Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Autism Controversy, Vaccinations and wrestling inside


Yo, Mum Irene here. Wrestling.

I want to say something about vaccines and autism.

I went to a support group for families with autism a few years ago and was first introduced to the concept that autism might be caused by the vaccines given to our children.

Frankly, the woman was more frighting than her conspiracy theory and message that autism is caused by vaccinations and in particular, thimerosol but I did get the message and I did include it when I first began researching for my senior capstone project during my sophomore year.

Then when I was finalizing my project I discovered that the online documentations, the Wakefield Papers, disappeared from the usual sources. I had to replicate the information through other sites that are more controversial - and I became concerned.

Today, my son's pediatrician is adamant that vaccinations do not cause autism. Sure, I consider her position and interests.

As a society, we can't afford to not vaccinate. I got it.

But consider this, why do we have so many different pain medications? Some are designed to help different areas of the body, but mostly, because not every body reacts the same!
How big of a stretch is it to consider that not every body will respond to vaccines in the same way.


When I was writing my capstone I was a novice researcher so on one hand I took notice when I couldn't locate the papers but on the other, I passed it off that maybe I'd just lost the research thread.

Last night I stumbled across this interview with Robert F. Kennedy JR. Check it out:
video

Perhaps, there is more to the conspiracy theory...

Anyone else have some concerns or problems with vaccinations?

What's your story?


*** NOTE*** I'm not saying we shouldn't vaccinate our children - I do choose to vaccinate but this is a decision I make with informed trepidation and prayer - its not an easy choice for me.

My primary question is this; if there wasn't a problem with thimerosol why was it removed?

My next question is, what's the next
thimerosol - what else may trigger objectionable autism behaviors? (many autism behaviors are actually pretty cool!)

Of further note. My feelings about autism are based mostly upon my experiences with a child who is fairly high-functioning on the autism spectrum. Were my child severely impacted I'd certainly be choosing different battles and making different choices!

I do try to support other parents as best I can and if there is a suggestion or comment from these parents, please, I'd like to hear from you too.


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Finding your niche

Finding your niche

Yo, Mick here. I’m the adorable canine brother to the kid playing the baritone.

Red has autism and I’ve taken it upon myself to help bridge the understanding of those on the spectrum with those off the spectrum by demystifying it. Autism is less a disability when it is better understood.

Autism can impact a person in many ways but it doesn’t have to be as severe as many make it out to be. Red is not so impacted when he’s around people who practice tolerance and appreciate diversity – which is why he’s really found his niche in the high school band. Band members tend to belong to the artsy crowd who appreciate the diverse.

Red happens to have a strong attraction to music (many with autism do) and enjoys a level of success as a musician. Being with friends (yes! Friends!) who share similar attitudes and common goals brings Red a lot of personal satisfaction. And, he blends in with his peers instead of standing out like he does in situations involving numerous non-diverse and intolerant people.

People with autism have different preferences and innate abilities. If you are on the spectrum or you’d like to foster or mentor someone on the spectrum towards success, seek groups or people who can help you or them develop abilities or special interests even further. These may be similar age peers or people within the field of their interests already who may even be able to mentor.

Keep in mind that it is a cultural nero-typical bias that dictates friends be the same age. People with autism are very likely to build closer friendships with people who are older or younger.

Friends from band greet Red in the hallways at school and even around town when they see him. Band members are part of a team who practice a code of beliefs best summed as, esprit de core.

Other groups working together on projects such as science can also have a strong sense of esprit de core. If music isn’t the right fit, check out other groups or individuals within yours or their passions.

Friendships are also a cultural bias. Some people on the spectrum may find greater personal satisfaction and joy in doing something they love than in building relationships. That should be okay too!

Perhaps their best friendship is with a canine brother. Know what I mean? Every individual gets to chose their own sources of satisfaction (without harming others of course).

Band works well for satisfying Red on many levels. Band is definitely Red’s current niche. Do keep in mind that niche’s are not required to be a life-long commitment. Red, like many on or off the spectrum, may move from niche to niche mastering each to the level they choose. He may even develop multiple niches but for now, band is the bomb!

Red shines in band as bright as his baritone in sunlight. Those around him tend to feel the reflective glow of his passion for band and their individual and team spirits grow too. It’s a beautiful sight to watch people shine in their element.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Dominant Culture and Autism Culture

Yo, Mick Here.
I’m the blue-eyed redhead on the left with the toothy grin.

We spent the past week doggy sitting our friend here Sammy the blue heeler.
We had a lot of fun together hanging out, taking additional walks and getting extra treats.

Sammy has an annoying behavior though.

He came into our home and decided that there needed to be more of him in it so he lifted his leg and peed.

The first time Mum noticed she scolded Sammy who immediately curled up and rolled over on his side peeing as he went. Mum tried to get him to go outside and instead he ran around the room and leapt onto the couch. She tried to pick him up but he started peeing again.

Eventually she got him up and carried him outside. Mum, Red and I cleaned up all the messes. Yuck. He’d been here before so we weren’t expecting any misbehavior like this.

Then Sammy peed in more places. Over the week he peed on the corner of the living room, the family room, the hall corner, in the hall, on the door jam of the bathroom, a kitchen cabinet, a leg on each of the tables and on every plant in the backyard.

Sammy’s a good dog and very loving which is why his behavior was so puzzling, I sure didn’t have any urges to pee everywhere (except outside!), but I got a chance to ask him why he did it.

Sammy was confused about his own family leaving without him and us driving him back to our place. He felt insecure and Sammy was just trying to fit himself into our already established culture.

In the canine word peeing is a way to mark a territory and also cover over another’s mark.

Then it struck me, Mum and Sammy’s behavior is not unlike one culture covering over other cultures. The act may not be intended to be vicious but it does tend to feel that way. Sometimes the act of dominating another culture is deliberate.

Neuro-typical people tend to deliberately and inadvertently dominate other cultures, to make them fit into their perceptions of “acceptable” or “normal” behaviors.

Mum was trying to get Sammy to understand that peeing all over our home was unacceptable. Sammy was just trying his best to fit in, by peeing.

Now, I’m not saying that people with autism go around peeing where they shouldn’t, but seriously, neuro-typical people do a lot of culture squashing (peeing) and such trying to get people with autism to act “normal” or replace behaviors that they just don’t understand.

Grant peeing in one’s home outside the toilet is unsanitary and gross and should probably not happen, but just how offensive is a culture constantly trying to change other cultures to be more like them?

Can you imagine what type of world we could live in if cultures would better respect each other’s?

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Doggy Love

Yo, Mick here, the one with the wet nose and pointy ears.

As a dog brother I am well suited to caring for my boy. The best perks are that I get to experience being in love all the time. I mean it; 24-7, 365 days of the year love.

I don’t mean that I give it and don’t receive it.

Nope.

That’s different. Red and I share total admiration and devotion, love.


I know. There is a large amount of literature about the inability of people with autism to express love and frankly I think that’s total bunk.

I mean just look at my boy! He loves me.

In fact he loves pretty much everyone at a base innocent level.

Those bullies, if they would just apologize, stick out their hand and share a high knuckle-five he’d forgive them in a nana-second and become buddies. I know because I’ve seen Red forgive and forget and embrace new friendships.


I am constantly blown away with Red’s level of compassion. If the rest of the world could practice just half of his ability to love unconditionally we’d live in a truly blessed and beautiful society.

So how was it that Red learned to love?

Mum thinks that I have played a part in the process of teaching Red about unconditional love. While he’s had an ability to demonstrate love for a long time Mum says he’s truly blossomed since I arrived in our home.

It could also be maturity and language acquisition or a combination of numerous things. Or, perhaps it is Red’s destiny.

Whatever it is, I am thankful and so are those who come into contact with Red. He oozes warmth, acceptance and love even when he doesn’t receive these in return.

Red loves as we canines do; unconditionally with total adoration, devotion and blind faith in humanity.


Now if I can just help the rest of humanity learn to love this way... Thank goodness there are a lot of us canine brothers out there!