Comments on: The Candidates’ Autism Plans

By: Zachary Lassiter

Zachary Lassiter — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:48:11 +0000

Kristina,

I just wrote a letter to Obama Regarding His Autism Agenda and I would like your comments.

By: Obama and McCain on Autism

Obama and McCain on Autism — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:05:45 +0000

[...] in November, Senator Hillary Clinton’s website was the comprehensive about autism issues. Obama’s current two-paragraph statement on autism is the same as it was in November, [...]

By: Another Way to Access the Candidates: The Vaccine-Autism Question

Another Way to Access the Candidates: The Vaccine-Autism Question — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:47:58 +0000

[...] is today, with Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama battling it out. I’ve noted the candidates’ autism plans in a previous post: Today’s Washing ton Post hones in on another way to consider the [...]

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:15:37 +0000

Jason,
You make an amazing point about the possibility of what could happen to autistics the same as what often happens when the extra chromosome is discovered to cause Down’s. The sad thing is you’re absolutely right. My 4-year-old son was diagnosed with ASD a year ago and we consider him to be relatively high functioning, although we still have a lot of work ahead of us. I have never met an adult, or even teenager for that matter, with Autism. I am absolutely impressed with your insight on this issue. I agree with you that autism is a part of who you are. While I am obviously interested, as a mother, to know what caused the Autism in my oldest son but not my youngest, I would never in a million years trade either of my boys. While I certainly want to do everything in my power to make life as manageable as possible for him, my position has always been he is who he is and if you don’t like it, it was nice knowing you.

By: Florence

Florence — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:17:13 +0000

I have two sons on the spectrum and feel the same way. We have quite a few family members that could very well be diagnosed as PDD now that were not growing up. Using the word disease kind of sends the wrong message. Since the umbrella has widened on diagnosis we have to find a way to bridge the gap between advocacy and research that best suits everyone. Every child is different and their needs are different as well. There is no one-size-fits-all policy that will help. We need to recognize the individual first.

By: Jason Stumpner

Jason Stumpner — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:41:45 +0000

The problem I have with genetic research is that they will find the cause of autism, but not be able to do anything about it. I have high functioning autism, and I feel that my condition is just a natural part of whom I am as an unique indivisual. It can not be “cured”, any more that Down’s Syndrome can be cured. Yet after the extra chromosome which causes it was discovered, Down’s babies have been killed in the womb. I am just concerned that Asperger and Kanner autistics might meet the same fate someday.

By: The Dialectic » Blog Archive » enough with the scary

The Dialectic » Blog Archive » enough with the scary — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:31:44 +0000

[...] produces has it’s purpose, especially when it brings Autism into the national debate (as Autism Vox’s Kristina Chew suggests) and gets additional funding and services for my son. But during a time when I am working hard to [...]

By: Broombie

Broombie — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:53:17 +0000

Autism is a complex issue. Comprehensive plans must be made to care for all individuals on the spectrum from birth through adulthood.

In this geological area, the lower end of the Autism Spectrum seems to get better lifetime care than those who are on the higher end of the spectrum. I have heard statistics which state that 75% of individuals with Asperger Syndrome are unemployed. When the economy goes bad and unemployment rises, those with Asperger Syndrome suffer even more.

Some needs as I see it are:

1. Many teachers have natural empathy for students with autism. I would focus and develop these specific individuals. If a person cannot understand someone with ASD, then no amount of training will help them.

2. Schools and universities need a comprehensive curriculum to help those with ASD cope with the world. It should start with early intervention and continue through university. It should actually be a lifelong process.

3. Peer trainings and interventions are so important. There should be greater consequences for those who bully individuals with ASD’s. It could possible be something of the nature of a hate crime.

4. Candidates are making statements about Autism because advocacy groups have made it an important issue. The candidates’ plans will often be centrist and unsubstanstial. That is because the best political strategy is to cater towards the center of the political spectrum.

By: Super Tuesday Tomorrow: The Candidates’ Views on Autism

Super Tuesday Tomorrow: The Candidates’ Views on Autism — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:02:12 +0000

[...] Rodham Clinton’s autism plan calls for $700 million in funding for autism research and education; here’s the [...]

By: Dadvocate

Dadvocate — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:38:08 +0000

Confirming Kassiane’s view on Barack Obama. My wife and I met him (no tackling!) in 2003 at a fundraiser and have spoken with him several times since re autism. We do these types of events fairly regularly and chew on politicians ears about one issue only when we’re at them. Funding appropriate community based services for people with autism.

Obama knew the issues cold and is surrounded by advisors who do too. I’m a big supporter but do think HRC or JE would also be a big improvement over what we have in place now.