Comments on: Risperidone in Eli Stone

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:07:24 +0000

@John, thanks for writing this here—I’m never quite sure of the effects on my son, but so far it seems to help. So far!

By: John

John — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:22:21 +0000

I have actually taken this medicine.
The white coats have a lot to learn how to treat mental issues. They are too often using a sledgehammer as spoon (or whatever). Ir made me still and polite, but I wasn’t fully me. I hate these drugs. I will get a dog so I won’t have to treat my kids with old fashon drugs (believe me they will be in years to come).

Sorry folks!

By: tracey

tracey — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:56:10 +0000

I wasn’t going to watch the show…I was worried about being annoyed. But, I took a deep breath, watched and yes was annoyed. Not too much about the subject matter…the whole vaccine theme was pretty much loss and I thought the concept of the show was fine, but it’s entertaiment value minimal. My annoyance was at the acting, or lack of…I was worried (like you Kristina) that I know what it is like to be a mother of autism and that it would be poorly represented. And sadly, I was right. First of all, myth…”stopped smiling” my two boys smile and laugh all the time…stop pertetuating myths! and finally…if you were a mother and your child hadn’t smiled at you in 8 years….I think I would see a tear or two…or way more. The emotion attached to our children never fades with age.

By: What’s It All About, Eli? (2): Keeping the Faith

What’s It All About, Eli? (2): Keeping the Faith — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:15:51 +0000

[...] one commenter after watching ABC’s new legal TV drama, Eli Stone: In reading responses and commentary on [...]

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:55:49 +0000

Yes-----thanks for this-----I really think Arthur Allen touched on some of the reasons why the vaccine-autism myth will continue --- myths are powerful stuff. I find, to some extent, that autism is rather incidental to the plot and that it's the attempts to raise questions about (to the tune of George Michael music) spirituality and belief that are more interesting, and that get to the heart (perhaps) of why vaccine-autism hypothesis continues to persist.

By: julie Lorenzen

julie Lorenzen — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:39:48 +0000

Sometimes controversy can get us talking about what needs to be talked about. Maybe the controversy that surrounds this series will put a spotlight on the other side of the some issues–like vaccines. Hopefully, some members of the audience would be smart enough to question the plot. Plus there might be a deeper meaning to the series as a whole. This is something I touched upon on my own post for today (autism and spirituality–maybe they’ll get that angle right). Anyway, why don’t we wait and see before we totally judge this series? P.S. I had a phone call during the part about risperidone and smiling, but yes, I was angry about the episode and the treatment of vaccines too. Then I thought about it a little…

By: Autismville

Autismville — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:56:22 +0000

Jack smiled for the first time at three weeks old and hasn’t stopeed smiling since. He’s got the sweetest dimple too …

Insurance coverage is so incredibly crucial. It is so outrageous that the AAP recommends treatments that the vast majority of policies just won’t cover. In states where IDEA compliance is minimal (i.e. most of the flyover states…), insurance coverage could make a huge difference to families attempting to access the most basic services.

The difficulty lies with ERISA. Most corporations are self-insured and thus dont’ fall under the requirements of state law. And getting the federal government to mandate coverage for autism … that’s a tall order. Hopefully the momentum that is generated with state mandates will convince corporations to do the right thing.

One basic suggestion I have is to ask everyone to provide a copy of the recommendations of the AAP to their current employer and then politely ask if the recommended treatments are covered.

Just a thought…

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:26:49 +0000

I’ve spent the past few hours trying to figure out billing rates for therapists—–

By: tracey

tracey — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:52:57 +0000

Now to me, the original means way more. We may not all agree on the how, but I am sure that there is not one parent who hasn’t had to fight, beg, borrow and steal just to get basic services. It sounds to me “controversy” is the desired theme for Eli Stone, because it brings ratings.

By: chrisd

chrisd — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:46:03 +0000

I liked the premise of the show but have not had the chance to watch it. That’s what happens when you’re trying to get your kids to bed. I suppose I could tape it, but not sure why I would.