Jenny McCarthy Knocks Over Neurodiversity Hornet's Nest

As expected, Jenny McCarthy’s appearance on Oprah has stirred up the Internet’s Neurodiversity bloggers. During the past week they buzzed about in a paroxysm of sarcastic rage over Ms McCarthy's audacity in speaking out about autism. Some of the Neurodiversity commentary has been mean and snide. Some of it has been outright offensive. Following is a list of Neurodiversity Hub bloggers who fell over themselves taking cheap shots at Ms. McCarthy and her views on the nature of autism, autism causes and cures. Some, like Mike Stanton, Educator, and Kristina Chew, Educator, Ph.D., felt compelled to belittle her more than once. Ms Chew in fac

Read more »

Trail Walking with Conor

Today was another perfect day in Fredericton.This afternoon Conor did some Nashwaaksis trail walking with Dad.

Read more »

Dr. Wendy Edwards, Pediatrician and Autism Mother, Advocates Treating Autism as a Whole Body Medical Illness

The Times Colonist has an article on yesterday's Autism Canada conference and its focus on treating autism as a whole body medical illness. Speakers included Dr. Derrick MacFabe of the UWO team which recently released its findings on proprionic acid and Dr. Martha Herbert of the Harvard Medical School. Much of the article though focused on Dr. Wendy Edwards, a Southern Ontario pediatrician whose son was diagnosed with autism at age 3. The message at the conference as summarized by the Times Colonist is that autism is a full body illness and is not limited to the brain.Dr. Edwards advocates the use of biomedical treatments in addition to applie

Read more »

Yes, Autism Should Be Cured

Autism should be cured.Most parents of severely autistic children will answer that question as I have just done. There are some high functioning autistic persons who argue that autism should not be cured. There are some parents of high functioning autistic persons and professionals who work with them who argue that autism should not be cured. Some simply ask whether we should seek to cure autism. The answer to any such question is yes, yes, yes, we should. We should seek to cure autism so that severely autistic people can be cured and their lives enhanced. That is really all there is to it. This is not to suggest that the higher functioning autis

Read more »

A Perfect Day

Today was a perfect day in Fredericton. A clear blue sky, a beautiful sunny day with a comfortable fall breeze.Conor enjoyed the cool breeze ... and the McDonald's Hash Browns.A visitor also enjoying the breeze ... and showing us some flying techniques.The view from the picnic bench.

Read more »

Κώδικας Ιατρικής Δεοντολογίας

Κώδικας Ιατρικής Δεοντολογίας.

Read more »

FEAT-BC - Fund-raiser at CAPONES & Bill Good Show

FEAT-BC continues its relentless campaign to ensure that all Canadians with autism receive full Medicare coverage for the costs associated with the treatment of their often devastating medical condition. Today, Saturday, September 29th, FEAT-BC welcomes a full house of parents and supporters to a fund-raiser at CAPONES, in Yaletown. The evening promises lots of fun, a silent auction featuring a truly incredible array of donated items [ie. a three day stay in a deluxe Whistler condo; a Vancouver Canucks' jersey, signed by the entire team; a case of Burrowing Owl merlot; etc.], and the opportunity to play an important part in the early stages

Read more »

Autism Symposiums In The US (Open, Democratic) vs Canada (Closed, Undemocratic)

In the United States there are currently several autism symposiums scheduled or underway.It is interesting to note that public participation is encouraged at these American events. In some cases American law requires public input. They do not appear to dictate who can and can not attend. Nor do they attempt to pass off government selected delegates as representatives of community organizations as is currently occurring in Canada with the CIHR Autism Symposium. Here in Canada, the CIHR has bypassed community organizations like the Autism Society New Brunswick and decided for itself who will represent community organizations at this event.A little ti

Read more »

Autism Symposium Invitation Nov 8 -9 In Toronto

Following this comment is the official invitation that was sent out to the government hand picked invitees to the Autism Symposium scheduled for Nov 8-9. As previously mentioned, the government has decided who will attend as representatives of community organizations. In New Brunswick invitations were sent by the CIHR to individuals without consulting the provincial Autism Society New Brunswick. So what community organizations will the New Brunswick invitees be representing? Who gave the CIHR the mandate, the authority, to determine who would represent autistic persons in New Brunswick?If you read the official invitation you will also see that the

Read more »

Autism: A Medical Condition

An autism conference featuring doctors and researchers organized by Autism Canada and featuring Dr. Martha Herbert, Dr. Derrick MacFabe and Dr. Wendy Edwards will take place this Saturday at the University of Ottawa. As the title indicates the focus will be on autism as a medical condition. Gord McDougall at 580 CFRA has commented that "governments have been reluctant to tie autism to health issues, because that would commit them to spending money from the already stretched health envelope." Mr. McDougall's comment is absolutely right.8 years ago the lead Minister on autism issues being examined by a government of New Brunswick InterDepartmental Co

Read more »

Conor Tracks

I have mentioned before that my son Conor, now 11 1/2, with Autism Disorder and profound developmental delays, is a great joy in my life. His autism presents serious challenges and precludes him from having an independent life. Despite the many challenges though, Conor adds much to my life. When I see him at the end of the work day, face pressed against the window waiting for Dad, or when he walks into a room, I get a "Happy Buzz". I feel better, my spirits are lifted. Sometimes I get a Conor Happy Buzz even when I don't see him.Last night, after Conor was asleep in his room, and during a commercial break from the season premiere of "My Name Is

Read more »

$13.8 Billion Surplus But Nothing To Help Autistic Children and Adults

The Stephen Harper Conservative government has announced a $13.8 billion surplus. The Harper Conservatives celebrated the huge surplus at an announcement in Toronto. As pointed out in the Globe & Mail "Celebrating the huge surplus — which grew 50 per cent above forecast — was a change of tune for the Conservatives, who used to savage Liberal governments from the opposition benches for big windfalls. " Despite the huge surpluses the Harper government does absolutely nothing to help autistic children and adults. Well not quite nothing. They have put up a mediocre autism web site. And of course there is the Autism Symposium exercise in "community

Read more »

Proprionic Acid - UWO Scientists Find Potential Autism Gut-Brain Connection

Scientists at the University of Western Ontario, responding to parents' reports of significant improvement in behavior of their autistic children after elimination of wheat and dairy products from their diets, have conducted a lab study using rats which appears to confirm an autism gut-brain connection.Dr. Derrick MacFabe, director of the UWO research group reported to CBC that the research focused on propionic acid, a short chain fatty acid found in the gut and in bread and dairy products. When the compound was administered to rat's brains:"They immediately engaged in bouts of repetitive behaviour, hyperactivity and impaired social behaviours whic

Read more »

An Open Letter to the CIHR Concerning the New Autism Symposium

September 27, 2007CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and AddictionScientific DirectorDr. Rémi Quirion Assistant Director, OttawaDr. Barbara Beckett Project Officer Asimina SaikaleyDear CIHR DirectorsI have been active in autism advocacy in New Brunswick, and federally, for 9 years, since my son was diagnosed with Autism Disorder at the age of 2. Prior to the previously canceled Autism Symposium I contacted your office with respect to your procedures for selecting community representatives as delegates to the symposium. The symposium was canceled at the last minute. Now I am aware that you are inviting representatives from the "autism comm

Read more »

Stephen Harper's Hand Picked Autism "Stakeholder Representatives"

The Stephen Harper government has a pathetically feeble national autism strategy. Essentially it consists of a mediocre Autism Web Page and a Postponed Autism "Stakeholders' Symposium". The "Stakeholders' Symposium" was postponed at the last minute; purportedly because the Government of Canada couldn't find a big room in which to hold the event. In reality it was cancelled because too many outspoken autism advocates, including me, were being nominated by autism organizations to attend the symposium.Now the government, and CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction are sending out invitations to a rescheduled Autism Symposium to

Read more »

Conor Eager to Get to Middle School

We were anxious about how Conor would handle the transition to middle school this year. We put a plan in place and carried it out with the help of the school team. But Conor is the main player on the team and he has done very well. These pictures taken yesterday show Conor ready to go to school, heading out the door 20 minutes early. He wants to get to middle school!C'mon Dad get away from the computer.Dad put the coffee down, let's go.Dad, you are so old and slow!Ah! Finally, it's about time!

Read more »

Glutathione Autism Treatment Study Planned

Kosair Children's Hospital and the University of Louisville are planning a study of the use of glutathione, an amino acid that neutralizes harmful molecules. The study, as reported by WHAS11News and Reporter Joe Arnold will involve providing glutathione to 50 autistic children.Dr. Stephen Wright, the Kosair Medical Director, says he has seen "remarkable" progress in two of three children to whom he has provided glutathione treatment after considering the experience of the Riggle family and reviewing research presented to him by the family. The Riggles saw dramatic improvement in their autistic son after some glutathione treatment. According to Mrs. R

Read more »

Charges Against 6 Year Old Autistic Boy Dropped

Charges against a 6 year old autistic boy were dropped in a Kentucky Court today. That is the positive side of the story involving assault charges brought by a teacher's aide against the autistic boy who grabbed and hit her. The down side is that the charges were ever laid and proceeded to court at all. As the parent of a profoundly autistic 11 year old boy I know that it can be very challenging and can often involve risk of personal injury to anyone working with an autistic child. It takes special individuals and I am not sure that someone who files criminal charges against a 6 year old autistic child is up to the challenge.

Read more »

Tory Pledges $75 Million To Clear Ontario Autism Wait Lists

The National Post reports that Ontario Conservative Leader John Tory has pledged to clear Ontario's autism wait lists. He has pledged $75 million to clear the lists in 2 years stating that experts have told him it would take at least 2 years to clear the wait lists. The National Post article quotes Autism Canada President David Patchell-Evans as saying that he trusts Tory because he is a businessman. Personally, I suspect that all of the leaders will keep their autism pledges after the grief Liberal leader McGuinty suffered over his broken pledge and betrayal of autistic children and their families.On an interesting note the National Post indicates

Read more »

The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance

"Applied research is essential in furthering the development of evidence-based best practices for the effective education of children with autism spectrum disorders" - Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO of The Help Group and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on AutismOn Monday, September 10, 2007, the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior held a special reception to mark the launch of The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance.Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 24, 2007 -- On Monday, September 10, 2007, the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior held a special reception

Read more »

FEAT BC Autism Evening at CAPONES Restaurant and Live Jazz Club

Vancouver, B.C. – A sold out crowd of parents of autistic children and supporters will be meeting at CAPONES Restaurant and Live Jazz Club, in Yaletown, on the evening of Saturday, September 29th. Dozens of FEAT of BC parents and supporters will be enjoying BC wines, tapas and entertainment by BC jazz performer, Murray Porter . FEAT of BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC) is a not-for-profit volunteer organization of parents and professionals working towards universal access to effective, science-based treatment for all Canadians diagnosed with autism. Jean Lewis, founding director of FEAT of BC, states, “The intense interest in

Read more »

Δήμος Μελίτης, οδός Κοίλης.

ΔΗΜΟΣ ΜΕΛΙΤΗΣ, ΟΔΟΣ ΚΟΙΛΗΣ.Οι γλαύκες του δειλινού επέστρεφαν στον ιερό βράχο της Παλλάδας. Αθόρυβο το πέταγμά τους, περνούν απαρατήρητες αν δεν στρέψεις το βλέμμα πάνω από τον λόφο των Μουσών και από την άλλη τον λόφο των Νυμφών. Το φωτεινό άρμα του Απόλλωνα αποχαιρετούσε της κορφές του Υμηττού για να ταξιδέψει πέρα από την Ελευσίνα και τα βουνά της Σικυώνης..Με κατεύθυνση το Δίπυλο υπέρ των πυλών, και την αγορά ,αργοσέρνονται τριζάτα τρία κάρα με ελαιόλαδο από τα λιοτρίβια των Μεγάρων. Η ειρήνη έφερε το εμπόριο με την μέχρι πριν λίγο εχθρική χώρα. Οι ρήτορες κατεβαίνουν από το λόφο της Πνύκας είναι οι περισσότεροι κάτοικοι του δήμου Μελίτης , εδώ θα

Read more »

Autism Hell - The Most Painful Autism Decision

In Take My Son - A Family's Painful Autism Reality I commented on the story of Teresa Abernathy of Arizona who made the painful decision to give up her severely autistic son to the care of local authorities when they could no longer care for - or prevent his violent assaults on family members. The decision turned out well for the Abernathy family including the autistic son Colin who has prospered in care and has enjoyable visits with his family.In Hell of autistic boy's mum Mercury, the Voice of Tasmania, presents the story of an Australian mother who had to abandon her 15 year old severely autistic son to Tasmanian state government officials. The

Read more »

Low Functioning Autism

Anyone who has read this site from time to time knows that I am not a fan of the so called Neurodiversity movement. In its essence it is irrational. Neurodiversity (ND) is a group of people who embrace the term "autism" to describe themselves (autistic, autist, autie etc.) a term given to a neurological or neuropsychiatric disorder, but who claim, despite embracing the name of that disorder, that it is not in fact a disorder or disability. They also object to the use of terms like "low functioning" and "high functioning" autism.Well the truth is that there ARE low functioning autistic persons. Typically they exhibit little or no communication abi

Read more »

Four Strong Autism Winds Gaining Gale Force

In Four Strong Autism Winds I commented on the fact that families with autistic children from across Canada were migrating to Wild Rose country in search of oil rich Alberta's well funded autism programs. The Edmonton Journal has featured this trend today in Alberta a mecca for parents of autistic kids.The Journal article provides an excellent treatment of the subject and, by the information presented, highlights the need for a National Autism Strategy in Canada. While the Alberta funding is outstanding the immigration of families seeking access to its programs from other parts of Canada is "gumming up the works" increasing waiting lists for

Read more »

Autistic Boy Had No Way to Explain the Horrible Bruises

A 12 year old autistic Chicago area boy, one of three described in the Chicago Sun-Times as allegedly having been abused by Special Ed teacher Patrick E. McCarthy, had no way to explain the bruises on his shins. The boy was forced to bounce for 40 minutes on a trampoline even as he screamed and tried to get down. Eventually he fell smacking his shins on the metal edge of the trampoline. McCarthy is charged with other alleged assaults on autistic children in his class. If McCarthy did as alleged then I hope that he is convicted on the felony charges and serves some serious jail time. Hopefully too, the neurodiversity ideologues can explain to us h

Read more »

Anecdotal Evidence Indicating HBOT Effective In Treating Autism

The autism community at large has benefited from the rise of evidence based approaches generally in treating and educating people with neurological and other disorders. An evidence based approach to evaluating interventions ranks the types of evidence available in support of the efficacy and safety of an intervention in treating a particular disorder. Parents seeking treatment for their autistic children have historically been confronted by a range of non evidence based, sometimes bizarre, and sometimes dangerous, interventions.The insistence by various professional agencies on evidence based standards has helped sort the wheat from the chaff of auti

Read more »