Last Week’s Top Posts
August 3, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
Yes, I do think that the hypothetical “vaccine-autism” link distracts us from the key issues of education, services, and understanding about autism. Nonetheless, vaccines were the topic of some of last week’s top posts:
- Musings on Camp and Independence
Should I be sending Charlie to camp? - The Dangers of DIY Doctoring
Doctors and patients at odds, and the latter more armed with (mis)information than ever. - Nintendo At School
Charlie is learning how to play video games, at school. - Michael Savage’s Parting Shot
Ah, Michael, just give it up! - Public Spaces Mean Extra Precautions
What if I lose my child in a busy public place? - Not Able to Play In Your Own Back Yard
Is this about adhering to building codes or disability rights? - Once Again, TV Does Not Cause Autism
The title speaks for itself. - The Truth Is Out There, But Smallpox?
Oh dear, Age of Autism did it again. - Strapped to a Toilet in a Darkened Room
Why do people think these “methods” are going to “work”? - The Curious Reports of Vaccines and Autism on CBS
Doing some detecting to figure out how a certain piece of correspondence appeared somewhere; or, what’s going on at CBS news? - Homemade Remedies
About white powders and goo, all brewed up in kitchens, and marketed to parents of autistic children.
My 14 year old nephew grabbed his father from the back seat over the weekend, causing deep scratches & almost causing an accident. They pulled over until they could calm him down. My sister said the family is now afraid to drive anywhere with him. He has increasingly isolated himself & has attacked his mom & his 16 year old sister as well, primarily scratching & hair pulling. He is non-verbal & communicates by pointing to a letter board. What’s wrong?
He says he’s never going to have a friend, or get married. He says he’s tired of being autistic. He has lost hope of getting better. He’s also intensely jealous of his sister. He has only been communicating for about 3 years, & has proven to be a good student (with an aide), reading above grade level & taking advanced math classes. However, we need to help him learn coping skills. I hope there are behavioral health services that can help a disabled teen coping with depression & violent reactions.
The article about the 15 year old from Ottawa helped me to understand that we need to take action to help my nephew now & not wait for a more devastating event. I’m so sorry for all parents of children & teens with autism that have such a hard time getting services & help. I also really appreciate Kristina Chew’s tone of calm reflection on what her family experiences, & am reassured that we are not alone.