I have been reading Age of Autism since it’s inception as Rescue Post. I am proud of Age of Autism. I’ve witnessed incredible growth of the world’s only autism daily web newspaper both in the information put forth, and in the readership and the ensuing dialogue in comments. I am especially proud of Age of Autism for embracing and opening the door, for the mutual support of both the military and civilian communities with regard to all things autism.
It is an honor to share that Age of Autism will have a new category; the Military Category. As a military spouse who has been contributing to Age of Autism since she was Rescue Post, I am especially thrilled. We’ve seen growth here at Age of Autism, but we’ve also seen growth of the autism epidemic both in the military and civilian community. We’ve also seen a rise in the challenges, or problems, that come along with this heartbreaking rise.
In the military community the most recent FOIA shows that as of 2007, one in every eighty-eight military dependent child of an active duty member has autism. This figure most likely doesn’t include my own boys because of how and when the stats for the FOIA were tracked. Currently we’re waiting on new statistics.
From what I see current legislation being passed (and yet to be introduced), by states; the limit is being set by what we military parents were able to accomplish this past year through Congress. We have to do more, as it was only $36,000 for ABA. This is something I am proud to have been part of, but we must do more. I also want to thank our ENTIRE community for rallying around and behind us as we worked to get this pushed through late last year! THANK YOU!!!!
What is happening in the military is an important piece to the entire community, just as what the civilian community is doing is important to the entire community. We must all work together, and we are.
We have all endured our own hell, but regardless, there is much work to be done to help our children now. And there is much work to be done for the future. Everything I do for children and adults with autism is a continuation of the pact I made with myself; that I would do everything I could within my power to prevent another family from having to endure the hell that ours endured.
All of our national autism organizations are wonderful and we do such terrific work for our children (I work with almost all of them on a regular basis on all faucets of autism), but Age of Autism is special. Hey, what can I say? Besides Age of Autism supporting our communities, we have the same birthday, November 10th!
In closing I would like to say, besides the usual “suspects” (meaning the "collaboration" websites), I always recommend to both “old” and “new” parents who ask me about autism and anything related, “you must read Age of Autism. You must check AoA everyday for the latest”. I am not a “told you so” kind of person, but I have laughingly said this to people over the years, because… well… it’s obvious. AoA puts it out there!
I had the opportunity to meet so many people at Autism One in Chicago last month, and among them were Kim Stagliano, Dan Olmstead, David Kirby, and Mark Blaxill. Over the course of Autism One, we all had several discussions about autism in the military community. I have to tell you, they are a dynamic and incredibly educated group folks. They were already family in my eyes, but after meeting face to face, something changed. I already knew that WE are ALL family, but something changed there too. The pact I made with myself has been strengthened to say the least.
There will be much more to come. We are all working together to push the autism tsunami back, and I say we’re doing a pretty damn good job.
Angela Warner is an Air Force spouse and mom to four children, two whom are recovering/recovered from autism. Angela is the founder of Autism Salutes, a contributor to Age of Autism, and will be contributing to Autism One, Autism Today Online, and the Autism File. She is a Rescue Angel, and is also either on the Board, Committee, or a Member of the following organizations; Heroes With Handicaps, SafeMinds, and the Autism Action Coalition. In her life before autism, Angela was applying to midwifery college after years of being a veterinary technician, and pre-nursing studies.
If you are concerned about vaccination being mandated, particularly the swine flu vaccine currently in production, then please visit The Petition - A Universal Declaration of Resistance to Mandated Vaccination. You can sign your name on the dotted line, and if you choose, let them know exactly what you think of mandated vaccination in your own words.
Personally, I'd like to see this petition reach a billion signatures. Please pass this on to all your friends and family, and ask them to do the same.
Pioneer Psychologist Transformed Understanding and Treatment of Autism Behaviors
Bethesda, MD (June 22, 2009) -- The autism community lost a great leader this weekend, Dr. Edward Carr, who was killed by a drunk driver the afternoon of June 20. Dr. Carr, the Leading Professor in the Department of Psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, was a top advisor to the Autism Society. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague and his wife, Ilene Wasserman, who was also killed in the crash, and we send our thoughts and prayers to their family.
Dr. Carr was recognized internationally for his research on new treatments for autism and related disabilities. He co-developed Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavior Support, a strategy for dealing with learning and behavior issues endorsed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Dr. Carr wrote numerous articles on autism treatment and authored the best-selling book, Communication-Based Intervention for Problem Behavior (Paul H. Brookes, 1994). He has received numerous awards, including the Applied Research Award in Behavior Analysis (American Psychological Association, 2001) and the Distinguished Research Award for Career Achievement (ARC, 1999).
Dr. Carr was a strong supporter, valued contributor and beloved colleague at the Autism Society. As a member of the Autism Society’s Panel of Professional Advisors, he was a frequent contributor to the Autism Advocate, most recently co-editing an issue on ABA therapy (http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=autismadvocate_aba), which was one of his many areas of expertise. With Drs. Martha Herbert and Brenda Smith-Myles, Dr. Carr developed the Autism Society’s Treatment Guided Research Initiative and was the main inspiration for the "Quality of Life" objectives the Society uses to develop and evaluate its programs. A frequent presenter at the Autism Society National Conference, Dr. Carr was scheduled to moderate this year’s keynote panel on “The Future of Autism” on July 23. The panel will continue to be held in his honor.
“Ted was passionately committed to improving the quality of life for people with autism and their families,” said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of the Autism Society. “Those of us who were privileged to work closely with him will miss his insights, his humor, his deep compassion and advocacy for people affected by autism. We will miss him greatly but we will ensure his legacy lives on.”
“Dr. Ted Carr was a pioneer in the field of positive behavior supports and autism spectrum disorders. His focus on enhancing quality of life and understanding of the systemic issues surrounding behaviors forced practitioners to think more broadly when designing interventions,” said Dr. Cathy Pratt, Chair of the Autism Society Board of Directors. “He was a gentle man and quiet innovator with a quick wit and amusing perspective. His work will truly live on and serve as an inspiration for generations to come.”
Dr. Carr was Past President of the Association for Positive Behavior Support and a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
In Dr. Carr’s honor, the Autism Society has set up a Tribute page for colleagues, friends and admirers to post their thoughts and messages on Dr. Carr at www.autism-society.org/ted_carr_memorial. The page will be shared with his family and colleagues.
The Air Force is in the preliminary stages of setting up a respite program for our EFM families. If your are an AF family, I would ask that you write me a letter that will be sent on to AFHQ. We need to let them know the urgent need for a program in the AF. Please tell your story, and how the lack of respite has impacted the member and families readiness, mental health and well-being, and anything else you are willing to share. I have included below what I sent in.
It is time for us to make our voices heard. It is time for us to take action. If you would, please send the email directly to me with the subject line to read only - Air Force Respite - so I can create a folder and keep track of all the emails to be sent on.
At the end of my letter I also included my mailing addy and phone number. I have removed that information for the purpose of this posting as it's getting sent out to the masses. I would encourage you to include your mailing addy and phone number. If you do, that information will remain confidential with me and will be used for no other purpose other than being sent to AFHQ.
Please feel free to pass this post on to any AF family you may know.
Thank you all for your help and action. Warmly, Angela
June 8, 2009
To Whom It May Concern;
After receiving respite care that is crucial to the health, well-being, and stability of our family, I was informed by my provider on Saturday night that the funding for this program has dried up and respite will no longer be available after June 30, 2009.
In 2006 my husband went TDY and was supposed to be gone for three months. Our younger son with autism regressed severely, and when reaching out for the support of our base, our family program coordinator recommended that I put our son in foster care. The Air Force has continually lagged behind the other branches of service when it comes to effective and accessible respite programs. This is quite unacceptable, and is completely out of line with the Air Force Core Values.
The ability to receive respite care this past year has probably saved our marriage, tremendously helped our mental health, and provided my husband the ability to excel in his position, and truly be "at the ready". Without the ability to continue to receive respite; the lack of action and implementation of a beneficial and accessible respite program by the Air Force, our family is again pushed into a precarious situation.
In order for the Air Force to retain an all volunteer force comprised of high quality members, the issue of providing respite must be addressed quickly and effectively, because many of these high quality members, such as my husband, happen to have children with disabilities. We realize respite is not an entitlement, but rather a crucial support just as any other support, which allows the member to be "at the ready". Our families are reaching crisis state, and this can be prevented. I implore of you to take swift action to bring implementation of an effective and accessible respite program for our Air Force EFM families.
Very Respectfully, Angela Warner – Air Force spouse and mom to four children (two with autism) Founder: http://www.autismsalutes.com autismrr at gmail dot com
Autism One! May 19 through the 24, 2009! I attended the Autism One conference in Chicago, IL. Autism One lit a fire under my ass!!! (I know, those of you who know me are probably thinking, did she really need that? LOL) I am still flying high!!! I've not even completely unpacked my suitcase yet (yes I washed my dirty laundry). My suitcase is still being moved between the bed and floor for therapy sessions and sleeping purposes. I may get to it this week. I've just had way more important things to do and honestly I have thought it may just stay that way until next year, because I’ll be there for sure. I'll have less packing to next year, right?
I flew into Chicago and Autism One on Tuesday afternoon (May 19th), and Tuesday night I was hanging out with those who have been the backbones of our community. Immediately I knew each and every one of them as family. I wish it wasn't this way, honestly, because I met these family members because of autism. And autism sucks!!! But I am so glad I did because meeting them and connecting has given me; a tremendous spiritual lift, given me more tools and opportunity to help families and kids currently in autism, and to "pay it forward" to help new families, and ultimately to help stop the madness behind what the cause is of autism.
Tuesday night hanging out in the presidential suite with my new family, I was blessed to see a preview of THIS which was going to be shown during the Autism One Dinner and Auction. It Is A Must Watch!!! It was an indicator of the week to come. The beginning of the power of Autism One and the rest of the family of Autism Warriors I would meet! I almost could not stop my tears. What I didn't know was that the Autism File Campaign video would be altered one last time to include a picture of the military moms taken on the last night of the conference by Louis Felix Photography. To learn more about Autism One GO HERE, and to order a subscription of The Autism File Magazine GO HERE. I've ordered mine for sure!!! When I saw the Final Cut I must say, it made me damn proud to be an autism mom and a military autism mom. Learn how you can get involved and be part of the Autism File Campaign HERE
At this family gathering Tuesday night I was invited to participate Wednesday morning on Autism One Radio, Live With Curt Linderman (lower left corner - Help/Download Shows - click the May calendar - and scroll to May 20th). I must admit, I was a little intimidated, but I was there for a reason; to represent our military children, and my own concerns as a parent. There was no way in hell I was going to say no. The show was great! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I’m not one for public speaking. I then ran my tail off for the rest of the day for Autism One, and had an incredible amount of fun in the process. I learned so much just working and talking with people. It was amazing! There is not one person who I knew was going to be at Autism One that I did not get to meet and spend some time with. WOW!!!
Many parents began to arrive late Wednesday and into Thursday morning. I was busy volunteering and attending presentations when I was able. It is amazing to me, because I gained knowledge not only from the presentations I attended, but from talking to people at booths, and just running into people randomly.
One family in particular arrived on Friday afternoon. I had just met Jenny McCarthy and was still flying from meeting her (thank you Jenny for wearing the Autism Salutes pin I gave you), and I was sitting in the business center trying to type something up quick for the auction. I looked up and I saw Deanna. I screamed out her name and jumped up and we both ran towards each other embracing, then looking, then embracing, then looking, then embracing, and bawling. I met Scott, Deanna’s Warrior hubby and Warrior Father after we were done with our girl mush (sorry I have to lighten the mood – it get’s intense as we know all to well). Deanna and Scott’s first born son Ian died shortly after birth from a Hep B vaccine.
Deanna and I are sisters; of that neither of us have a doubt. At one point after meeting, after months of talking on the phone and emailing, I took a moment after I got my “work” done, and looked around and cried for a moment… My thoughts… There are too many parents here... there are too many children. There are too many children with autism and other vaccine injuries, and too many deaths. Those who have read my previous writings know I’ve known all along the “true” number of children (and adults) with autism, have to understand how overwhelming it was; yet at the same time understand what a kindred spirit I felt, as we are all here seeking the same answer. And that is how to heal our children.
I walked the mini walk for Elias Tembenis with some dear family, both old and new. It was short, but beautiful, and especially knowing I was walking in honor of Elias. The pain I feel in my heart thinking about what it might feel like to really lose your child drops me to my knees in heartfelt agony.
Deanna and Scott, and Harry and Gina are Warrior parents and I am so grateful and proud they are part of our community! You can read about Ian HERE and Elias HERE. Deanna, Scott, Gina, and Harry inspire me to my very core. They could have let their loss overwhelm them, they could have walked away. Instead they fight every day for OUR kids. I have a name for them. Hero Warrior Parents!
Thank you Ian. Thank you Elias. Your spirit's will continue to light the way for parents and children now, and those to come. You are Little Hero Warrior Men!
Friday night there was karaoke, and I’m sorry, I refused. I HAD a phobia of public speaking. I went to go get a drink and I ran into Ed (shame on you if you don’t know who he is by now LOL), and I was not aware of the memorial for Liz Birt at midnight (shame on me) that he informed me of, well… Liz was tragically killed not long after Nathan was diagnosed, and I remember the grief I felt when I read the news. I may not sing, but I can make sure I announce this because every single person in that room needed to be there, and I did exactly that. OMG!!! You had to be there. The memorial for Liz was so poignant and beautiful, I cry as I sit here in my garage writing just thinking about it. God bless and rest her soul.
I will forever keep my candle. The candle I held in honor of your memory will be passed on to my children. Thank you Liz, for all that you did.
My last night... Saturday night… the Auction... The Auction Moms had already had their PICTURE taken (I was one of them), we were seated, and awaiting dinner.
Sam Debold, beloved son of Vicky Debold, recovered from autism, was introduced by our wonderful and ceaseless healer, researcher, and father himself, Dr. Andy Wakefield. Sam played one of my all time favorite songs, Hotel California. Before Hotel California, is the theme to Harry Potter. Sam is 11 years old, and he is amazing!!! I used to listen to Hotel California all the time when I was growing up (it was on the radio then), and because my dad had it on vinyl (is that how you spell it LOL). You can see Dr. Andy Wakefield introduce Sam and hear his performance. Pop over HERE on Age Of Autism, then read the post and scroll for the You Tube 1. All the videos are labeled in the order that they took place. Sam also played and sang Sunday Bloody Sunday. What talent Sam has. He WOWED us!!!
The evening moved me in ways I'll never be able to describe.
There is a fun part here; I refused to sing at karaoke Friday night, but I've talked with Vicky since Sam performed, and told her that if Sam was going to play Hotel California I could maybe be convinced. I guess I'd better get practicing, yet I'm giving myself the latitude to chicken out as I think Sam might kick my arse LOL!!!
I promised myself a few things before the conference; I am going to learn a ton, meet lots of people, and have a blast at AUTISM ONE!!! I say I did all three in pretty equal amounts.
Yep, I think I’m just gonna keep moving that suitcase of mine around. I’ll be there next year! Do I really have to wait that long to have another chocolate martini? LOL! Yummy!
Autism One is truly the most beautiful unification of spirit I’ve ever been witness to, and I am so proud to be part of and continue to serve our community! You’ll be there in 2010, right? Yes, you will.
You all know me as Angela Warner, the military autism mom, right? Well last night I received an email from a fellow advocate in which information was shared that Newsweek is going after Oprah because Jenny is now blogging on Oprah’s website about autism and treatments for our kids. It all made me think of Dr. Offit, vaccines, and the silencing of our kiddo’s. All of a sudden I just became deeply angered, and thought about the silencing I experienced as a teenager, and I thought of the hell hole I was taken to, where it all happened. And I thought of, how the man who ran the place and is trying to set up shop to do it all over again. You see, this man, Michael Palmer is just as evil, if not more so, than Paul Offit.
I was compelled, and I mean compelled to share some of it in an email reply to all. I stated a couple times that I didn’t understand why I felt I had to do this, but when I feel that strongly about something, I usually just follow my gut knowing the reason will come and I will have done the right thing. In the email I sent this LINK without even looking at the page. I know it too well.
Still wondering why I felt so compelled to share this part of my life from over 20 years ago, I went to bed. I slept well, and when I woke up this morning, I sat straight up in bed. On those days, my feet hit the floor hard and I am off running. I remembered; he was looking for a place in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, to buy a church, and start this madness all over again.
By the time my feet hit the floor, it hit me! Ft. Dodge, Iowa was home to Wyeth’s Headquarters until 1996, and they still have 3 plants there. That was enough of a connection for me to realize that I need to do something to help these kids. They need help, and I fear we’ll have facilities like this popping up all over the place in a short time to care for all the adults with autism, who are going to require life long care.
A BIG statement has to be made about this, and getting these places closed down, particularly the ones that are not state licensed, like Victory Christian Academy. People that are evil come in many forms, sizes, and shapes, and if there are ministers who would seek out opportunity to cause physical, psychological, and emotional harm to young and defenseless girls in a lock down environment, and all in the name of God; you can bet your ass there are people like this who will seek to take advantage of our adult children.
Oprah did a show about schools like this back in 1988. I've written to her a couple times to do another one. She would never let this happen at her own school. Maybe we can make a BIG statement. I don't know... maybe Jenny would help? I don't know. What I do know is that I am willing to put my entire life under the microscope to help our kids and our future adults.
So Michael Palmer (as one girl said in her statement “I will never call you Brother Palmer again because you are no brother of mine”) if you are reading this, it’s too bad that you weren’t smart enough to realize 20 years ago that I would come back to be one of your biggest nightmares. I bet you probably thought I’d be dead because of how bad you fucked us all up. You were wrong. If you can’t figure out who I am, I’ll tell you my maiden name was Pollock. And it’s pronounced Paulick – because you were such an ass and intentionally mispronounced my name every chance you could – I guess your “Godly” spirit drove you to do this because it would be “good for me” and “build character”.
Thank you very much, I built my own character, after years of therapy to strip away all the damage you did to me and continue to do to soooo many girls. As an autism mom you have no idea what I’m capable of. My advice to you would be to just call it all quits. You’ve made your millions at the expense of our lives. Oh, and one more thing, when you die and leave your beloved millions, may your evil soul rot in hell.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do for children and adults with autism.
Heroes With Handicaps is a 501 (c) 3 which provides financial assistance to military families seeking treatment for their child (ren) with autism not covered by Tricare. Please visit Heroes With Handicaps to learn more and to pick up an application if you need assistance.
If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser for Heroes With Handicaps, please contact Angela at autismrr at gmail dot com
Check back soon to learn how you can purchase an Autism Salutes lapel pin. Every single penny generated from the sale of these pins goes directly to Heroes With Handicaps.
Lee Silsby accepts Tricare! Save $20 on your first order. Click, read, and save!
Because I am turning Autism Salutes into somewhat of a personal blog, yet still autism and military related; I feel the need to clarify that our beloved autism organizations linked here have only endorsed the letter to Secretary Gates (the very first post) and that my views and feelings in any other posts do not necessarily reflect those of our autism organizations.
Endorsing Organizations
On behalf of children and families everywhere impacted by autism, I would like to thank from the deepest parts of my soul, the following organizations who have endorsed what I was able to put together "With a Little Help From My Friends". Words could never fully express the gratitude I feel. Ang
