Aspies For Freedom

I agree, I read an artical about her and it seems like it a fake. She's using her son for publicity

Awful

actually, reading your post again, I think you are on the wrong site.

we OPPOSE a cure, and well. you seem to want one.

exits are here and [link deleted at poster's request---couldbecousin]

as have I.

we now need but wait for EZ or couldbe.

I can understand that.

I have no idea what Jenny's intentions were, to be honest - it's difficult to put yourselves in another persons shoes to that extent.

The reason we are saying the things we are about Jenny is that she is involved in spreading a very dangerous idea - that there is a normal child "underneath" autism, waiting to be freed by the right combination of chemicals, pills, diet or electroshock therapy.

This, quite simply, isn't the case - autism is very much a part of who we are, and can't be separated from the person. Many parents, such as Jenny, believe that when their child becomes verbal, becomes less sick, makes more eye contact, has less seizure activity, or generally becomes more communicative, this means they are no longer autistic - when really all that has happened is that they have learned new skills, or gained abilities through natural maturation.

This idea also carries with it the false idea that autism is a tragedy, or that autistic people are non-people. For example, I think the phrase Jenny used was that "the soul was gone from (her sons) eyes".

This is why we are angry at Jenny.

For the record, a troll is someone that comes to a forum for the sole purpose of stirring up trouble - the harsh words in your initial post indicated this (i.e. "You are all terrible. You sound like a bunch of jealous fat bitches.").

I think most people would be willing to forgive this outburst as the words of a parent still adjusting to this big change. So please feel free to stick around, tell us how you're coping with things, and listen to what we say - many of us will have been through the same situation as either yourself or your daughter, and we will try to help you all we can.

So, if you wish it, welcome aboard.

Jpcmich,

Sorry about the rocky start. Sometimes, when we’re sharing anger with each other, we assume we all understand and agree with each other, and forget that there may be visitors who haven’t been down the same roads as we have.

This particular episode had to do with an anger that most of the autistics on this site share: that when people like Jenny McCarthy spend large amounts of valuable air time telling America that autistics are constantly suffering, and hopelessly trapped, and that they can be “cured” by applying any or all of the latest unproven, painful and sometimes dangerous fad treatments, this does actual harm to our hopes of being accepted as full-fledged human beings in society. And it causes some innocent autistic children some serious pain and sadness, as well.

Imagine many years from now, when your son is trying to make his own way in the outside world as an adult. Let’s assume he’s doing pretty well, because you’ve put your heart and soul into caring for him, and he’s developed much further than everyone expected. Still, he’s autistic. He’s still just a bit “odd”. And may have a few habits that make him stand out a bit. Will he be able to compete for jobs? Will he find someone to love? Will he feel as good about himself as he did at home? Or will people figure he’s an idiot, and suggest he work as a busboy or burger chef?

So we do worry about how people portray us. Also, most of us believe that dedicating so much time and money toward a cure for something that most of us inherited from our parents is a waste of resources that could have been spent on developing new ways to educate, empower and support our children.

I have already raised a couple of autistics, as well as having lived my whole life as an autistic. It isn’t a “cure” that I miss, it’s the way I was treated by everyone around me, and the total lack of any  effort to help me communicate with, or cope with, family, society or teachers. And I am a bit cross about the way my children were made to feel at school, and – until recent years – the way we were simply left on our own to puzzle out the best way to raise and protect them. People like Jenny can sometimes cause great damage in their attempt to do Good.

There are many others here who have been through what I have. And what you are going through now. Some people here will be more abrasive and less sympathetic. After all, they are going through what your son is going through.

Besides, being an autistic can challenge your social skills ;-)

So, I’d relax and settle in. There’s a lot of help to be had here. Take the non-helpful stuff with a few pounds of salt. And don’t be surprised if emotions run high – and manners run low - from time to time.

By the way, though you and I might disagree about Jenney and the Cure, I want to welcome you. I think we can offer something a bit more realistic than the questionable conclusions Jenny believes so strongly. We can certainly give you a clearer idea of your son’s view of the world. And may be able to offer a healthier slice of hope.

LOL

Though I have to say, having Googled Jenny, I don't think she has those Playboy quality adornments anymore. I think she had them reworked again, and they're looking a bit like patchwork now.

I can't believe I brought that up. It's 4:00 in the morning. I still need to grab an hour or two of sleep.

Argh. I have that picture stuck in my head now.

Thanks a lot, Bob. I blame you, ya know. ;-)

I'm an NT mom of a teen (13) with Asperger's.

I am so, so bothered and upset by Jenny McCarthy's appearances on Larry King and elsewhere (partly because all the grandmoms call to say they now understand autism).

Here's my beef: vaccines do not cause autism. There is no "cure" for autism, any more than there is a cure for however other people's brains work, how we perceive, understand, and respond to information.

Jenny McCarthy spends her time and money etc on promoting an ill-defined, non-research-based "therapy" (i.e., diets that were originally prescribed for intestinal disorders) to "cure" people who have nothing wrong with them.

As a parent, my efforts are focused on helping my son get the supports he needs in school, and helping him know what to ask for, how to interact with NTs.

He is much more self-aware than most NT teens we know. And we as a family appreciate his gifts, and learn from him every day. (Not to say he's perfect or anything, because there is way too much Batman discussion in our house

I learn from you all every time I come and thank you.

ah, you'll fit right in.

third seat, 704th aisle.

So, Kene, tell me. What did you find offensive, prior to my standard response to apparent Trolls?

Keep in mind, we have people of all ages here. Some of them, don't know the correct use of Paragraphs et al.

We also get one hell of a lot of trolls, and we like to...toy...with them.

However, you had neither reason nor right to attack A_P.

Noob? Wow. Haven't heard that word in a while.
The correct term in this case, however, is "Newb", plural "Newbie"; a Noob is someone who is, well, a dick (See; Xbox Live!)

Oh, and there was no "implied" sarcasm. Just good 'ole Sarcasms.