Autism Bulletin

How the Bernard Madoff Ponzi Scheme Affects People with Autism: One Anecdote

2009-03-14T10:01:00.004-04:00

When I was a reporter at a local daily newspaper, our staff spend great energy researching and writing about issues around the world—events like the first Gulf War, say, or budget battles in Washington—and figuring out how to explain those events and how they influenced people's lives where we lived and worked. Finding the right connections took a lot of looking around. It seems like nowadays that one doesn't need to go looking: the events come right to you.

Such is the case with one of Autism Bulletin's readers, a family who is losing a chunk of its respite help for an autistic child because of the infamous Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme. Madoff, 70, pled guilty in court this week and was sent directly to prison to await sentencing for a scheme in which he bilked thousands of customers of more than $50 billion by promising healthy returns on fictitious investments. The assets that went in were real. But most of it appears gone, as government investigators and lawyers for the clients continue their hunt.

That much you may learned already through the media. The way this affects the family with an autistic child is a simple chain reaction of financial losses, a supply chain of scandal that takes away the respite services. It goes like this:

1.) Madoff's Ponzi scheme bilks investors.
2.) Among the many investors is the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation, founded in 1961 as a philanthropic organization, which "supports Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Hospitals, Jewish Causes and Social Welfare programs in Greater Boston and Palm Beach County, Florida."
3.) The Shapiro Foundation announces it will suspend grants for 2009 as a result of its losses in the Madoff scheme.
4.) Among the grant recipients was a community center south of Boston, which provided the respite care. Without the grant money from the Shapiro Foundation, our Autism Bulletin reader reports, the respite program shuts down.

Autism Readings, Resources from Around the Web

2009-02-28T10:08:00.002-05:00

I found these articles, resources and related items of interest for families of kids with autism spectrum disorders. I have found the web application Twitter to be a useful way to share interesting items online (at a higher frequency rate than I recently have been able to post articles on this blog). Below are links to the items, which you can also find at Twitter.com/autismbulletin. Below is a sampling from the past two weeks:

Autism Society of America: copy of E-mail newsletter
Autism Society of America: national conference, St. Charles, Ill., July 22-25
President Obama includes funding for autism in his FY 2010 budget proposal, via Autism Speaks - read more here
Alabama Autism Task Force report, recommendations here.
Agenda for Flutie Foundation for Autism conference April 7 in Norwood, Mass., read here.
Easter Seals campaign: Urge Congress to support families living with autism today: read here.
New from Newsweek: Autism: How Childhood Vaccines Became Villains
Toronto Jewish community holds disability awareness and inclusion events.
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health say stimulus spending to be guided by this strategic plan: read here.
Autism Speaks calls for $200 million for National Institutes of Health autism funding from U.S. stimulus package
RT @UKAF: The London Guardian recently featured the UK Autism Foundation.
Nevada considers autism insurance bill, news item via KRNV.com
Latest edition of Positively Autism newsletter with ABA-related articles.
New Hampshire Walk for Autism has set up website for event Oct. 4, 2009
From Change.org, college programs for autistic students
Wrightslaw newsletter on special ed funding in federal stimulus package
Autism insurance coverage advocates in Kansas continue to press case in state legislature
Autism programs take a hit, Boston Globe article on special ed budgets
Mass. events calendar for families with special needs kids
A journey of love and discovery as sibling of an autistic sister, from Portland Oregonian newspaper

Third Annual ABA Autism Event February 6-8 in Jacksonville

2009-01-27T22:53:00.008-05:00

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is holding its third annual autism conference on Feb. 6-8 in Jacksonville, Florida, with the theme, "Research to Practice: Making Real Changes in the Lives of People with Autism."

Founded in 1974, ABA International is the professional organization for behavior analysts, a group that has seen demand for its members' services rise with the population of diagnosed children with autism spectrum disorders. (See the organization's website, including this page with information for parents.)

Choices about what kinds of approaches to use for helping children with autism spectrum disorders abound, and information about alternative therapies, diets, treatments and medicines circulate around the web and among parent discussion forums. Applied behavior analysis—backed by research and evidence that when trained therapists with expert supervision deliver services, they help people gain important skills—has gained important support among autism experts, educators and the medical community. See more about ABA in the Autism Bulletin archives.

As a parent, I have found it valuable to attend educational events; it's a way to connect with both professionals who are doing research about autism and meet up with other parents. It's a way to know you are not alone. I attended the ABA International conference when it was in Boston several years ago and came away impressed by the experience and knowledge of the presenters.

This year's event will address topics such as adults with autism, ABA school programs for children, Florida's autism legislation and ways to implement successful treatments for autism. Below is a brief overview of the components of the conference.

This year's conference, "Research to Practice: Making Real Changes in the Lives of People with Autism," will host 15 distinguished ABA experts presenting resources and information that teachers, therapists and parents can use to improve the lives of those living with an autism diagnosis. Presentations will focus on a variety of topics relating to three common themes important to the future of ASD treatment methods:

· Treatment Developments - A summary of the latest progress in behavioral intervention methods and how applied behavior analysts are helping to integrate people those with ASD into the community.

· Success Stories - Using science to guide autism treatment taking a look at the most recent and reliable case studies to help determine the future of those living with ASD.

· In Their Own Words - Personal observations and recommendations from professionals and parent advocates who are most closely affected by ASD.

See below for a rundown of speakers, provided by ABA International:

ABA Autism Speakers Summary

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Massachusetts Considers Autism Insurance Bill

2009-01-26T20:48:00.004-05:00

The Massachusetts Legislature is taking up a bill that would require private healthcare policies cover autism services such as Applied Behavior Analysis, physical and occupational therapy, diagnostic and other services. You can see a copy of House Bill 67 below. Rep. Barbara A. L'Italien, a Democrat from Andover, and Senator Frederick Berry, a Democrat from Peabody, introduced the bill earlier this month.

Advocates from AutismVotes.org, an initiative of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, have set up a website for this Massachusetts initiative. It's one of several efforts around the country to raise awareness of the issue of autism insurance, and to press for increased coverage.

The autism insurance issue has been a key legislative effort for autism advocates for quite some time. As awareness about the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has increased, so have calls for ways to help families who are thrust into finding ways to help their children, with early intervention services and special education programs. (Calls to help young adults and adults have not been as loud, but one can anticipate they will grow as the cohort grows and matures.)

In state after state (see Autism Bulletin archives for articles on South Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania and other states), the battle shapes up to be one where families and advocates point out the need for services and the health insurance industry argues the cost is too high. Massachusetts is among those states where we can expect to see that conflict play out this year.

Below are two documents (e-mail readers will see links, and blog visitors should see an image of the documents embedded in this article). The first document is a copy of House Bill 67, which calls for insurance coverage for autism services. The second document is an Autism Speaks advocacy paper, prepared in 2007, outlining the reasons for supporting this type of legislation.

MA HouseBill 0067_001 - As Introduced Jan 2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Government Business & Legal autism autismbulletin.blogs

Below, find the Autism Speaks document that lays out an argument in favor of autism insurance coverage.

Arguments for Private Insurance Coverage

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Politics & Governmen Presentations & Slid autism autismbulletin.blogs

Autism Insurance Legislation Updates

2009-01-20T21:21:00.005-05:00

There's been a lot of activity around the country on the autism services and insurance legislation front. The chart and map below is an uploaded copy of a PDF assembled by Autism Speaks, a leading autism advocacy organization. It shows the status of insurance legislation as of December 17, 2008.

If you are receiving this by e-mail, you can find the chart by clicking here. Green states—Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas—have passed laws that "require private insurance companies to cover autism services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)."

Red states—Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia—are considering bills endorsed by Autism Speaks that reform autism insurance coverage.

The map also shows other states—most, that is—which are in some fashion starting to work on an autism insurance bill.

There have been some updates since Autism Speaks published this chart. These include:

•Washington State, where advocates today issued a press release on pending legislation. From the release:

Washington lawmakers are getting ready to consider two companions bills, HB1210 sponsored by State Representative Brendan Williams (D-22) and SB 5203 sponsored by State Senator Steve Hobbs (D-44), that will require health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment for autism spectrum disorders, including services like Applied Behavior Analysis, for individuals up to age 21.

The bills, referred to as "Shayan’s Law," follow the recommendations of the Caring for Washington Individuals with Autism Task Force in their Executive report to the Governor (December 2007). The report lists health insurance coverage of autism-related treatments within Washington State as its number one priority recommendation.

The grassroots organization, “Washington Autism Advocacy”, made up of parent volunteers, has up to the minute information about the bills on its website www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org.
Both bills were introduced in the legislature the second week of January. Once passed, they will require private insurance companies to pay for diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition, they will remove unreasonable visit caps that have left thousands of families facing autism uninsured or under insured. Autism is a neurological condition that affects 1 out of 150 children.

51 State Representatives and 29 State Senators, who recognize the debilitating impact the autism epidemic is having on children, families and schools, have signed on as cosponsors of Shayan’s Law.

•Wisconsin, where autism advocates report: "Wisconsin's new Legislative session has begun and in it is this introduction of a Bill for Autism Insurance dated January 8th, 2009. It has been read for the first time and was referred to the committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue on the same date." According to an analysis by the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau:

This bill requires health insurance policies and self−insured governmental and school district health plans to cover the cost of treatment for an insured for autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified if the treatment is provided by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker who is certified or licensed to practice psychotherapy, a paraprofessional working under the supervision of any of those three types of providers, or a professional working under the supervision of an outpatient mental health clinic. The coverage requirement applies to both individual and group health insurance policies and plans, including defined network plans and cooperative sickness care associations; to health care
plans offered by the state to its employees, including a self−insured plan; and to self−insured health plans of counties, cities, towns, villages, and school districts. The requirement specifically does not apply to limited−scope benefit plans, medicare replacement or supplement policies, long−term care policies, or policies covering only certain specified diseases. The coverage may be subject to any limitations or exclusions or cost−sharing provisions that apply generally under the policy or plan.

• Kansas, where advocates report:

Kate's Law was filed with the Kansas Legislature on January 12, 2009 and assigned Senate Bill Number 12 (SB 12).

It has been referred to the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee (Senator Ruth Teichman, District 33, chair). Kate's Law must pass out of the Senate FI&I Committee before it can be considered by the body of the Senate. If it passes the Senate, then the process starts all over again on the House side.

Our first goal is to get an early hearing on the bill. To see how you can help, please check the KCAL website and your email regularly.

See the map below. (Thanks to the Washington-based autism advocates for sharing it). If you have updates or news to share about this issue, please don't hesitate to e-mail me or post a comment at the end of this blog post.

As 2009 State Initiatives12.17

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Politics & Governmen Presentations & Slid autism legislation

Autism Bulletin Twitter Feed

2009-01-17T09:56:00.002-05:00

I have created an Autism Bulletin Twitter feed to share more information with people interested in news and information about autism spectrum disorders.

Twitter is a service that allows users to post short messages (up to 140 characters long) on the web. It is an easy way to share news and information and website links with interested people. I receive a lot of information—more than I can post in the short essays here—and I hope this will be a means of sharing more information with you.

I have created a box on Autism Bulletin, at the top right, for you to see the latest Twitter posts, also known as "tweets." If you already have a Twitter account, you can receive these posts in your personal Twitter feed by following http://twitter.com/autismbulletin.

Please let me know if you find this useful. And as always, keep the suggestions and articles coming. If you do share articles with me, it's very helpful if they come with a website link as well as text. Thank you for reading Autism Bulletin.

U.S. Version of "The Transporters" Video Series Designed for Autistic Children Arrives

2009-01-12T00:01:00.007-05:00

The British autism researchers who recently made The Transporters, a series of animated videos to help young children aged 2 to 8 learn to recognize emotions and facial expressions, is unveiling a version of their DVD for the U.S. market.

The DVD, which has a series of 15, five-minute episodes and contains quizzes for viewers to review facial expressions from each episode, costs $57.50 with a portion of the proceeds going to autism research groups and charities including Autism Speaks. The DVDs are available starting January 12, 2009 at The Transporters.com.

There are quite a number of autism-related products aimed at families who are, of course, desperately interested in finding ways to help their kids make gains in communication skills, among other things. You won't find many product references or endorsements on Autism Bulletin because I don't want to recommend you spend precious dollars on anything.

The Transporters is interesting because when it first came out, about a year ago, it was a project supported by the British government, working with the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge's medical school. The UK government supported the development of this video series and made it available to thousands of families at no cost.

I've asked the public relations company for The Transporters if they know of any plans to distribute this DVD to public libraries or other places where parents who can't afford the price may borrow the video.

The other reason this project is interesting is because the champion of The Transporters is well-known autism researcher Simon Baron-Cohen. In developing this project, researchers are leaning on the popularity of cars and trains among young autistic children (does your little one like Thomas the Tank Engine?) while embedding within the front of vehicles people's real faces and expressions. The episodes cover emotions like happy and sad, excited and angry, as well as more nuanced feelings like sorry, proud, surprised, unfriendly, tired, grumpy and worried. The researchers assume that there will be repetition involved in playing the short videos, to reinforce the impressions and messages.

In a press release accompanying the release of the U.S. version of the DVD, Baron-Cohen states:

"Imagine you're the parent of a child with autism and your child doesn't look up at your face, doesn't respond when you call their name, doesn't interact in the normal way. It can be really heartbreaking. The Transporters addresses this challenge by helping children with autism look at faces and recognize feelings. We've found a way to reach children with autism by bringing the social world to them rather than expecting them to come to us."

There are examples of the British version of The Transporters available on YouTube. You can see an example of The Transporters in this YouTube video clip, about five minutes long:

Also see this four-minute video with researcher Simon Baron-Cohen, and a clip showing a child answering questions from the quiz on the video.

Also see from Autism Bulletin archives:

Videos from British Autism Researchers Teach Children to Recognize Emotions

Support Group for Siblings of Disabled Now on Facebook

2009-01-06T21:31:00.004-05:00

The Sibling Support Project, a Seattle-based non-profit group that works to help siblings of people with disabilities, has started an online group on Facebook, the huge social networking website. You need to join Facebook's free service to become a part of the group. Learn more about that by visiting the SibNet on Facebook page.

This is clearly more of a benefit to the adult siblings of people with disabilities. It's a valuable reminder for families of children with autism spectrum disorders that the needs of siblings continue on as kids grow up.

If you pay attention, there's a stream of media coverage that gets at the issue. National Public Radio broadcast a piece on January 1 about Marissa and her younger brother Andrew Skillings, who is 11 and has Asperger's, a form of autism. You can read, see photos and hear about their relationship by clicking on "Coping with an Autistic Brother" at npr.org. Here's a quote from Marissa:

"Sometimes, if I get really frustrated, I just wish I could change everything: Sell him to the zoo and buy new parents," Marissa says. "But then the times when I'm actually appreciating things and I'm not in the moment when I'm steaming mad, I do appreciate what I have."
"I don't think I'd change anything, 'cause this is my life and this is what I'm used to. Andrew wouldn't be like the Andrew I know and love if he was different, because autism is his whole personality."

You can find more articles related to siblings on Autism Bulletin.

Autism Advocates Scheduled to Meet with Obama Transition Team

2008-12-17T21:50:00.003-05:00

A small group of autism advocates are scheduled next week to discuss disability and health care policy with President-elect Barack Obama's transition team, according to one of the advocates invited to the event.

Ari Ne'eman, president of the non-profit organization Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), has communicated with other advocates for people with autism that he was invited to speak with members of Obama's team, and said he seeks input from others in the community. In an e-mail message distributed by The Autism Acceptance Project, Ne'eman, wrote:

Early next week, the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) has been invited to give input to the Office of the President-elect at two meetings relating to disability policy in the upcoming administration. The first meeting will focus on autism policy issues specifically while the second will focus on health care policy from the disability perspective. The meetings will be small, intimate and include representatives from several other autism and/or disability organizations as well.

I'd like to take this opportunity to invite people to give their thoughts as to what issues matter to them in relation to Autism Policy and Health Care Policy in the upcoming administration. We've been asked to take 2-3 policy priorities into the first meeting and will want to represent some of the specific needs of autistic self-advocates in the second. As an organization that seeks to represent the needs of the community of autistic people and to fight for the rights of ourselves, our families and our supporters, we want to hear from you.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is based in Washington, D.C., and was founded by Ne'eman, who explains in his website biography that he's a student at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Ne'eman, who has been diagnosed with Asperger's, runs this group along with others with autism spectrum disorders. The group's website notes: "ASAN's public policy initiatives involve advocating for greater support and understanding for adults and children on the autism spectrum."

What priorities would you advocate? Here's the contact information for Ari Ne'eman via e-mail: aneeman@autisticadvocacy.org.

Also see:

Autism Society Urges Families to Voice Concerns to Obama's Transition Team

Autism Society Urges Families to Voice Concerns to Obama's Transition Team

2008-12-11T20:42:00.004-05:00

The Autism Society of America, a leading advocacy group for parents and families, is urging its members to post comments citing the need for autism support services and full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act on President-Elect Barack Obama's transition team website, Change.gov.

The Obama team has continued its use of web-based technologies honed during the election campaign, both to inform and engage voters and raise record amounts of money. During the transition between presidencies, Obama has used Change.gov to speak directly to voters through video and other means—and engage citizens on ideas that are important to them. (Here's a New York Times article discussing this feature.) With the floor open for discussion on a range of issues, the Autism Society says now is the time to join the online meeting to discuss healthcare policy, which is titled, Health Care — Of the People, By the People.

The Autism Society has posted a web page with suggestions for submitting comments. The substance of the Society's suggestions are below:

Start off with a brief explanation why you are concerned and want things to change.

I am the parent of a child with autism and I want my child to have happy and productive life just as any parent would want for their child.

Provide some facts such as:

Prevalence

1 in 150 U.S. children is diagnosed with autism. Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism.
1.5 million Americans have an autism spectrum disorder

Diagnosis

Less than a decade ago, the disease was diagnosed at age 3 or 4. Now it is routinely diagnosed at 2.
Symptoms range from mild to severe. Many people with autism display rigid routines and repetitive behaviors.

Cost

Lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism: $3.5 million to $5 million
Annual U.S. cost: $90 billion

The explosion of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and related disorders in the United States constitutes the largest health care crisis in our nation’s history. It has been estimated that 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with ASD, with recent data suggesting that as many as 1 in 67 boys are now affected.

Autism is the fastest growing disability in the country, now affecting an estimated 1.5 million individuals - more prevalent among our children than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. There are approximately 24,000 new cases of autism diagnosed each year. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism in the United States.

The alarming increase in autism spectrum disorders must be considered a national health emergency that requires the allocation of significant resources, aggressive research toward effective treatments for those affected, and rigorous investigation into causation for the protection of future generations. Equally important is to ensure that individuals affected by autism receive help TODAY.

Offer solutions, such as:

Legislative Agenda

Please support Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act. This bill would provide adults the services they need to lead a productive and meaningful life. The Autism Society of America works to ensure that adults living with autism have access to appropriate employment, housing, and services. ASA chapters have been instrumental in developing job training programs and creating independent living or residential services opportunities for adults with autism. This act will allow these programs to grow and serve more adults nationwide.

Please support Full Funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Federal funding is $10.5 billion short of full funding this year leaving thousands of children without services.

Autism is the most costly disability confronting our public education system. The federal government should provide local education agencies the resources they need to serve children with autism.

The Autism Society of America is experiencing an explosion of information and referral requests from teachers. Teachers are clamoring for additional training - and ASA has met their demands by hosting a training conference for teachers - but much more needs to be done.

Kansas Advocates Say State to Consider Autism Insurance Bill

2008-12-09T21:06:00.008-05:00

Kansas lawmakers are getting ready to consider a bill that would require health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment for autism spectrum disorders, including services like applied behavior analysis to cover citizens of the state until age 21. The proposal also calls for an exclusion for small businesses who would not have to offer such services through their health plans.

The proposal, referred to as "Kate's Law," follows the establishment of the Kansas Autism Task Force, a panel of citizens set up by the state in 2007 to look into the needs of people with autism.

The Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation has lots of information about the proposal on its website and its special Kate's Law web page.

The bill itself has not been introduced officially in the legislature, but the outlines of it are slated to include the following, according to the Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation:

• Health insurance policies must provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders
• “Treatment” includes any therapy prescribed by the attending physician and includes applied behavior analysis, speech therapy and occupational therapy
• Coverage for applied behavior analysis shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $75,000 per year through age 21
• Small businesses, i.e. employers with 50 or fewer employees, may “opt out” of these provisions
• Health insurance companies cannot deny coverage on an individual solely because the individual is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder

The Kansas advocates for this bill, who are gearing up for a public education and awareness campaign, have posted a couple of YouTube videos explaining the medical, social and financial implications for a family that received an autism diagnosis. The first video is below, or if you reading this via e-mail subscription, you can find the 7-minute clip here.

Watching Obama's Stimulus Package and How States Receive Federal Aid

2008-12-03T21:38:00.010-05:00

President-elect Barack Obama committed himself to helping state governments deal with economic problems and budget shortfalls in a meeting in Philadelphia on Dec. 2. Assuming the new Obama administration can win support after taking office in January and start implementing its plans, this is good news for many who care about services delivered at the state level.

While this issue clearly goes beyond services for people with autism spectrum disorders, it will be important for advocates to watch how state-level budget discussions progress. Most state governments—41 out of 50 as of this week, The New York Times reported— are forecasting budget deficits this year.

In Massachusetts, Gov. Deval Patrick told WBUR radio in Boston that Obama and governors shared a strong consensus that a new stimulus package will focus on "job creation, to build roads and bridges, restore rail systems, install green technology, refurbish public buildings." Patrick added that governors told Obama states need help with rising demand for services like Medicaid, food stamps and unemployment benefits, which are rising as state revenues fall.

Update: WBUR posted the audio clip of the interview with Deval Patrick at my request. Here it is:

Those points are clear: new federal money for roads, bridges, buildings, new environmentally-friendly fixtures and technologies. Help for people hurt by the recession.

What's not clear so far is how operating budgets are faring at the state level, and at the level of cities and towns, where our kids go to school, for example, or other important services get delivered. Those are the decision-making processes that bear close scrutiny, and likely, some advocacy.

If you have information about goings-on in your state, please feel encouraged to post a comment below this post.

Below is a video of Obama's remarks at the governor's conference on Dec. 2 in Philadelphia, via Yahoo video.

President-elect Obama and governors tackle the economy @ Yahoo! Video

The Grandparent Autism Network of Orange County, California

2008-11-15T10:17:00.005-05:00

One thing I have learned from experience and from networking with other parents of kids with autism spectrum disorders is that grandparents have the potential to be difference makers. Grandparents can serve as a sounding board for the myriad decisions we have to make about our children. They can provide both all kinds of support—emotional, respite, you name it (assuming they are in a position to help).

That's why it's so encouraging to report on the growth of the Grandparent Autism Network of Orange County, based in Tustin, California. Bonnie Gillman, founder and president of the Grandparent Autism Network, said she believes the group is the only nonprofit support group set up exclusively for grandparents in the United States. Its members include more than 500 grandparents in 34 cities in Orange County in southern California, and its website, www.ganinfo.org, has people all over the world seeking information from it.

Here is a list of pilot projects, which Gillman notes welcomes the participation of all adults, whether they are grandparents or not, and which her California group hopes can be replicated by others in other locations:

• The Special Needs Acceptance Book Project will increase awareness and peer support for children with special needs to prevent bullying. This book and accompanying Teachers' Guides for K-6 grade classrooms and Christian and Jewish settings will be introduced to elementary schools, youth groups, churches, synagogues and libraries in the 34 cities of Orange County. Interactive educational and character building activities help children to understand more than 20 different developmental disabilities. The project teaches that everyone is special and everyone deserves to be understood and accepted.

• A Job Opportunities Committee will assist job vendors contracted by the Regional Center of Orange County to identify prospective employers for people with special needs. There are several ways volunteers can help to develop a broad range of new work opportunities. The Orange County group plans to share information about this initiative at a statewide meeting in February 2009.

• Two informational videos designed to broaden awareness: "The Impact of Autism on Intergenerational Relationships" and "Autism Research: Fact and Fiction."

We have seen a growth in awareness in the United States in the past few years about the need for autism awareness and support of people with autism spectrum disorders. The establishment of an organization like the Grandparent Autism Network is a reminder to parents who may feel they are stuck in the midst of IEP negotiations, or coping with daily living challenges and trying to help their children, that we are not alone.

More Autism Resources for the Presidential Election for Voters

2008-10-23T20:19:00.004-04:00

The Autism Society of America today publicized a presidential election resources page, with statements by Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. Find the page here, with the candidates' full statements:

Statements on autism by the presidential candidates.

Excerpts below.

From McCain's statement:

As you know, autism is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Because of this, there is no single approach to resolving the many challenges of individuals with autism and their families. That is why I have supported a range of activities to improve the diagnosis, treatment, education, and lifespan needs of individuals with autism.

The first issue is to ensure that children with autism are diagnosed early -- when the condition is most treatable. All research indicates that children who receive comprehensive therapies can have dramatically improved outcomes. Federal efforts must support research to improve early diagnosis, intervention and treatment. I cosponsored and worked to enact the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which is helping to increase public awareness and screening of autism spectrum disorder, promotes the use of evidence-based interventions and created autism Centers of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research and Epidemiology. ...

We must also strengthen our educational system, so that our schools can meet the needs of children with autism. Well-trained special education teachers are essential to the health of the public school system and speak volumes to our ability to ensure basic civil rights. I have often stated that our nation’s children deserve an equal opportunity to succeed. This opportunity should not stop short of children with autism, or any other developmental disability.

From Obama's statement:

As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more cases of ASD have been recognized across the country. I believe that we can do more to help Americans with ASD and their families understand and live with these conditions. That's why I am committed to increasing federal funding for autism research and treatment to $1 billion annually by the end of my first term in office. I also believe that we should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to truly ensure that no child is left behind.

I also support the adoption of a comprehensive plan designed to provide lifelong supports and resources to Americans with ASD and other disabilities. This plan would ensure that their needs are met by:
• Reclaiming America's global leadership on disability issues by becoming a signatory to -- and having the Senate ratify -- the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
• Providing Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities they need to succeed.
• Ending discrimination and promoting equal opportunity
• Increasing the employment rate of workers with disabilities, and
• Supporting independent, community-based living for Americans with disabilities.

More importantly, as you have all gathered here today to discuss, access to health care is a pressing need – one that we can no longer afford to ignore. As President, I will make high quality, portable health care plans affordable to all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses.

Links to the candidates' websites:

Obama's homepage, and the campaign's disabilities page and a statement about autism.

The McCain campaign's website includes lots of information about the candidate's policy issues, including healthcare and education and this statement about autism.

Why This Parent of a Special Needs Child Is Voting for Barack Obama

2008-10-22T21:58:00.013-04:00

There have been a number of essays and editorials about the presidential race, considering in depth the positions of Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama, which I would recommend: The New Yorker and The Los Angeles Times are two that endorse Obama which clearly lay out the case—in general, for a change in direction for the United States, and specifically for Obama's leadership.

I cite those examples for two reasons: First, I don't decide whom to support based on one issue, whether it be autism or something else. And second, this blog post is going to hit just a few highlights. Still, when it comes to this blog's readers—mostly parents and family members of people with autism spectrum disorders—there are several reasons to add Autism Bulletin's voice to those supporting Barack Obama for president, and Joseph Biden for vice president:

1.) The Role of Government in Our Lives

No one I have met in this journey as a parent of a special needs child plans to use government services more than anyone else. We became parents, and then we learned that we had a special needs child. It happened, and most of us have learned that no matter how hard we try, we need help. It's not our fault we need help, but we do.

The government can help, in many ways: through the work of educators teaching our children new skills, in early intervention programs, in school settings and at home; through supporting healthcare programs that augment those school- and home-based services; for autistic adults who require support to live in our communities.

We're in tough economic times, certainly, and it is difficult to imagine a great expansion of social services in the coming years. But listening to Obama and McCain during the campaign, the conventions and the debates, it is clear to me that a Democratic administration would be better for our kids and our families.

I say this having heard the pledge by Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, to be an advocate for special needs children in the White House. But I have trouble reconciling that pledge with a historic position by the Republican Party to want to eradicate the Department of Education. I have trouble seeing how a Republican administration would support government research dollars going to help people with autism, when John McCain promises to cut spending across the board. (I also recall stories like that of Mike Bernoski, a parent who was thrown out of Republican Joe Barton's Congressional office when Bernoski sought to discuss the Combating Autism Act.)

And, more importantly, it's clear that Obama has both education and social services at or near the top of his agenda. When he has to make tough choices, he has indicated that he will prioritize education and healthcare goals. He is a better choice.

2.) The Healthcare System in America

Advocates for people with autism spectrum disorders have done heroic work in recent years around the country, state by state, to win more health insurance coverage for our families. There's more work to be done.

John McCain's healthcare proposal seeks to apply free market principles to the nation's healthcare system. It would allow people to shop for health insurance across state lines, which leaves in doubt state governments' requirements to cover citizens according to state laws. At the least, it would appear to undercut the role of states and appears to threaten the gains the advocates for our families have won.

In a market-based model, there are always winners and losers. The question then comes up: what role will the government play when people all over the nation, including people with disabilities, are losing?

During the debates, a moderator asked the candidates whether healthcare in their view was a right or a responsibility. McCain said he sees healthcare as a responsibility. Obama said he sees healthcare as a right for all Americans.

I have read and heard media reports which suggest Obama's healthcare plan projections are rosy, that they won't work exactly as he says by expanding the existing employer-based system, and that the economic meltdown will throw his plans off track. Those points make sense. But I come back to the principle: Obama is right that our government needs to find ways to care for everyone. McCain is wrong to trust the market to solve the problem.

3.) The Role of the Courts

Parents of disabled children have brought cases to the federal courts, seeking for example, the right to advocate for an autistic child when they can't afford a lawyer. We should expect more cases, as questions about what our society should do to treat people with disabilities, to allow them to live, learn and work in our communities and nation as full participants.

The president's right to appoint judges, to the Supreme Court, and to other federal benches, is another reason I am supporting Obama. I trust him to appoint judges who will be open to the fact that in today's America, we face issues, challenges, medical conditions and disabilities that require careful consideration and fair treatment.

4.) Awareness Is Not Enough

I have been astonished by the degree to which politicians have mentioned autism during this campaign. John McCain, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton—each has spoken about it, citing the need to support families dealing with its challenges. It feels like autism advocates have won an important awareness battle.

But awareness is not enough. It's not enough to say you know about the problem. You have to be willing to do something about it. Obama's domestic priorities of education and healthcare come closest to addressing the issues that parents of kids with disabilities face.

No one, especially in these uncertain economic times, can predict what is going to happen. But after listening to these candidates, studying their histories, watching how they conduct their campaigns, noting their choices of vice presidential nominees, advisers and prominent supporters, I have concluded that Barack Obama is the best choice for president: for our country, for our families, for our future.

Rooting for Melanie Roach, Olympic Weightlifter, Autism Advocate, Mom

2008-08-06T20:43:00.005-04:00

If you see Melanie Roach in one of those made-for-TV profiles of Olympic athletes in the next couple of weeks, believe her when she says that it's a world-class victory for her to have made it to Beijing at all.

Roach, 33, is on the United States women's weightlifting team that is due to compete when the summer Olympic games start this week with the finals scheduled to be held on Friday, August 8. As reported in The New York Times and NPR, Roach has battled for the past three years—after having three kids, including one with autism spectrum disorder—to return from back surgery to train, compete and finally, make the Olympic team.

Roach told NPR that having a son with autism has taught her to focus on the moment, and the things that are possible, rather than the long term and what is not possible. From the story:

Roach's Olympic quest has been both complicated and enriched by her son Drew, who is autistic. Not long after Drew was diagnosed three years ago, Roach went into a near depression.
A devout Mormon, she prayed her son would get better. When he didn't, she went to her bishop in tears. He told her to stop focusing on what Drew couldn't do.
It was, she says, a turning point. She began to truly embrace who Drew was — living in the moment with him and not dwelling on the past or the future.
"I really feel like that concept of enjoying the now and not worrying about the future is what my coach has been trying to teach me for 14 years — and that is what has made me such a different athlete 10 years later, and that is what has made me strong enough mentally to make this Olympic team."

If you have about seven minutes, check out this video The New York Times did earlier this year profiling Roach, visiting with her and her family and watching her train. She is matter of fact about her 5-year-old son Drew having autism (and her husband Dan being a state representative in Washington, and owning a gymnastics business). She says Drew is challenging, and you can see some of that in the video.

Roach voices what many parents of kids with autism spectrum disorder feel:

"It's difficult to let go of the expectations you have for your child. You have to kind of come to the realization that the things you thought he might become, or the experiences you think are normal for your children, sometimes don't happen for a child with autism," she says, adding that for her, "It was about letting go, and finally embracing who he was and to not think too much about the future and just enjoy who he is now."

"People look at me funny when I say that weightlifting is the easiest part of my day, but it's true."

She also adds: "I would trade every minute in international competition for a cure for autism."

(Photo from melanieroach.com.)

Great Teachers of Kids with Autism Deserve More Than Gratitude

2008-07-08T21:04:00.010-04:00

How do you say goodbye and thank you to a teacher who has made an important, positive, lasting impact on your child's life? On the lives of your whole family?

This is an important issue for families who have children with autism spectrum disorders because special education services are an essential component of enabling a person with autism to learn and develop skills—in the classroom, at home, and in the community—that will form the building blocks of a better life.

And parents I've met rightly focus on not just the person doing the teaching—let's stipulate you have to be a kind, patient person to want to be a teacher of kids with special needs—but also on the person's qualifications, training and experience. (Good supervision also makes for superior teachers, but that's a topic for another post.)

The point here is: When you find a great teacher, you know it. You not only experience your child learning new things, you get to see data that tracks such learning. You not only see a child who enjoys seeing the teacher, but you as a parent get to learn new things about how to support and enhance your child's development. You get to ask questions, make suggestions. If you read someplace that it takes a village to raise a child, it can feel like it takes a town to raise a child with autism; and the teacher is a leading citizen in that town. A great teacher is a gift, something you can't quantify in terms of value. You know you have a great teacher because you dread having to say goodbye.

So how do you say thanks, how do you show your gratitude to someone whose work has been a gift? Here are some thoughts below. You are encouraged to add your own.

1. Don't wait until the end of the school year (or teaching cycle) to say thank you.
Offer positive reinforcement early and often. Learn what kind of praise resonates most with a teacher. It could be a written note, a donation to charity in her honor, a letter of commendation to her school, her supervisor.

2. Be a good partner.
Because teaching kids with autism requires a commitment by parents to complement what is going on at school, listen to the teacher's good advice, work with her on behavior plans to develop them and carry them out. Demonstrate you are not only an expert on your child's needs, what motivates her to do well, but that you also are a good listener, interested to learn more from skilled educators.

3. Look for ways to support educational institutions for kids with autism, which are training more great teachers.
If your great teacher is affiliated with an educational institution or school district, there could be a way to volunteer to help them, or become a contributor.

4. Ask other parents for their thoughts.
Other parents you meet along the way to figuring out how to make a difference for your child with autism can help you answer many questions. How do they show their appreciation for great teachers?

Also see:

Autism Specialist Market Heating Up; How Do You Thank Your Autistic Child's Teachers?

Autism Legislation Advocates to Meet in September

2008-06-30T21:22:00.009-04:00

A group of autism advocates from around the nation are planning their third annual meeting in September in Kansas City to discuss strategies for influencing public policy and state laws to help people with autism. The meeting dates are September 26 and 27, and the location is to be announced.

The group includes parents and other advocates working on such issues as health insurance coverage for autism services. Those attending this meeting in past years have led successful efforts in South Carolina and Texas to pass state laws requiring health insurers to cover autism-related services for children.

Lorri Unumb, a law school professor and advocate from South Carolina who organized the first two advocacy meetings and was a leader in the legislation effort in her state last year, said in an e-mail to fellow advocates: "I started organizing these “summits” a couple of years ago as a forum for parents and professionals who are interested in autism legislation and policy to get together and share ideas." The agenda, she said, includes sharing information, strategies and arguments to help broaden coverage for people with autism.

The meeting would be valuable for advocates and parents who are working in their states to pass such legislation and raise awareness. For more information about the event, send an e-mail to Lorri Unumb at lunumb AT sc DOT rr DOT com.

Also see:

• Autism Legislation Meeting Planned (2007)

Reprise: Why Families with Autism Need to Celebrate Mothers Often

2008-05-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

Last year for Mother's Day, I posted this piece on Autism Bulletin: Why Families with an Autistic Child Need to Celebrate Mother's Day Frequently; Plus Some Suggestions. Click on the link to read the piece.

In short, parents, and especially moms, work long and hard to help their kids. It's important to take time off, away from this demanding life, so you can rest, recharge and get back to it. Respite helps you help your children.

Some respondents to this piece explained, understandably, that getting time away from the family can be difficult to arrange. An unscientific survey on this blog showed that most parents took no time off at all.

When was the last time you took a break, for at least an hour? And what did you do? Walks count. So do coffee shop meetings.

Please feel encouraged to share your thoughts.

Caring for Siblings of People with Autism

2008-05-10T10:27:00.004-04:00

A young man wrote to Autism Bulletin recently to express his frustration about his adult sister's life. The details I will keep private, but the gist is that he feels that his sister, though employed, is capable of much more than the duties of her entry-level job. In addition, he is frustrated that she continues to demonstrate a narrow set of interests in her life.

A few things struck me about this note, and I want to share them with you and then ask for your comments and advice for siblings.

1.) Parents need to pay attention to the emotions and needs of siblings of our kids who have an autism spectrum disorder.

Of course we don't forget about our typically developing, or developed, children as we spend so much energy on our children with autism. It's a good idea, though, to add to our long to-do list: look for ways to meet siblings' emotional needs.

There are support groups for siblings available in many areas. Sometimes those groups are designed specifically for siblings of people with autism spectrum disorders, and sometimes they are for siblings of people with various disabilities.

You may find it useful to do other things, like special outings, activities geared specifically to the sibling's interests and passions. The key is to set aside time for this.

2.) The sibling's needs don't stop after childhood.

As this young man noted, he is thinking a lot about his adult sister. He consults with his parents, but he has his own ideas, wishes for his sister and frustrations.

3.) There is something good going on here.

This young man was very frustrated and took the time to write to me about it. When I wrote back to this young man, I started off by telling him that his sister is a very lucky person to have a brother who cares so much about her.

That good fortune is a blessing, really, for all of us. It shows that people who grow up in a home where the family is a group of caring people can make a difference. I know that my outlook on life, on the world, on people has changed since my family began learning about autism. I can only hope that we find more people with the capacity for compassion and understanding as we continue along. In that sense, this young man's e-mail to me made my week.

Also see:

Ideas for Finding a Sibling Support Group

More Info: Support Groups for Siblings of Kids with Autism

More on siblings on Autism Bulletin

How to Find Autism Health Insurance Information

2008-05-03T20:32:00.000-04:00

In the United States, insurance coverage for autism services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy and other services, varies by state. A number of Autism Bulletin readers have written recently asking how to find information about health insurance coverage in their area. Here are some tips:

1.) Get in touch with autism advocacy groups in your state.

There are power in numbers when advocating for public policy changes, and advocacy groups such as the Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks have chapters in many areas around the nation. Even if the chapter in your state or metropolitan area doesn't have any one working on this issue, you can ask them if they know someone who is.

There is an active national network of advocates working on this issue and it pays to tap into their experience. For example, a group in Arizona has been advocating for autism insurance coverage and worked with Autism Speaks to create a document listing the reasons it makes sense, both economically and from a public policy perspective.

These groups can also help you understand what the state law is right now in your state. Some states, such as South Carolina and Texas, have passed laws that require health insurance plans to provide some coverage for autism services. You can read about a number of these states by looking at the Autism Bulletin archives on health insurance issues, or using the search box.

2.) Check with your health insurance provider about specific policies and terms that apply to your family's claims.

You should understand what coverage you have now, and what limits there may be for that coverage. For example, some health maintenance organizations may limit the number of occupational therapy visits a patient is allowed to claim; once you reach that limit, payments for every visit after that could need to come out of your pocket.

Side note: while you are waiting for policies to change, you can check to see if your employer offers an arrangement called a medical flexible spending plan. This is a federal tax policy which allows you to set aside money from your paycheck, up to $5,000 per year, for medical expenses. You can use this "pre-tax" money to pay for autism services. The effect is to stretch some of your dollars to pay for these services. The Internal Revenue Service has an information page here. And make sure to review with your tax adviser what using this money means for your income tax returns.

3.) Call your state representative and ask what's going on.

Armed with information from advocates and your health insurance policy, get in touch with your state representative or state senator to let them know you are interested in what's going on with insurance coverage for autism.

Understand that a number of states have set up special commissions to study the issue of autism spectrum disorders, as a first step to figuring out what to do. So you can ask if your state has done one of these studies, and where to find a copy.

Some states have legislators who have personal experience with autism spectrum disorders. Every state should have lawmakers who care about healthcare, special education, and/or people with disabilities. So if you find no help at your state representative's office, figure out who may give you a more sympathetic hearing. Just be aware that insurance companies and people who disagree with you are doing the same thing.

Project Vote Smart has a very helpful website that helps you find your elected representatives by your Zip Code.

4.) Be an engaged citizen and participate in our democracy.

All of these steps involve paying attention and being willing to get involved in a political discussion. It's easy to feel like there's not much any one family, any one parent can do, to help move the global or national needle on autism services. But as the saying goes, many hands make a big load lighter.

So read the news. Ask questions. Find others who care about this issue and talk about it with them. And see what happens.

Observers of this issue also will note that while representatives of the insurance and business lobbies have lined up to oppose more insurance coverage for those with autism in states like Pennsylvania and Texas, this is not a partisan issue. All you have to do is read about South Carolina, where a Republican lawmakers overrode the governor's veto in 2007 to pass autism insurance legislation. And who led the charge, to get them to do that?

Three families, led by three moms.

A Reflection on Autism Awareness Month, 2008

2008-04-22T20:58:00.007-04:00

A confession: Years ago, when my family first began to learn about autism, I didn't think much about "Autism Awareness Month." It seemed like an innocent gesture, but also a naive wish for good will and public recognition for a condition that wasn't well understood. And, it seemed to me back then, it was one effort (among many) to grab a spotlight for a public tired of such things.

I have changed my view. This month, in the midst of some demanding times at work (which have left me fewer chances to post to Autism Bulletin), I didn't have much time to think about autism awareness. And yet the issue found me, as I took a walk near my home yesterday and saw a sign hanging at the public library proclaiming to passersby that it is Autism Awareness Month.

I realized this Autism Awareness Month is an essential symbol, and, potentially, a supportive lifeline to parents who must know: You are not alone.

You are not alone when you struggle with a challenging behavior problem, at home, at a family gathering, a house of worship or at the mall.

You are not alone when you find yourself sitting with people who have trouble understanding what you are going through—be they friends, family members, educators or health care professionals.

You are not alone when you have to make difficult choices, be they decisions about finances or careers, or just about how you would spend family time—choices that many other families are not put in a position to make.

And you are not alone when you find creative reasons to celebrate. Good behavior? Celebrate! Avoiding bad behavior? Celebrate! An advance in swimming, reading, eating, sitting at a table, brushing teeth, pretend play, peer communication, [fill in your favorite here]? Celebrate!

And so we are not alone when we recognize that it's Autism Awareness Month, and give credit to the efforts of advocates around the world who have not only elevated the profile of autism as an urgent public policy issue but have helped us understand we are not alone.

Some examples, from my e-mail in-box:

• April 2 was World Autism Awareness Day, an effort involving Autism Speaks, a leading advocacy group. Organizers scheduled events in more than 20 countries and at the United Nations in New York to discuss autism spectrum disorders, remove the stigma associated with the diagnosis and build societal supports for families.

• The head of the Autism Society of America rang the opening bell at the NASDAQ stock market on April 3.

• Toy retailer ToysRUs continued its efforts in past years by highlighting products that are suited to kids with disabilities. They worked with Autism Speaks to create the list. Clearly, this is geared to make sales for the retail chain, but they did choose to create this list which you can find here.

Those were just some of the events. Maybe you noticed them, or maybe you noticed media coverage about them.

Then again, maybe you didn't because you have too much to do, and you barely have time to do much of anything except to keep your life going. That would be understandable.

Just know that there are people like you doing the same.

Audio: Interesting Show on Autism at "Studio 360"

2008-03-31T22:35:00.006-04:00

"No matter how hard he tries he knows he can't fit into the NT [neurotypical] world."

That's how radio producer Tamar Brott describes Jonthan Mitchell, a 52-year-old writer who has Asperger's. He is very high-functioning on the autism spectrum, and he writes stories that delve into his feelings of alienation, longing, obsession and rejection of special education programs. A profile of Mitchell is the first five-minutes of an illuminating hour-long public radio program on the arts and society at Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen.

A key reason you might want to listen to the program is Andersen's conversation with Blythe Corbett, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry, at the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis. The Institute is a leading venue for autism research, and Corbett discusses in very clear language how scientists are examining research trends in genetics, environmental and other threads of inquiry to help them understand the origins of autism spectrum disorders. (The gist is that researchers are in the early stages of their work, and they are looking at a combination of factors that could include genetics, environmental factors, parental age and more.)

Below, find an audio clip of the first 11 minutes of the episode, which profiles Mitchell and introduces the rest of the show:

Other parts of the show discuss an art project organized by the M.I.N.D. Institute, and discussions of Amanda Baggs, a well-known autistic video blogger and neurodiversity advocate, and the film Autism: The Musical.

Find the Studio 360 website with a writeup of this episode by clicking here.

Information About "Autism: The Musical" Documentary on HBO

2008-03-22T21:41:00.005-04:00

The documentary "Autism: The Musical" is scheduled to appear on HBO starting March 25 at 8 p.m., and run various times through April 27. The documentary, directed by Tricia Regan, follows a group of autistic children and their families as they prepare to participate in a musical production in Los Angeles.

Tricia Regan gave an interesting interview with an online video program called The Alcove with Mark Molaro, in which she discusses her experiences filming the families and kids in this documentary. She explains how she saw how having an autistic child changes the lives of parents and their families, and how she came to see these families as heroic.

I found Regan's comments to be sensitive and interesting and so I have embedded a copy of the 18-minute video interview below. (If you have trouble seeing it you can also find it here.)

Also see:

Film Review: Three Reasons to See "Autism: The Musical"

McCain Says He Believes Vaccine Preservative Is Factor in Autism's Rise

2008-03-05T21:36:00.005-05:00

Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has gone on record as saying he believes that a mercury-containing preservative that was used in vaccines administered to young children is behind the rise in autism spectrum disorder.

The statement has created much buzz in the blogosphere because it taps into a raging controversy in the autism community about the causes of autism spectrum disorders and whether thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative that is used in some vaccines, and used to be more widely used in routine shots very young children get, is a factor. While there are passionate advocates who believe there's evidence for this, there have also been a number of scientific studies published in recent years which have failed to establish this link, including a study published in January (see: California Study: Autism Cases Rise In Spite of Vaccine Changes).

McCain's statement came in response to a question at a forum Feb. 29 in the days before the Texas primary, according to the ABC News Political Punch blog. Here's a snippet from the coverage:

At a town hall meeting Friday in Texas, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., declared that "there’s strong evidence" that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that was once in many childhood vaccines, is responsible for the increased diagnoses of autism in the U.S. -- a position in stark contrast with the view of the medical establishment.

McCain was responding to a question from the mother of a boy with autism, who asked about a recent story that the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program had issued a judgment in favor of an unnamed child whose family claimed regressive encephalopathy and symptoms of autism were caused by thimerosal.

"We’ve been waiting for years for kind of a responsible answer to this question, and are hoping that you can help us out there," the woman said.

McCain said, per ABC News' Bret Hovell, that "It’s indisputable that (autism) is on the rise amongst children, the question is what’s causing it. And we go back and forth and there’s strong evidence that indicates that it’s got to do with a preservative in vaccines."

McCain said there’s "divided scientific opinion" on the matter, with "many on the other side that are credible scientists that are saying that’s not the cause of it."

The ABC News article goes on to cite a number of studies and statements from the medical establishment refuting McCain's view.

There is great interest among parents and families of people with autism spectrum disorders in this election year, and for good reason: the next president will have an influence over federal research dollars devoted to autism research; what kind of approach the Department of Education (and its experts on special education) will pursue in administering special education laws; how much federal aid to devote to education; what kinds of actions to take (or not take) in addressing the needs of disabled Americans; what kinds of judges to appoint to make decisions in cases involving disabled citizens including those with autism; and more (like whether to make autism an issue at all).

It's no wonder that more than half of Autism Bulletin readers who have voted in an unscientific poll cite "autism services" as a key issue in their vote. (See, Where Do Autism Services Fit Into Your Views on the Presidential Race?)

So McCain's views are interesting on this issue, and have raised hackles in the scientific community, as this post from The Chronicle of Higher Education indicates.

So far, this is McCain's only statement so far relating to auitsm during the campaign. A search on the McCain for President website using the word "autism" turns up a blank.

If you know of more statements by John McCain relating to autism, that involve more than the vaccine issue, please post a comment here.

Also see:

• Obama Unveils Disabilities Plan, Includes Autism in Agenda

• Autism Makes Ripple in Presidential Race as Clinton Promises to Spend $700 Million Per Year

• Where Do Autism Services Fit Into Your Views on the Presidential Race?