A Worthwhile Cause
Filed under: Inspiration
CLICK HERE to read up on and donate to a very worthwhile cause.
Posted: July 7, 2008 at 10:15 am
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A Worthwhile CauseFiled under: Inspiration
CLICK HERE to read up on and donate to a very worthwhile cause.
Posted: July 7, 2008 at 10:15 am
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Five points:
1. The dangers of mercury are well established, but this does not lead inexorably to a relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism.
2. A number of well controlled studies have failed to uncover any correlation between the delivery of the vaccines and the onset of autism.
3. Even if some correlation existed there are a number of possible explanations for the correlation that do not assume any causal relationship between the vaccine and autism.
4. Much attention has been given to a possible government cover up, which is certainly of concern if true but is otherwise independent of the problems with the claims of a link between thimerosal and autism.
5. The type of public hysteria manifested in the current controversy is not new and we would be well served to learn from similar controversies of recent times.
Thank you Perez! I have a four year old son on the Autism spectum and we need people to wake up and see what an epidemis this is!
Re: cance –
I'm TRULY sorry for your loss.
I do appreciate that I have my son here - physically - and that I can hold him (if he lets me) and kiss him (if he doesn't physically injure me inadvertently)
My son is 8.
I still have to wipe the feces off of his bottom and spoon feed him.
I'm so amazingly grateful for what I have. But it's H.A.R.D.
I'm a single Mom. I don't always have someone who can help me with him when he decides that he doesn't want to walk (and can't tell me why) and lays down in the parking lot.
He pulls my back out and I have to wrangle him back into his car seat.
Yup. 8 years old and still in a 5 point harness.
I don't have available child care - which affects my availability for work
How am I supposed to PAY for pull-ups for an 8 year old?
So while I do NOT negate your truly valid feelings of pain and loss … PLEASE to not negate MINE.
YOU have EVERY Reason to feel hurt and pain and wonderment as to WHY your beloved child had to die.
And I also have VERY valid reasons to feel sad, hurt, and wonderment as to WHY it has to be so hard and why he has to suffer.
He DOES suffer.
He hurts himself because he doesn't know HOW to express himself otherwise.
The fear and anxiety he experiences are overwhelming for all who are around him.
I hope that you are able to treasure your memories of your sweet 9 year old. I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family … from my Mommy heart to yours.
Thank you so much for this Perez! I am from England and I have an autistic brother. It's horrible that so many people have no idea what autism is and end up making fun of someone with it. Hopefully more people will be aware of autism because of this. THANK YOU!
Kim
Thank you Perez for linking to such a worthwhile organization such as NAA. As a mom to a child with autism, I really appreciate you doing this!
To those who believe NAA is about drug pushing, you are clearly mistaken. You can look to most pediatricians and neurologists for that. NAA is a wonderful organization who actually HELPS families struggling with a child with ASD.
To those who write that our kids should not be cured/treated because you have AS and have decided to do nothing about it, please, go live your life and I'll live mine… removing the toxins from my child's body and brain - as he is both brilliant and is now able to communicate, and will some day play soccer and do anything HE wants to do. Just because you've accepted it, doesn't mean this is something that needs to be "accepted" - our children are not acceptable losses - and living with a body/brain full of toxins is not acceptable - autism or not!
Wow! I just had to post my first comment here today. Thanks for giving NAA some attention. They are an excellent resource for families. Anyone with a child with Autism should check them out!
Re: Offen –
Interesting comment Offen, I've never heard of anyone become homesexual after vaccination, but if that happened, I'd probaby look into seeing what the hell was wrong aside from whatever judgement I had about homosexuality.
Maybe you can join a support club for nerds who say "oh that's it, I must be Asperger's" and quit taking jabs at groups that are trying to help seriously ill people.
Re: cance – I'm so sorry that you feel the way you do and I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand losing a child is the most heart wrenching agony. I lost my own 7 year old son almost 8 months ago to a massive seizure. The seizure disorder that he had was a complication of his autism. There is not a moment that goes by that he's not in my thoughts. I miss him desperately. He was our only child. Many children go on to lead healthy happy lives:many have varied quality of life issues that they and their families will deal with for the rest of their lives.So think again when you say children can't die from their autism. My beautiful vibrant loving little boy unfortunately did.
I too have a son on the spectrum and am sick to death to see how many more children there are afflicted. Thanks for drawing attention to this growing epidemic. We as a nation need to work hard to defeat this problem and save our children. thanks again!
As someone who works with children with autism I appreciate this a lot. Thank you Perez for making people aware!
Thank you so much for highlighting this worthwhile cause. Knowledge is power!
Shash
Proud Mom of an Aspergian
crazedmommy.com
Mom of 9 year old autistic son. Thank you.
YAY to Perez for supporting Autism! My brother is autistic and its nice to see people with power spreading the word. Go you! -Amber ,KY
Thanks Perez! I son is autistic and this touches my heart!
THE NUMBER HAVE SKYROCKED! AND WHY? I'd love to know!
TO THOSE ON HERE WHO ARE UNEDUCATED ABOUT THIS AND TALKING LOOSELY~ We planned my pregnancy, I ate healthy food (visiting my health food stores frequently). Never missed a prenatel vitamin. Never drank or smoked. WHAT HAPPEND? ***You cannot call my son retarded!***
My son is at the top of his class, he is brillant . We need to know what is causing this. Have you heard the famous phrase, "If you don't know anyone who has Autism, you soon will.
THANK YOU FROM CANADA, Awareness is key, especially around the world.
PEREZ UR FUCKING COOL
Both of my kids have forms of autism and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for spotlighting this.
Thank you this post–so many families are affected by this, including mine. Thank you!!
Re: KAREN –
You'd love to know why i brillant son has autism but just as long as the cause happend from outside yourself, right?! You want to blame someone/something. Maybe the cause comes from inside you and your partner — your dna, eh? And how do you know it has skyrocked?? The primate brain is the most complex structure in the known universe - why do you think there's a simple/single cause??
This is an awesome organization that helps thousands of kids. Thank you, Perez - you ROCK!!!!!
Thank you!! I'm mom to a 7 year old boy fighting autism. NAA is a wonderful organization, and I'm proud to support them. Perez, thanks for spreading the word!
Thank you so very much for helping to spread the word about Autism.
If 1in150 American children were going blind or dying and there was no explanation it would be considered an epidemic!
1 in 150 American children are affected by Autism, including our son.
Re: Sam – There is a syndrome of induced homosexuality–
it's called "Assplungers."
Another mom with a challenging, but amazing autistic son thanking you!
Thank you. My son has autism. I appreciate the support.
Re: Autis – I'm with you. I'm in the same boat and annoyed.
NAA - A great organization doing excellent work. Thanks Perez for recognizing them.
Yet another autism mom thanking you for the 'press' (and yes, I love the other gossip too). NAA is one of the good guys of the autism world - not pushing MORE drugs on our kids. Read up and be impressed. Thanks again…
Thank ya hunnie!!!!!!!!!!!! my son has autism and the exposure you can give is more than scads of demonstrations and i can't appreciate it enuff!!!!! god bless you!!!!
Thanks Perez ! Autism is not easy and we need all the help we can get. Go NAA!!
Thanks for posting this, it means somuch to our kids.
Re: kurt –
Kurt- I guess I'd like to know what has cause this epademic. Something in the food we eat, something we are breeathing, I don't know. No I don't want to blame any one thing. But please understand that it is devestating to learn that your child has autism. I just worry about what will happen when I am not here anymore. Peace to you Kurt.
It's so good to see this issue coming futher and further out of the closet. My friends are the two walking across the US for the NAA, and Elias was my nephew. We are trying to bring awareness, as well as, much needed funds to the Autism community. Please help. Friend us at MYSPACE. myspace/eliastembeniswalk. Thank you.
As the mother of a six year old boy with autism, and a frequent lurker of your sight, thank you Perez!
hader,
NAA is not developing drugs to sell to families. Do your research before you blast a perfectly respectable organization. NAA helps families and children in need.
Sami and Autis,
What you have is not what my son has. He is labeled and diagnosed with "autism"; but the truth is, he is sick. He has many medical problems, which a team of doctors are currently trying to fix. The autism epidemic is not "autism" - trust me.
Re: Kurt
The "controlled studies" you speak of… are you referring to the VSD? The VSD has been rendered useless by Julie Gerberding (CDC) in a report to congress. I know of zero studies proving there is NO connection between autism and vaccines, and that is because there are no studies. Not one study has even been done to prove the safety of vaccines. Open your eyes. They are destroying our children, and mine is one of them.
As the parent of three autistic sons, I'm disappointed to say that NAA is not a worthy organization. They exist to promote sheer quackery, which at best will bilk parents out of their money and at worst could harm or even kill their children. I appreciate that you want to do something positive with your publicity, Perez, but it would do so much more good if you raised the profile of legitimate organizations rather than giving a platform to fringe groups like this one.
Thanks "p" people my 4 year old son has autism. He is the light of my life. In order to just get though my day after he's sleeping like right now I get on your site and then tonight I see this and I started to cry WOW you read my mind! You guys are the best!!!!!xoxo
Re: Cassa – I can't quite fathom what you would be referring to in regard to the NAA. They do not spew quackery, instead they are considered to be on the cutting edge of issues relating to Autism. Some just aren't ready to hear it.
Re: Cassa – I have no idea why you would refer to the NAA in such terms. They don't spew quackery, instead they attentive to cutting edge issues relating to Autism. Some just aren't ready to listen.
thanks for this, Perez. a worthwhile cause indeed!
gracias perez por apoyarnos, mi hijo tiene 5 años y tiene autismo
Thank you Perez. Im glad you finally did this! Im a mother of an autistic son as well, thank you for raising awareness to something that is becoming more of an epidemic every day.
Brenda in AB canada
re Kurt..
Ok Im ignorant for not reading all your posts but I get REAL fired up when I read about ignorant people like yourself that have to jump in on these threads and act like we are not allowed to think and feel what we do. Are you a scientist who has researched autism? No I don't think you are, maybe you have who knows! I have a 4.5 year old son and yeah you know what he probably knows more than you ok and Im serious. Children that have autism are in some way genuises. Einsten=autistic=brillant. Parents with autistic children have enough to go through daily that when someone who has the stature that Perez Hilton does actually brings it to the public's awareness, we do not need people like yourself making comments and trying to stir the pot. It is an epidemic, it is becoming more prevalent than childhood cancer and Aids, 1 in every 150 children are diagnosed each year and the numbers are increasing. No one knows why and no we do not look to others to blame, I personally dont believe it is in vaccines and yeah perhaps it is passed genetically in some way. Most likely it is believed environmental. I just accept that fact that my son will always have it and move on getting the help he needs each day and to make him a part of society.
Im very passionate about children with Autism and children with special needs and Im also very defensive when it's a subject that hits close to home
Re: Cassa – God, let me guess, you work for a pharmaceutical company, right? FUCK OFF
How can you promote this charity ethically when you consistently pick on Christina Chen? I used to really love your column but the Christina bashing has brought you down to a new low.
Thank you for this, P.
oxoxoxoox
.
When my son was born 17 years ago (who has high functioning Autisism….Asperger's Syndrome), the chances of having a child with Autism was considered rare.
.
It is now about 1 in every 150 births.
.
Alarming.
To would be parents, read all you can about the research and pay attention to what has been said about childhood vaccinations.
.
To the parents of a newly diagnosed child, there are 2 things I want to say to you:
1. Your child is still the same child you had BEFORE the diagnosis. Everything you loved about them them is still the same. What does change is YOUR own perception of them, your expectations. If you can realize that, and get past it, you'll heal.
2. EARLY INTERVENTION is paramount. Get your child into the best program you can as early as you can.
There is a wonderful school in Houston, TX, the Westview School, that my son attended while I lived in TX. Hopefully, there are more like it now. At the time, it was one of the few of its kind in the country.
.
Thank you, again, Perez, for all of the worthwhile causes you post on your site.
I have three boys who have been affected by autism. I am very grateful that you are highlighting such an amazing group. thank you!
Thank you!!!
On behalf of my 8 year old daughter and all kids with autism.
I am a mom in Maine to a 12 y/o autistic son…..just joining the long list of others who are THANKING YOU, Perez for helping to bring on some autism awareness!
love ya!
Lisa
Thank you Perez. NAA is the only private org (that I know of) that provides one-time grants to families in dire financial need. While the amount of the grants are small in comparison to the costs parents must put out, it is comforting to know that such an organization cares. I think it takes parents who have been there to really understand what our needs are. Thanks for caring enough to mention it.
My son has Autism. Thanks for spreading awareness. Good luck to everyone affected or knows someone affected by it.
Re: kurt –
You are entitled to your opinion, however, I think it is completely insensitive of you to attempt to counter the thoughts and beliefts of 1000's of parents with children on the spectrum who, by virtue of having watched what happened to their children (mine included), believe in their heart of hearts that the presentation and overbearing scheduling of vaccines contributed to their child's autism. I happen to be one of those parents who believe it. Over the years, I have come to see how split the autism community is on this issue because there are fervent believers on both sides. I don't wish to argue the point because at the end of the day, I could care less what others think. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and opinions. However, whenever you or others like you present a counter argument that is condescending and infers that I am "ignorant", "misinformed" or just lack basic knowledge, then you make my day that much more difficult. Please try to be a bit more sensitive to those who are living this 24/7. Again, you are entitled to your opinion, but perhaps you could find somewhere else to voice it.
Re: Cassa –
your poor kids are doomed because u are too cheap and lazy to try things that are working for millions
Re: Autis –
Speak for yourself, freak.
I am a mother to a child with autsim this orginzation really is a worthwile cause and all of those who can donate please do. Today we really see a lot of junk on tv and the internet (granted most of it is really funny stuff but junk none the less) this is one of the few great things left. Autism is hard to live with, and equally as hard to treat any and all research is needed.
Hi Perez,
Just wanted to say THANK YOU
My oldest daughter has Autism. My whole family thanks you!
What a great thing you've done by featuring NAA in your column. They're one of the few organizations really doing something about the epidemic, along with A-CHAMP, Autism Research Institute, TACA, SAFEMINDS and Generation Rescue.
Thank you.
Re: hader –
Hader,
Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism organization, behaves like a drug front group in many ways, so you're very right to be wary. Eric Hollander on their Science board is trying to get approval to treat children with autism with an orphan drug patent for Prozac (fluoxetine). They have other big pharma affilations, including many board members with severe financial conflicts of interest.
NAA, on the other hand, has no pharmaceutical profiteers on its board. They do provide links to docs who will recommend special diets, dietary supplements and vitamins, many of which you can buy in your local health food store. But you can take it or leave it and there are also links to resources where parents can learn to help their kids on their own in many ways, which profits no one (except the children) There is no centralized profit motive for NAA and it's parent driven.
Keep being skeptical because you're not wrong to suspect. But I encourage you to look behind the scenes of TACA, A-CHAMP, NAA, Generation Rescue, ARI, SAFEMINDS and affiliated organizations. You might be relieved. And if you're concerned about an effected child, you might even find support and some effective help.
Re: Jeann –
"The science says very clearly that vaccines save lives and protect our children," said one of the officials, Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
skepdic.com/skeptimedia/skeptimedia8.html
“Let me be very clear that the government has made absolutely no statement indicating that vaccines are a cause of autism,” Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday. “That is a complete mischaracterization of the findings of the case and a complete mischaracterization of any of the science that we have at our disposal today.”
I have a wonderful 7 yo son with autism and a fabulous 4 yo son who is neurotypical. Sometimes at the end of my day, if I don't collapse on my pillow, I allow myself the guilty pleasure of reading your column Perez. (tiny break from my 24/7/365 life w/ autism). Imagine my pleasant surprise to see your post about autism and the NAA. And here I thought you were vapid and shallow. I can see now that you have a heart as big as all outdoors. Don't know what caused Noah's autism and don't care. Moot point now anyway. Better to spend my time and energy helping him to become a happy, productive member of society. And isn't that what all parents want for their kids, autism diagnosis or not? Thank you Perez for using your celebrity for a good and unfortunately growing cause. PEREZ YOU ROCK!!!
Michelle Wandrack
Thanks! Enough said.
this is so cool! Thank you
Thanks! As the mom of a 7 year old son with autism, this totally rocks. Thank you!
Lisa in Boston
Thanks! Truly appreciated!
Thank you, Perez.
from a Mom of 2 autistic boys. amazing how many of us there are just looking at this comment list.
Re: Charl – Thanks for helping me understand.
re: kurt
What is your point quoting Julie Gerberding? I said in my post there are absolutely no studies proving the safety of vaccines. A congressional panel has already stated that there is a link between autism and vaccines. They also stated that the FDA turned a blind eye to this fact. You can visit any number of sites to research the link for yourself; whether you accept what you are seeing is up to you. I don't have to read any studies or have anyone tell me there is a link - I live with a link every day - my son. Twice damaged by vaccines. Twice. Once caused autism, the second caused a seizure/migraine disorder. I will leave this argument now, as it is a waste of my energy to banter back and forth with someone who, more than likely, does not know autism first hand, and doesn't care. Have a good life "kurt". Good luck sleeping at night. And may God help you if you have a child and decide to ignore what is staring you in the face.
Hooray!! As the mother of a sweet 5 year old with autism, and an avid gossip reader, THANK YOU for posting for the NAA - they're fantastic and do so much good. Do you have a friend or family member with a family member affected by autism?
Perez, thank you so much for putting the spotlight on autism and the National Autism Association. As a mom of two children who have autism and an advocate for autism awareness, I am truly grateful for your support.
Sincerely,
Michelle