Mobilizing people and resources behind helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, a growing phenomenon where one in every 150 births in the United States are diagnosed with ASD by the time they're 3.
Last night I was honored with an award, for autism parent advocacy, as part of the Autism Connections Fredericton fundraiser and autism awareness event Oscars for Autism . I have in the past expressly avoided such recognition for fear it would be a distraction that would prevent me from doing what had to be done in advocating for autism services in New Brunswick. Last night's award though originated with people whom I have stood beside for many years in fighting for better lives for New... Read Full Story
I have no vote in today's British Columbia election. I do not pretend to know the area, other than what I have heard from my BC friends. I am certain though that if I had a vote today I would vote for fiscally responsible community activist and autism advocate David O. Marley who is running as an independent in West Vancouver- Capilano . (Photo left: David Marley in Oakville , Ontario campaigning for Medicare for Autism NOW!) David's official bio and agenda are on the internet at Vote4Marley... Read Full Story
Restigouche Regional Hospital, Campbellton New Brunswick Centracare Long Term Mental Health Services Center, Saint John New Brunswick As the father of a severely autistic boy I am repulsed by attempts to redefine autism from being a medical concept, a neurological disorder to a social model based on variations in personality and modes of thinking. At its most benign the social models of autism are inherently self contradictory. People who have received a medical diagnosis of autism wish to... Read Full Story
On Friday long time autism champion and Charlottetown MP Shawn Murphy questioned federal Conservative Health Minister, Leona Aglukkaq, below left, on the Harper government's failure to honor its commitment to convene a meeting of the provincial health ministers with the objective of developing a national strategy on the treatment and support of Canadians with autism. Instead of directly answering the question Health Minister Aglukkaq dissembled and did not acknowledge either the commitment... Read Full Story
How often do you see studies or reports about low functioning autism? It appears that research about "autism" is skewed towards research of high functioning autism and Aspergers as in the above notice requesting research participants for an Ontario autism study . If research is focused exclusively, or almost exclusively, on participants with high functioning autism or Aspergers how much do we really know about Autistic Disorder which, by definition, includes those with low functioning autism... Read Full Story
I can’t tell you how many people I know who have found from early tests that their child is autistic. I know there are many reports linking the disability to mercury found in immunizations.
I recently watched a really compelling piece on Discovery Health about a couple who had 6 children, “Autsim X 6.” All 6 of the children were diagnosed along the autism spectrum. My heart goes out to them. As a parent, you want the best for your child and do the best you can to ensure their health so I... Read Full Story
The Dardos Award is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers , a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web. Facing Autism in New Brunswick received a Dardos Award nomination from Chrissy who authors the Spectrum Hope blog. At Spectrum Hope, a blog which I follow, Chrissy shares her... Read Full Story
Community activist, and staunch friend of Canada's autism community, David Marley, is running as an Independent candidate for West Vancouver-Capilano MLA in the BC election May 12, 2009. He will be a guest today on CKNW's Bill Good Show immediately following the 9 am (local time) news. David is a dedicated community activist who backs up his principles with outstanding organizational ability and formidable advocacy skills. I know nothing of the West Vancouver-Capilano riding or the other... Read Full Story
If autism is a joy, a simple natural variation that brings with it many blessings, then why is it found and described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association? Why are children as young as 2 years of age diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders ... Pervasive Developmental Disorders? Why do parents take their children for medical assessments that result in "autism spectrum" diagnoses? If their condition was one which brings such... Read Full Story
Description: Autism is a baffling brain disorder that profoundly affects children's communication and social skills. It is also a spectrum disorder, which means it can occur in a variety of forms and intensity. Most cases of autism appear before a child's third birthday. Recent years have marked a stunning rise in the number of children diagnosed as autistic, with the U.S. Department of Education reporting a 173-percent rise in the number of autistic students served under the Individuals... Read Full Story
