Barack Obama and Aspergers …
Hi everyone - Following on from Obama’s victory in the election I wanted to share this with you whilst it’s so topical …
I just got a great email from a newsletter reader (Joan) which details the reply of Barack Obama’s office to an email about disability:
Dear Joan,
Bob and I are volunteers on Barack Obama’s disability organizing team in Iowa. There has been a lot of discussion about personal connections to the disability community. We wanted to make sure you knew that Barack Obama has multiple personal connections to our community, which will help guide his policies and plans to improve the lives of all Americans with disabilities.
We are pasting at the bottom of this email an op-ed written by Mike Strautmanis, a long-time close personal friend of Barack and Michelle as well as the former Chief Counsel in Barack’s Senate office. Mike has a son who is on the autism spectrum. We think this op-ed will help crystallize that Barack Obama is the candidate for all Americans with disabilities, not only because he has a detailed four part Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities, but also because he understands the barriers that need to be broken down to level the playing field for people in our community and is personally committed to the government breaking down those barriers.
Thank you.
Bob Bacon
Op-Ed
by Mike Strautmanis
My son Jori has a disability. He is on the Autism Spectrum. Jori is a daily gift to our family, but we face challenges. Fortunately, Jori has a friend named Barack Obama. Literally. Barack has watched Jori grow up. He stands by Jori, his mother, and me as we struggle with the barriers society places in the way of people with disabilities. Every American with a disability, or who has a loved one with a disability, should be fortunate enough to have a friend — or even a President — like Barack Obama.
I want our country to provide support to families like mine — the families who face the practical, financial, and emotional challenges of a loved one with a disability. Jori has taught Barack about these challenges. These days, I work on the Obama-Biden campaign after serving on Barack’s Senate staff as his Chief Counsel since he arrived in Washington. But long before that, Barack and I were friends. He and Michelle have been a big part of our family’s life and a great help to my wife and me. To them, Jori is not a statistic; he’s a kid they see around town or at the office. They see how our family, which has more advantages than many, struggles to help Jori to get the care he needs, which is sometimes more than a loving family can provide, and the education he deserves, but few public schools have the resources to deliver.
When Barack gives a friendly hello to Jori, he shows his kindness; when he accommodates my schedule to enable me to be a fully engaged parent, he shows that he understands what families like ours go through. He understands that as a leader, he has an obligation to help us to keep all of America’s promises to our loved ones and give us the tools we need as parents to ensure that our children won’t be shortchanged.
As President, Barack will begin by creating a new White House post: Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. He will press Congress to pass the CLASS Act and the Community Choice Act to help Americans with disabilities to choose to live independently in the community and to help them pay for the direct care workers, assistive technology and other tools that make independent, community-based living possible. For our children, Barack will continue his fight for full funding of IDEA so that students with disabilities are assured of a free appropriate public education. Barack agrees that funding IDEA at less than half its authorized level is a disgrace, but he also understands that merely wringing more money out of Congress is not enough. His Secretary of Education will fully implement and enforce IDEA. Local school districts’ foot-dragging and resistance to IDEA, denying teachers what they need to serve kids with disabilities in the most inclusive possible setting, will no longer be tolerated.
It’s easy for me to say that my friend Barack will do these things, but this isn’t just friendship talking. I know he will do the right thing, for two reasons. First, there is his record: As an Illinois state senator Barack Obama sponsored legislation that created an autism spectrum diagnosis program, designed to implement evidence-based best practices. Barack worked with Illinois families to build the Easter Seals academic programs that prepare students for independent living. Moreover, Barack helped pass Illinois’ mental health parity law as a State Senator. Barack understands that we need universal screening, education and early intervention strategies for all children, but especially children with disabilities. That’s why he intends to provide $10 billion per year in funding for developmental programs serving children between birth and age five. Barack has long supported the Family and Medical Leave Act; as President, he will expand it and help the states create paid leave systems to ease the tough choices that are faced every day by working families providing support to a disabled member.
But there is a second reason that I have faith that a President Obama will fight for people with disabilities, and one that I find more compelling: I have seen Barack Obama with my son and other people with disabilities. I have seen how he puts his arm on Jori’s shoulder, how he smiles at Jori and speaks to him as the person that he is. I see his understanding that Jori and every other American with a disability is a fellow child of God with potential worth developing and dignity worth protecting. I see this and I know that Barack understands why I would do anything to secure real opportunity for that precious child, why any parent in my place would do the same. I see that Barack Obama comprehends all of that, and he wants to help us get there. And I know that if we can help Barack Obama to get to the White House, he will do more than any President ever has done to help those of us who love and care for loved ones with disabilities to achieve everything they can achieve. I know this man. So does Jori. And he gives us hope.
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Realy a good news to US and specially for all the disabilities child!
Wish our government also can focus this issues so that parent and child no need go through the hard time. Now, most of the parent have to find out own resources and information themselves…which always standing in the cross-road and don’t know what and how to do….
Comment by Maggie — November 6, 2008 @ 3:01 am
there is at least one or two words that are visible at the end of every line (right side). Please rectify as the article looks very interesting. Thanks
Comment by Penny — November 6, 2008 @ 5:05 am
Autism Speaks symposium held in FL November 11th with the Healthcare system providing products to help these kids! My daughter’s Pseudomonas Virus cleared! Parade & Parents Magazine will show us!
Comment by Patricia Banks BMsc. — November 6, 2008 @ 5:38 am
Why can we not have someone like him in our own government. I know from experience the difficulties faced when trying to negotiate the maze of bureacracy when just reaching a diagnosis let alone finding help.
Comment by JG — November 6, 2008 @ 5:51 am
Does anyone know how to contact Mike Strautmanis??
Thanks for the assistance
Comment by Bernadette — November 6, 2008 @ 7:10 am
Unfortunately, by his own admission his personal views do not always line up with his political stand. Sorry but I must take a wait and see attitude. I prya he’s on the same page personally and politically.
Comment by Sandy — November 6, 2008 @ 8:25 am
Barry might be your friend, but he’s not mine. I don’t trust “that one” any further than I can spit…
Comment by Peggy — November 6, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Thank God for our President elect. I read a comparaison of where the candidates stood in the campaign in The Spectrum (Autism Society publication) - As grandparents of a child with autism, we know the joy and the hardship for parents and child alike facing autism. Thank you. Marie Brown
Comment by Marie-P. Brown — November 6, 2008 @ 9:39 am
I have been watching Mr.Obama for four years I did everything i could to get him elected. I have watched politics for 35 years .He is the answer to our prayers, I have a 13 year old grandson with Aspergers and it has been a nightmare getting help in the public school system I will do anything he needs to help him protect and educate not only our children but the people in this country Sincerly K. Johnson
Comment by Kathryn Johnson — November 6, 2008 @ 9:48 am
You know, I am offended by this article. The campaign is over and we all will be watching to see what this man will do. I am glad you who wrote the article are hopeful. But please, I thought this site dealt with parenting and aspergers issues, not people’s hopes and dreams. If there is soemthing to report about what Barry has passed as a law, that is different. But I have not drank the Kool-Aid, nor do I intend to… I am unsubscribing to this site that is still trying to sell people on this man even after the fact. It’s annoying to say the least.
Comment by stasy — November 6, 2008 @ 9:48 am
As a small family business owner and employer, this administration has me very concerned.
Comment by Barb — November 6, 2008 @ 10:02 am
i have 3 sons with autism. i can not tell you how hard our lives are. i like the family leave act. but i always wanted more because i can not tell you how many many jobs i have lost because i had to put my sons first. i always would get call after call from the schools to come get my child because they were having a melt down and the school did not know how to handle it nor have the resorces. my bill collectors dont understand this. i am first to say even the ssi we get is not enough to care for these children. most of these kids are soooo smart that normal age approp toys do not interest them. its not fair that these kids live in poverty because thier moms or dads can not work sometimes. i try to work to make ends meet but i have to put my sons first.and to make all the doctor appointments tell that to the employers.
Comment by THERESA — November 6, 2008 @ 10:15 am
Wow, sounds like Obama will be good for families dealing with kids on the autism spectrum. I am Canadian but also hold a (non-voting) U.S. passport. I am pleased with the election results!
Comment by Jacalyn Miller — November 6, 2008 @ 10:31 am
Something needs to be done when applying for SSI, DVR, Food Stamp Services. My child has aspergers which is a social disorder and he cannot go to these places or speak for himself. I have been getting the run around since april and have not yet been able to facilitate these services correctly for my son. Some one needs to look at the way these agencies are run. DVR is subsidized by the Federal Government for 80% yet the monies go to the state and they then distribute according to their rules. I believe if it funded by the Federal government it should be ruled by the Federal government. Not each state having its own set of rules/standards. If you move from one state to another your benefits can change drastically. Is this not the UNITED STATES every one should be treated equally no matter where you live in the UNITED STATES. Any one who can help me send me an email
Comment by lisa — November 6, 2008 @ 10:38 am
I really hope with a new administration that our children with disabilites do get some help. Ecspecially those families that have a special needs child who may never be able to live on thier own. I am excited and anxious to see what our future now hold.
Comment by RONNIE — November 6, 2008 @ 10:43 am
I did not vote for Mr. Obama, but I do not fear him or hate him like so many others seem to. The power of the president is limited. That is why the American goverment was established with checks and balances. I know all of this because it is my “area of intense focus”. I have been studing it for years. As for him helping us. We need to take a stand and say. I am disable, but not helpless. It is time for those with the abililty, to go out and speak for those on the spectrum who cannnot. Don’t wait for the goverment. We need to go to them!!!
Comment by K. Koke — November 6, 2008 @ 11:14 am
that is so great to hear as we are grandparents raising 2 grandughters -one of which is still being evaluated for aspergers/diagnosed right now as cerebral palsy and posssibly fetal alcohol spectrum for the younger grandaughter.we are at our wits end!iwe voted for mr obama here in tn but alas we were the minority but we were so so happy he won.grandparents raising grandchildren face children with problems like our own two.they are innocent victims and they and their caregivers need all the help they can get -nancy c
Comment by NANCY CURTIN — November 6, 2008 @ 11:24 am
May God bless Obama and his family. Obama seems to be a very thoughtful and careing person. Please allow this man to be the person he is and the person we seem to need as a president. Mr. President Elect please continue to use God as your leader and do the best job you can do. I think you deserve the job- not just because you’re the first black president,but because I feel you will do a great job for all people. I think everyone forgets that this man is also half white. He truely loved his mother and loves his grandparents, so lets not take anything away from him by saying he’s there only because he’s black! Obama keep the faith and God will always be by your side. Enjoy the presidency and life with your wife and girls.
Comment by Darlene Taylor — November 6, 2008 @ 11:37 am
I’ll believe it when I see it, until then, it’s a bunch of lip service.
Comment by Lisa — November 6, 2008 @ 11:52 am
I will believe it when I see it because he speaks out of both sides of his mouth. Also, if this does happen, I do not believe it will make up for the strain he is going to put on my husband’s and my small business. This upcoming Obama administration gives me great concern.
Comment by Gigi Ivey — November 6, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
As a small business owner and the mother of a child on the Autism spectum, as a low income family that struggles with medical insurance we have had a difficult time getting the right diagnosis for my child and an even harder time finding someone to provide treatment and support that she needs. While I did not vote for Barack I am hopeful that he will be able to provide more assistance to families with special needs children and the resources that the families can access to help their children live the ful lives they deserve. Right now though I will have to have the wait and see approach to his policies.
Comment by Jennifer — November 6, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Great confidence you seem to have in Obama - I wish I could say the same. But he has made so many promises to the masses. I am afraid it will in up being given just enough attention to say he did something - but not enough to significantly make any “change” that is necessary to help those of us on the front lines of this very real battle.
Comment by April — November 6, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
TO K.KOTE
Please tell me how do I do this? Do I begin with the school district or do I go to my local representatives. I am so ready to do something!
Anyone who can help direct me please email me -nadafinga07@gmail.com
Comment by Debbie Johnson — November 6, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
Well…interesting. Our oldest has DS and autism. Brother has aspergers. More than 90% of conceived babies with ds in the US are aborted. This is a result of “early intervention”, as ds is easy to detect in-vitro. Some of the monies for research for autism/aspergers are directed towards the same approach for autism “cure”…accurate pre-birth screening to accelerate aborted autistics/aspergers…kill the baby, kill the disease. Obama heartily supports abortion…even to the point of preventing medical help in cases where the baby survives the abortion. Sorry, not buying….
Comment by Ann Gerber — November 6, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
As someone who works in an excellent special needs school I am delighted to read the above post by Mike Strautmanis. Obama is a breath of fresh air and I am certainly breathing easier with him at the reigns.
Comment by Helen — November 6, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
I look forward to when the people who are worried and afraid of our new President can take a deep breath and relax. I am glad that I can. Mr. Obama is an extremely intelligent and educated man. He recognizes the need for improvement in our education systems, and I believe that many small business people will be relieved when they actually see how Pres. Obama’s tax plan works and that thier taxes in fact will not be increased by the time other tax relief on their business is factored in. Meanwhile, as the parent of a child with asperger’s who is currently wrestling with the public education system to get help for my child and her teacher, I am heartened by the hope of some improvement in the system. Mr. Obama got into Harvard on scholarships and grades, he earned a place on the board of the Harvard Law Review due to his self disipline and academic performance. He surrounds himself with people who are experts in their fields and is intelligent enought to be able to assess their competence and abilities to get the job done. I believe that this will carry over to the improvement in the health and education systems that provide for our disabled children. I hope all of us can feel more confident and relaxed soon. God bless our children and us all.
Comment by Cobweb's Mom — November 6, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
Hi,
Re your Obama and Aspergers article at: http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/barack-obama-and-aspergers/ -
I am posting a link to that on a new website I am helping maintain at:
http://EinsteinSyndrome.org
It’s looking to be a really fine resource. Please feel free to post the URL widely.
Thanks,
John Lionheart, webmaster EinsteinSyndrome.org
Comment by John Lionheart — November 6, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Yesh! I am really suprised to read the highly charged negative comments about the President Elect. Mostly because I do not think such comments are appropriate to this forum. Dave posts these blogs to help give us positive information and things to think about to support the Asperger’s community. “Hating on” the new Prez is not appropriate. We in this community need to continue to advocate and fight for our loved ones and our families to get the services and support we need. We cannot leave it up to any adminstration to do it for us. At the very least, I think it is a hopeful sign that our incoming President has had some personal exposure to a child on the spectrum. As we all know, most people in the US have not had this exposure. Whether he does anything about it is another matter. We have to do our own part to advocate government support for our children.
Comment by Susan Lindsey — November 6, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
I believe that a breath of fresh air will sweep over our elected officials because we will be putting new people in place that will inspire others in office and outside of government. It will not be an easy road to take as there are so many things that need to be addressed within our government and will not fix over night, but I believe there will be a definite momentum in moving forward at all levels. I would like to hear from anyone that has gone through the process of getting their child diagnosed with aspergers once getting them into a doctor. How long does this take? I am just starting and don’t have ot of time to waste as my child is older. Thanks,Linda lindazardus@yahoo.com
Comment by linda zardus — November 6, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
You do not understand what this means to us. We are not Americans and yet through all you research and kindless to share info on Autism and Aspergers you are helping people far beyond your shores thank you thank you we hope you will all be blessed with your new president
Comment by melalni de groot — November 7, 2008 @ 1:11 am
I agree with Susan…This forum is for the aspergers discussion and support. Slamming democrats and remarks about gays and abortionists is ignorant and hurtful. Stick to the issues here and try to be positive about the potential of help for children and their families who need it. I support President Elect Barack Obama and admire him immensely. The article by Mike Strautmanis was very encouraging and touching.
Comment by Christina — November 7, 2008 @ 2:08 am
I’ve had to go in and delete a blog comment today for the first time ever today. It was an offensive statement that was discriminatory and completely unacceptable. This blog is for discussion of issues in a positive way and supporting one another. I won’t allow the blog to be used to submit any comments that are discriminatory in nature. Generally when comments are posted they go straight on to the site until I get chance to read/moderate it. So thanks to the vigilant people who pointed out this unacceptable post. I won’t “name and shame” the individual as that’s not my style. But to be clear - if anyone posts any discriminatory posts in future they will be banned from the blog and the Parenting Aspergers website for life. I know this does not apply to about 99.9% of you anyway but I will not accept discrimination of any kind on this blog. Thanks for reading Dave Angel.
Comment by admin — November 7, 2008 @ 3:48 am
To those of you just starting the process of getting a diagnoses. Take heart our grandson who is a twin we have custody of both was not diagnosed until June 2008. We heard about Asperger in Jan. of 2008. When I called mental health in our county I was not given any help at all. I finally heard about Sewall in Denver, Co. But the wait was long. In the meantime I got on the internet and found out as much as I could. Immediatly went to the school he attended and talked to his Spec. Ed teacher. Gave her a print out of everything I found out. Also talked to the school psycholichist. Get this, he did not believe in Asperger. Told him to stay away from my kid. Got a hold of the laws Federal and State on I.E.P. read them and started to talk to everyone I could. IMMEDIATLY I had a change of attitude in the school. His teacher was great. Both boys were moved to a diffeent school. They are doing fantastic. Don’t wait for help you must do some research on your own. Start a journal read read read and talk talk talk about Autism/Asperger. Don’t let other people try and diagnose your child. And above all pray. This year has been so much easier. Only 2 meltdowns. Bothe handled at school with compassion and understanding. I have lots more to say but I will leave that for future. Good luck my prayer are with you all.
Comment by Claudia Worth — November 7, 2008 @ 5:59 am
I disagree with Mr. Obama on a lot of issues. But I really don’t think this is the appropriate place to discuss them. My son - 8 years old and PDD-NOS/ADHD - is in the other room right now. He is of far greater concern to me than Mr. Obama’s policies. And I apologize to anyone reading this comment who may think that I am discriminatory for putting my son first and disagreeing with Mr. Obama.
Comment by satscout — November 7, 2008 @ 6:09 am
this is nice and inspirational. If there are more things like these, please post them.I may not be from USA but this is very good to read.
And also…I heard about the terrible comment. whoever is reading, please follow the rules.
Comment by geraldine — November 7, 2008 @ 6:32 am
hello just responding to the the 10th comment i believe it perfectly right for this article as i as i have aspergers myself and have support workers which is funded and the funds come from government and im trying hard and been trying hard to get family support as im an adult and still need it as much as a child does
also for organisations such as public sectors such as shpping malls supermarkets queues in banks ect ect
to obtain the fundings and proper ways to educate such things it goes through government so having a president of another country whom has knowledge of autistic spectrums is a wonderful advantages as they can diss this with the prime minister here and enable more help with people with aspergers and also not just children but adults
Comment by amanda louise — November 7, 2008 @ 7:47 am
I am from the USA - PA actually, and thank you.
Comment by Shari Draayer — November 7, 2008 @ 8:48 am
My 12 yr old son is Aspergers/PDD-NOS/Anxiety/ADHD with learning disabilities. He has dyslexia and the school does not recognize this. I am just so fustrated with his school, insurance and the whole educational system with these kids. I am just looking for support…I feel alone and I know I am not…what is going to happen with our children in the future?
Comment by Lisa DeGarmo — November 7, 2008 @ 10:32 am
I just took my nephew to the Thompson Center in Columbia, MO to be evaluated. They were wonderful.
They specialize in Autism. I had been taking him to another counselor who had no wisdom in working with autism.
Comment by Patricia Dascher — November 7, 2008 @ 11:46 am
This is a blog for disibilities!
This is not a political blog!
Why are we reading more campaign promises!
The man is elected.
Why is this blog campaigning for Obama.
How can any of this be confirmed. The person who was alleged to have written it is also working for him. So we should just believe is is going to happen. Anyone think it was a little too well put together like, perhaps a part of a campaign speech?
Number one, a government that can do anything for you can do anything to you. Stop looking to them for miracles to fix your life. When have you ever said (when thinking about any government program or agency) “man they did a great job with that program: on time, effcient, no waste, no red tape, no bureaucracy?” Keep government as limited as possible and out of your lives. Be self reliant.
Number two, I certainly hope this is the last time I will ever read any political ads on this blog. I like politics but I don’t like having a site for and about disibilites actively campaigning for a candidate or echoing campaign promises unless reapeating these things is a part of a published intent to hold the politicians accountable for doing what they promised.
Comment by Jon — November 7, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
My 9 year old son keeps saying he wants to die, or kill himself. He often says that he “hates this life” and has started to get knives and pretend to cut himself.He often runs at walls and bangs his head.His behaviour is obviously from frustration and are meant to get a reaction so I play it down and divert him. He is starting to notice that he is a bit different ( mild Aspergers)and that his younger brother is more popular than him.I am worried that he will do harm to himself, has anyone experienced this
Comment by Carol — November 7, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
My son Nathan was diagnosed with asperer’s last august, but he also carries other diagnoses of ADHD, bipolar, odd, and I was recently informed that he has a hearing loss in both ears. What else does asperger influence?
Comment by Debra — November 7, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
I have a 12 year old son with Aspergers and I am grateful beyond words for the wonderful articles and info that Dave Angel puts out there to help us. I read this article and although I am against Mr. Obamas principles, he is now our president elect and I am interested in seeing what he can do for families like ours who have kids with special needs. I will follow his progress on this issue as much as I would have if John McCain had been elected. I am and always will be thankful to Govenor Sarah Palin for bringing all kids with special needs into the spotlight. Aspergers and other similar disorders are not Democratic or Republican. They do not have preference on either party. Let us remember that we should hold all of our politians to a high standard on all of the issues. And as AS parents, we should push to make sure research in the Autism area becomes as important to the Washington DC crowd as it is to us!
Comment by Mary Ann Ryan — November 7, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Very important to attend to the needs of those with these problems of course. That is only humane!
I am astounded that NO ONE commented on addressing the CAUSE of the problem. Perhaps the Pres. doesen’t know? Now may well be the time to tell him with supporting evidence. Stop the suffering, stop the cause. We can’t start any sooner!
Comment by Lester — November 8, 2008 @ 4:18 am
As a teacher and a mom of a young teen with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), I am interested in reading people’s questions and concerns about Asperger’s but I don’t really think that the political viewpoints are relevant. Every four years our country is blessed to vote for a president and whoever it turns out to be does not really change what we must do to educate the people that work with our kids. It’s up to us to find out all we can for our kids and then work closely with each teacher and school. A wise professor of mine said “always leave them with something”… find the research, print it, and give a copy to your kid’s
teacher(s). Continue to talk to your child and to the teahcers and administrators and help them understand all they can about AS and more importantly about your own child. Each one is an individual after all.
Comment by Cecily — November 8, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
in response to post 37 debra im i was diagnosed with aspergers about 2 and a half years ago and have been reading a lot about it( un like my family may i say ) i hdo my self have hearing aids in both ears now but only got t these from after diagnosis m aware that aspergers is a combination of all types of disorders such as torrettes schipzozenia ocd but in small ways as in some times the behaviour can change to so bits of diferent did=s orders eveen asthma like symptons as in panic attacks that over rate and appear to be like a asthmaattack
i hope your son is happy with him self and im sure you shall find the things that he enjoys in doing in life
Comment by amanda louise — November 9, 2008 @ 7:09 am
I am an LPC therapist who is interested in Autism Spectrum. I have been seeing children with various disorders for many years:24. This internet resource is one I have told my client parents about and hope it continues. I am encouraed by Pres. Elect Obama who said in his acceptance speach that he will reach out to McCain/Palin to help. If he governs from the center, that should improve many things. I understand the sceptics. We are all hopeful that something will improve. The last 8 years was time wasted. NoChildLeftBehind,did just that:left children behind. Our country is at it’s best when it sets the vision for the future an WORKS that vision. My intuition is that P.E. Obama will lead. We all know the aphorism, “You can please some of the people some of the time,etc. To those who doubt,I wish to suggest patience, with hard work on this side of the problems. I still believe problems are OPPORTUNITIES just waiting for a solution. My best efforts have always been spent in trying to make a difference for good. I hope we can see this Austism Issue as the OPPORTUNITY IT IS! I plan to wait and see, expecting to see positve canges. I am joining with those who are likeminded. Thanks for this opportunity, Dave!
Comment by LarryO — November 9, 2008 @ 11:00 am
TO PATTY - I don’t know what you said that had to be deleted - BUT I AM VERY INTERESTED in DAN doctors. I’m in Atlanta,GA - could you repost any connections for my 10 yr old son? I agree with you…AUTISM SPEAKS…We celebrate who Tyler is and just want to help him become even more. Thanx!
Comment by April — November 9, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
PS - For all those comments whether for or against Pres Elect - Whatever you have to focus on: whether it is your science, your politics, or your faith — Do whatever you have to do to maintain HOPE! All the while, I wouldn’t sit back and wait for anything to happen - no matter whose administration is in charge - you have to STAND UP and get busy on your own to really make the CHANGES necessary to make a difference.
Comment by April — November 9, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
Hi Everyone could you please give me any advice, My son has just been diagnosed with mild Aspergers he’s 10years old, we have not discussed the condition with him. I would like
some help to explain the condition without causing too much upset to explain the more postive aspects about the condition.
Comment by jane Halom — November 11, 2008 @ 5:51 am
Hi,Iam in the process of receiving the emails-I am finding them very helpful. However, Ihave a question, that I’d like to bounce off of anyone with suggestions. Our 5 yr old son, was just dx’d with aspergers with poss add. We also have a 4yr old that is being tested for add now. My question is this,our 5yr old has a problem with not using words to talk to his brother-he’d rather just hit him (sometimes pretty bad) but he can use his words at pre-k and does well there. They are in separate classes and do not see each other very much. We have been trying to absorb as much infor as possible but I haven’t come accross much of aggression.Plse advise.
Comment by Michele Fodrocy — November 21, 2008 @ 10:18 am
God Bless David Angel for his information-I would
also like peoples advice on medications, my daughter is 12 and has aspergers/add/non verbal
her attentin in school is getting worse I have kept her off but I do see she needs a little help
if anyone let me know your experience with meds and if you went all natural-homopathic way-Thanks people and God Bless the children
Comment by lisa — November 21, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
As for comment No. 40. I know this is real. I know Mike; Mike is a friend of mine. Yes, he has know Barack and Michelle for years and yes, he and his lovely wife have 3 kids, one of whom iss “on the Autism Spectrum.
Belive it if you want; it is God’s truth.”
Comment by HAS — December 17, 2008 @ 7:13 pm