10 Things About Autism and Me

Lisa Jo Rudy who has a blog about autism at about.com and is a facebooker herself, took a page from the rash of "25 things about me" posts to start this "10 things" list for people in the autism community. Figured I'd give it a go as I really liked her list. So here goes. Feel free to join in if you are touched by autism in any way....parent, caregiver, teacher, aide...whatever!

1. I still remember the first time I ever heard about autism...I was only a tween, somewhere between 10 and 12, and it was the late 70s early 80s when Autism was still a very rare disorder. I saw a television movie (don't ask me what it was called) about a famiy's struggle with trying to reached their severely affected son. I don't remember many details, but I remember thinking how horrible it must be, and never forgot it.

2. I remember when the first connections between autism and vaccines (the MMR in particular) were being made in the press. I saw a article in a parenting magazine right before I had to vaccinate my first born and had asked my pediatrician about it. He had assured me it was all mularkey and just a coincidence in timing. There was nothing to worry about.

3. Like most people, up until my son started showing symptoms, my only experience with autism was the movie "Rainman"

4. Looking back, I think I knew something was "not right" as early as Sam's first bday. Because he was born prematurely, there was a lot of "don't worry he'll catch up" "you're over-reacting" "give him a chance" thrown around. All I can say now is...MOMS trust your instincts!!! You know your babies better than anyone else out there. Medical degrees or not!

5. Before my son was even born my sister started working in special ed classes in Uxbridge and became an ABA Technician working specifically with kids with Autism. I truly believe that the movie, article, and her HUGE career change (from banking into special ed!) was the "Big Guys" way of preparing me for what was to come.

6. I hate how the different factions in the Autism Community .... those who believe vaccines play a role, those who feel its all genetics, those who push for "Nuero Diversity" and don't believe it should be treated/cured ... just tear each other apart in an effort to: be heard? be right? receive the most funding for study? Not sure why, but its horrible.

7. I can follow my son's descent into Autism and watch how it followed various vaccines and other insults to his system. I truly believe it will be within my lifetime when the FDA and CDC will finally have to admit that vaccines do play a major role in the development of Autism.

8. I am not "Anti-Vaccine" . I do think we are OVER vaccinating our children. I think we need to re-think the "one size fits all" vaccine schedules. My premee should never have received the same amount and schedule of shots that my 11 pounder did....that just doesn't make sense. We don't even administer Tylenol like that!

9. I don't think that "convenience" vaccines like the Chicken Pox vaccine, flu vaccine, and others like them should EVER be MANDATORY. Cuz I'll tell you what...I'd rather my son have the chicken Pox for a week, than Autism for the rest of his life.

10. Finally, I think its just comletely irresponsible for the CDC, FDA, and AAP to just deny the connection between vaccines and autism thru their flawed studies and ridicule of the 1000s of doctors and parents who KNOW there's a connection. It is irresponsible and arrogant to think any medical intervention is SAFE for EVERYONE. Not everyone can take penicillen. Not everyone can take Codein. Not everyone can eat shellfish. Not everyone can tolerate vaccinations. In March of 2008, Julie Gerberding - the head of the CDC at that time - admitted openly on GMA that vaccines DO cause autism in a small subset of children. 3% I believe is the fiigure she threw out. So what does that make my son....collateral damage? His life and future are to be sacrificed for the better good of the 97% not affected? What a noble thought. But not when your son is part of that subset.

So I guess its a good thing that Ms. Rudy kept it to "10 things" cuz I could keep going! ;)

I am truly blessed to have been given this little man. He's such a joy...so sweet, gentle, and has an amazing intellect. I don't think I'm necessarily searching for a cure, but I am looking for anything and everything that will give him all the opportunities any other child has. Isn't that what all parents do?

And there's plenty of good that goes along with Autism too. You learn to appreciate the little things in life sooo much more. Every milestone is a triumph. You have to break things down into small components and take baby steps one at a time so life tends to slow down a bit....which is always a good thing. And seeing the world from another vantage point can never be a bad thing. Your eyes and heart become more open to just about everything, you definately become more patient, tolerant. Sam teaches us a lot. And with Sam, there's always lots of fun and laughter.