Sun Media article on C-Health. The article includes comments from long time autism activists Louise Witt of Surrey, British Columbia and Andrew Kavchak of Ottawa, Ontario. Both Louise and Andrew stress the non-partisan nature of the campaign.

Candidates from two political parties are also featured as supporting the effort to include autism treatment in Medicare, Ottawa South MP David McGuinty, running for re-election for the Liberals and New Democrat candidate Marlene Rivier, running in Ottawa West-Nepean:

Marlene Rivier, NDP:

"I really think autistic children have been shortchanged. Commitments have been made to them and then those governments have failed to follow through on them. We need to extend treatment to those families, and continue examining evidence to ensure they are producing the outcomes we want for these children during the critical years. The fact they are being denied the help they need is really quite tragic."

David McGuinty, Liberal:

"We need to find out how we might proceed and whether the Canada Health Act might be amended to include treatment for autism spectrum. My brother (Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty) has been seized with this for years. It's a tough thing, a lot of demands. I've been working hard on this and it's something we have to move forward on"

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An Apology Is Not Enough Mr Ritz

In this comment I depart from the autism theme of this site to express my disgust with federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz who joked about listeriosis deaths during an August 30 government conference call. As reported last night by the Canadian Press :

Sources who took notes during the call said Ritz fretted about the political dangers of the affair before quipping:

"This is like a death by a thousand cuts. Or should I say cold cuts."

The disease was linked to cold cuts from Maple Leaf Meats.

And when told about a new death in Prince Edward Island, Ritz said: "Please tell me it's (Liberal MP) Wayne Easter."

Easter is the Liberal critic shadowing Ritz's Agriculture Department.

Mr. Ritz lack of respect should not be tolerated in a Minister responsible for decisions that have a serious impact on the lives and deaths of Canadians. He obviously does not take the 17 listeriosis deaths confirmed to date seriously.

Stephen Harper is resisting calls for Mr. Ritz' resignation. In doing so Mr. Harper places politics before the Canadian people. Sometimes an apology is not enough. Mr. Ritz should resign or be fired by Stephen Harper. Such contempt for the lives of Canadians is unacceptable.

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National Institute of Mental Health Drops Chelation Autism Treatment Study

The National Institute of Mental Health has decided to drop a planned study of chelation as an autism treatment study. The AP reports that the NIMH issued a statement saying the money would be better used testing other potential therapies for autism and related disorders.

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Deborah Meredith Clarifies Autism Issue

A resident of Vancouver Quadra received the following reply from Vancouver Quadra Conservative candidate Deborah Meredith after she expressed her concern about Ms Meredith's refusal to meet with Medicare For Autism Now representatives DURING the election campaign:

"What I said is that if I am elected I will meet with you. If not, it is a waste of time for both of us. Make sure what you put on your website is accurate please. Deborah"

Ms. Meredith's comment has a Kim Campbell ring to it. I wonder if her comment means that she will not meet with any constituents during the election period or just people seeking a serious National Autism Strategy from Ms. Meredith's boss Stephen Harper?

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NDP Leader Jack Layton's Response On Autism

The following document was forwarded by members of Medicare For Autism Now who received it from the New Democratic Party on behalf of NDP leader Jack Layton:

Jack's Response on Autism

First, both NDP MP Peter Stoffer and myself have challenged the federal government for not providing funding in its last budget to help families with autistic children. I fully recognize that families with autistic children are in crying need of support and they are very disappointed that the Conservative government has ignored their needs in their budget spending.

On the matter of voting, in the April 3, 2006 to September 14 ,2007 session of parliament MP Shawn Murphy introduced his private members legislation Bill C-304, An Act to provide for the development of a national strategy for the treatment of autism and to amend the Canada Health Act. C-304 received first reading on May 17, 2006 but unfortunately it did not make it to third reading or a final vote because it died when the Harper government chose to prorogue that Parliament. I am also aware that on March 29, 2007, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs issued a report on the Funding of Treatment for Autism titled:" Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis" in which they recommended that the federal government demonstrate some leadership in the autism file by collaborating with the provinces to create a National Autism Strategy and address the funding of treatment. However, this report was not put before parliament for a vote.

New Democrats recognize that providing support for families with Autistic children has to be a bigger priority for the federal government than another corporate tax cut. That is why Peter Stoffer has introduced Private Members' Bills, C-211, An Act to amend the Canada Health Act (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to "ensure that the cost of Applied Behavioural Analysis ( ABA) and Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) for autistic persons is covered by the health care Insurance plan of every province" and C -212, An Act respecting a Canadian Autism Day. ' The federal NDP is proud of Mr Stoffer's efforts to help put the needs of Autistic children on the political map.

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A Fredericton Autism Follow Up To Alberta MP Brian Storseth

Brian Storseth MP
Westlock-St. Paul

4401 50th Street

St. Paul, Alberta

Telephone: (780) 614-6440

Fax: (780) 645-6817

Storseth.B@parl.gc.ca

Dear Mr. Storseth

On August 27, 2008 I emailed you in response to a Member of Parliament mail out I received from you concerning the Conservative Party. That mail out was an obvious attempt to exploit fear of crime for political purposes. Since you had taken the trouble to use your parliamentary mail privileges to contact me I replied by email. Since you had adopted me as a constituent I expressed my concerns about your government's failure to address the autism crisis in Canada and asked that:

" you encourage your party leader Stephen Harper to adopt a real National Autism Strategy. Send federal dollars to the provinces to ensure that every autistic child receives evidence based treatment regardless of their parents' postal address. You have reached across the country once; you can do it again - for autistic children."

Now that the federal election campaign is in full swing I ask, as one of your adopted constituents, whether you have acted on my request. Have you encouraged Mr. Harper to provide federal funding for autism treatment across Canada and what is the current position of the Conservative Party?

Your response, prior to election day, would be appreciated.

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty
Fredericton NB

cc. Facing Autism in New Brunswick


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Conor Enjoys The Fresh Air At Odell Park

Conor and Mom enjoy the fresh air at Odell Park in Fredericton on this early "almost fall" evening.

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Autism and the NDP

Hon. Jack Layton
221 Broadview Avenue , Suite 100 (Main Office)
Toronto, Ontario

Dear Mr. Layton

When my son was diagnosed with an autism disorder 10 years ago the
Center for Disease Control in the United States estimated that 1 in 500 persons would be diagnosed with an autism disorder. For the past two years the CDC has estimated that 1 in 150 people are on the autism
spectrum of disorders.

During those ten years, like many other parents, I have advocated for a serious national response to Canada's autism crisis. While some argue academically whether there is a crisis most parents do not. We see the realities of autism every single day. We find great joy in our children but we know that unless a serious national strategy is forged our children's chances for a fulfilling life will be at risk.

To date the federal government response to the autism crisis has been either non-existent or contemptuous of the challenges facing autistic Canadians and those who love and care for them. Charlottetown MP Shawn Murphy proposed a serious national autism strategy, one which would include amendment of the Canada Health Act to require funding of ABA treatment for autism. Peter Stoffer of the NDP was an important supporter of Mr. Murphy's motion. Mr.Stoffer has been a strong advocate for the cause of autistic people in Canada for many years and his hard work is much appreciated.

I ask you Mr. Layton whether the NDP, whatever the outcome of the impending vote, will seek amendment of the Canada Health Act to include coverage of ABA treatment for autism. I would appreciate your informed response. My autistic son would appreciate your response.

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty
Fredericton NB

cc. Facing Autism in New Brunswick

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Deborah Meredith, Conservative Candidate Vancouver Quadra, Has No Time For Autism

Deborah Meredith, Conservative Candidate, Vancouver Quadra has no time to discuss issues affecting autistic children and adults. She is too busy trying to get elected to waste her time talking to an autism advocacy group in BC until AFTER the election as shown in this response to a group who had sought an interview with Ms Meredith:

"If elected I would be happy to meet with you to talk about autism and the Canada Health Act. I am awfully busy right now trying to win this election as I'm sure you can understand."

Elections are generally the period when citizens seek answers from the candidates before deciding who to vote for. Ms. Meredith's contempt for autistic issues is matched by her party leader, the sweater guy, Stephen Harper, alleged health minister Tony Clement and Alberta Conservative Mike Lake, father of an autistic child receiving ABA in oil rich Alberta who doesn't think the federal government should ensure that autistic children across Canada receive the benefit of ABA therapy.

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Risks of Risperdal and Other Aytpical Antipsychotics In Treating Autism

The New York Times reports on a US government study which finds that the "newer" atypical antipsychotic medicines prescribed for schizophrenia in children and adolescents are no more effective than older, less expensive drugs and are more likely to cause some harmful side effects. The study is expected to be published online on The American Journal of Psychiatry. Serious side effects of the drugs studied, Risperdal and Zyprexa, included rapid, substantial weight gain and changes in cholesterol and insulin levels which are risk factors for diabetes.

The NYT report states there has been a steady increase in prescription of these drugs over the past two decades with 80% of children's prescriptions to treat something other than schizophrenia, like autism-related aggression, bipolar disorder or attention-deficit problems. 49 % of atypical antipsychotic prescriptions were used to treat disruptive behavior related to autism or A.D.H.D.

Two of the study's authors, lead researcher Dr. Linmarie Sikich and co-author Dr. Jon McClellan, indicate that older, milder medications should be considered as first line treatments and new therapies developed.

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