CNN - Obama On Autism

[Hope And Change]

Run time: 01:41 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ7SDQ8XWWs   Posted on YouTube: April 02, 2008 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: April 03, 2008 By DU Member: Hope And Change Views on DU: 814

 
Democratic Sen. Barack Obama recognizes World Autism Day and says government money should go to research on the disorder.

[cureautismnow]

1. Right On, Obama!

Instead of spending billions of dollars HARMING people in Iraq, it would be better spent HELPING Americans here. More power to you! :applause:

[JDwho]

2. A subject close to my heart

Although, not yet an Obama supporter (yet). I am close though, after his interview with Matthews last night and this only adds to my inclination. I worked closely with autistic individuals for a number of years and can honestly say that not only did I become great friends with a few I served, but some were like family members. They spent holidays with my family and me, as they had no one else. Families (most) enter their children in group homes because autistic individuals are so often hard to handle. Many times, the family is never heard from again, with the exception of a call every six months or so (if they're lucky). To give credit to those parents and family members that visit every weekend, (rarely experienced), they are to be commended. Autism is more than difficult, almost impossible to handle, as these individuals have their own world, in which you have to enter; instead of vice-versa. In other words, I am on the fence as to which candidate in which I have the greatest confidence. But this goes a long way with me. TY, to Obama, for addressing an often ignored or "swept under the rug" issue. I hope he means it.

[Hope And Change]

3. Obama's Statement in Support of World Autism Awareness Day

Obama's Statement in Support of World Autism Awareness Day


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3094579

[cureautismnow]

4. And mine, too.

My 4-year-old only child is autistic.

We have spend thousands of our own dollars for therapies that HMO's won't cover. The Florida legislature is debating a bill that would force insurance companies to provide up to $36K/ year for treatment. Unfortunately, Repukes control both houses. Senate passage is promising, but consent in the House is an uphill battle, since there are so many slimy GOP bastards with insurance ties.

BTW, to be fair, HC is also an advocate of increased funding for autism research.

No matter what, WE HAVE TO WIN IN NOVEMBER.

[JDwho]

7. How blessed and what a struggle you have

I hope the Fla. bill passes for you, your child and many others. My respect for you has no bounds, as I know somewhat the challenges you face daily. This issue hasn't received the attention in deserves. CAN does what it can to raise awareness, as well as others, but we need to do more. It was once explained to me that, to a person with autism, we are the odd ones...the aliens. I can't imagine what that must be like. I spent alot of my life attempting to help, even attempting to enter their world. Occasionally, we'd have a victory (what many would consider a small task completed), we would rejoice at the new skill learned. Heck, we practically had a party. Anyway, good luck to you always and much success with your child.:hi:

[cureautismnow]

8. Thanks!

I appreciate your encouragement. :hi:

[eagertolearn]

5. There are many who keep their kids and the best time for treatment

is before age 6 so we need to make available to all of these kids every treatment that can help. I have several friends with kids with autism and they are amazing with these kids but it is a full time job helping them and finding the treatment that work. What is it now 1 out of every 4 boys born will come down with autism. That is so major! I used to volunteer at a state hospital in CA in the 70's and there was this small and rare group of kids with this disorder called autism. This had grown to unbelievable numbers. As a society we will have to take care of these kids when they are adults and no longer have family to care for them (one of my friends has a severely autistic boy).Back to Obama he is our only hope right now for change. It will be a long hard struggle for him to climb out of the hole this administration has dug. But he will get all of us to help...I'm ready!

[JDwho]

6. Agreed...there are those who keep their children home

Autism is diagnosed very early. Therapy should begin long before age six. As far as parents who keep their kids at home, this depends on a number of factors. Actually, this was the case with many I've worked with. It was only when, actually puberty hit, around age 14 or 15, that certain behaviors caused a danger to the individuals themselves, and/or others. This also depends on the level of the disorder. Many autistic individuals function very well in society. Others are not so fortunate, and the parents feel backed into a corner. I've listened to many parents struggling with guilt over placing their child in a home. However, homes have three shifts and it is the caregiver's responsibility to ensure that these individuals are not in danger or causing danger to others, through positive behavior management to name one method. There was a time when these caregivers were well trained. I wish I could say it's still true. Cutbacks. Indifference. (I could go on). I didn't work in the private sector, so I didn't have the opportunity to see what you've seen. Sounds encouraging. And for the parent who earlier posted that she has an autistic child. Never give up. There are so many therapies. I found sign language very useful for those that were non-verbal, but not all agree with this method. Just keep hope and find what's best for the both of you. My prayers are with you and your child.