[FEAT BC Admin]

This area is for discussions in general topics.

Topic

[Isaac]

To follow up on my recent comments regarding the fallacious 'autism-is-a-culture' thesis, i.e.– the "don't force autistic kids to be normal" view of autism, recently reported in the Victoria Times Colonist story of a parent-advocate, Sheri Marino ("The Mother in Richie's World" http://www.featbc.org/cgi-local/forum/show.cgi?tpc=4&post=5250#POST5250), today we read a markedly opposing medical opinion in the 'USA Today' (article by Sharon Jayson, USA TODAY, March 29, 2005).

In stark contrast to the fringe notion that autism is a 'natural' yet somehow misunderstood part of human diversity, research psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Dr. Thomas Insel, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health and head of an interagency federal panel on autism, holds the following professional view regarding the disorder:

"[autism is] a tremendously disabling brain disease, which really robs a child and a family of the personhood of this child."

The position of this medical scientist couldn't possibly be more obvious and succinct — autism IS a disease.

So, with apologies to Ms. Marino and others who may unfortunately share similarly delusional views of this debilitating disorder, the expressed view of the leading mental health expert in the U.S.is that we are dealing with a genuine disease — not a misunderstood culture, not a learning disability, not a social services problem, but rather, a severely disabling disease of the brain. Ergo, for Canadians who believe that our universal health care system is the defining feature of Canadian nationhood, the message to all is patently clear: "Medicare for Autism Now!"

Isaac (Miki's Dad)

________________________________________________________
USA Today excerpt from the article, "More questions than answers in autism,"
Sharon Jayson, March 29, 2005:

"Research psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Thomas Insel, director of the National
Institute of Mental Health and head of an interagency federal panel on autism.

Insel says autism might in fact be "many different illnesses with one name," which would account for the array of symptoms, varied times of diagnoses and different strands of autistic behavior. "These are urgent questions because we're talking about a lot of children and a tremendously disabling brain disease, which really robs a child and a family of the personhood of this child," Insel says."
_____________________________________________

[Mike & Jean]

This year the Autism Society of BC is one of the recepient charity's for the proceeds of the UBC Arts County Fair which will be held April 8th at Thunderbird Statium.

Volenteers are needed to work either a morning shift from 11:30 – 3:30, an afternnon shift from 3:30 – 7:30pm or if you are really keen both shifts.

There are some perks like a free lunch etc etc and you get to stick around and enjoy the bands after your shift.

Last year we had a number of therapists and parents come out and help and they had a great time.

If you can help out this year please call the ASBC office at 604-434-0880

Thanks, Michael

[Kandi Kilgour]

Hello everyone

I am very fortunate for the funding that I have for my 3+1/2 year old and I am VERY grateful for all the parents that came before me.

I have written letters and e-mails, forwarded important articles to my MLA and MP, gotten signatures on petitions, and attended the local MP's office for the interview by the local papers.

What more can I do? Who else do I need to contact? Is there anyone in the provincial government that I can contact, besides my MLA. How can I help the children over 6 to get more funding for their programs? Every child should receive help, regardless of their age.

Can we start a run for charity for FEAT BC and get more media attention, like the Terry Fox Run. What about a ribbon campaign?

Does B.C. give the most funding for it's children? Is there another province that gives more money to both age groups?

What more can I do to help

Kandi
Maisie's Mom

[Kandi Kilgour]

Hello everyone

I am very fortunate for the funding that I have for my 3+1/2 year old and I am VERY grateful for all the parents that came before me.

I have written letters and e-mails, forwarded important articles to my MLA and MP, gotten signatures on petitions, and attended the local MP's office for the interview by the local papers.

What more can I do? Who else do I need to contact? Is there anyone in the provincial government that I can contact, besides my MLA. How can I help the children over 6 to get more funding for their programs? Every child should receive help, regardless of their age.

Can we start a run for charity for FEAT BC and get more media attention, like the Terry Fox Run. What about a ribbon campaign?

Does B.C. give the most funding for it's children? Is there another province that gives more money to both age groups?

What more can I do to help

Kandi
Maisie's Mom

[Kandi Kilgour]

Hello everyone

I am very fortunate for the funding that I have for my 3+1/2 year old and I am VERY grateful for all the parents that came before me.

I have written letters and e-mails, forwarded important articles to my MLA and MP, gotten signatures on petitions, and attended the local MP's office for the interview by the local papers.

What more can I do? Who else do I need to contact? Is there anyone in the provincial government that I can contact, besides my MLA. How can I help the children over 6 to get more funding for their programs? Every child should receive help, regardless of their age.

Can we start a run for charity for FEAT BC and get more media attention, like the Terry Fox Run. What about a ribbon campaign?

Does B.C. give the most funding for it's children? Is there another province that gives more money to both age groups?

What more can I do to help

Kandi
Maisie's Mom

[Diane T]

The next Mid-Island ASBC Community Group meeting will be held at:

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 21
Room 215 Building 356
Malaspina University College
Nanaimo

Tamara Leger from the North Shore Community Group will be presenting
"Video Modeling Across the Spectrum: What is it, how can it help my child master skills and concepts, and how do you do it?!?"

Refreshments will be available.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks.
Diane

[Isaac]

test

[Laurie Guerra]

I thought I'd pull a David Chan…….

I am sitting at poolside on vacation in Florida and thanks to ABA I can send my "once" autistic son up to our room alone to get his gameboy, go to the bathroom and bring back the room key with him. He returned shortly thereafter with a huge grin on his face. He did it all by himself!!

Now if I would have bought into the, autism is a "culture" bunch (and believe me it existed when I was debating about whether to start ABA or not) I could have still been looking at my son screaming in a fit and not able to tell me he needed to go to the bathroom. Perhaps I could have told the other 200 people around the pool to just ignore him or not to look. How ridiculous.

You're right Barbara, it's UNBELIEVABLE what some people buy into.

[Laurie Guerra]

I thought I'd pull a David Chan…….

I am sitting at poolside on vacation in Florida and thanks to ABA I can send my "once" autistic son up to our room alone to get his gameboy, go to the bathroom and bring back the room key with him. He returned shortly thereafter with a huge grin on his face. He did it all by himself!!

Now if I would have bought into the, autism is a "culture" bunch (and believe me it existed when I was debating about whether to start ABA or not) I could have still been looking at my son screaming in a fit and not able to tell me he needed to go to the bathroom. Perhaps I could have told the other 200 people around the pool to just ignore him or not to look. How ridiculous.

You're right Barbara, it's UNBELIEVABLE what some people buy into.

[Deleted User]

Going to ABA in Chicago in May?

I've connected with a few people who are planning to attend and one person suggested that if there was a larger group of us, we might be able to get a deal on our flight. If you are planning to attend and would be interested in perhaps an additional 10% off or so, please email me at Michelle_Karren@hotmail.com

[Author]

Replies