Shaking The System

The First Autism Fair in Montreas was a HUGE Success

2011-02-25T07:20:00.001-08:00

There were over 35 exhibitors in yesterday's first autism fair held in Montreal.

For details please go here.

CDC says 1 in 110 --

2009-12-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

The CDC's newest study says 1 in 110 children have autism. According to this report it states it's a 600 percent increase in the past 20 years.

With this newest study, will it make an impact to eliminate the long waiting periods for a diagnosis, and then the long waiting period for therapies to begin?

How many studies or statistics do we need to wait for before changes begin?

Questions abound and keep reflecting the angst of parents seeking answers. Let's hope and pray that 2010 will begin a new chapter, one that will see movement toward the right step.

A2Z Parents - New FREE Magazine

2009-11-13T18:14:00.001-08:00

Litsa and I are thrilled to announce an awesome and new and quite FREE Montreal magazine that came out in October: A2Z Parents.

Let us explain how we came to find out about this magazine. Litsa and I hosted our second autism awareness conference on November 3rd at the Beaconsfield Library. As soon as the conference was finished and we were taking questions from the audience for our guest speakers (Sarah Moyel, Brenda Porter and her two experts from Brilliant Beginnings) Litsa received a phone call from Sheila Botton, Editor-in-Chief and co-publisher of the magazine, interested in interviewing us. Right away we did what anyone else would have done, we seeked out to find out more about this magazine.

In all honesty, when I heard it was a FREE magazine the visual that came to me was a colored cover and back with black and white imagery inside. Well, was I totally shocked when Litsa grabbed a copy for me. Superb and very impressive can't describe it. And what's more they offer a PDF download of the issue. There are a plethora of coupons at the back for readers to use, and currently they are hosting a contest.

We highly recommend our readers to take a look and grab their first issue in PDF and read it from front to back. We are sure you'll be as delighted with the quality of A2Z Parents initial publication. Click HERE to go to their website to download the PDF.

As fellow Montrealers and parents, it's thrilling to see a quality magazine (and at the right price) offered to us. The design and contents within is done tastefully and chock-full of articles to entertain and educate everyone.

The exciting news? Litsa and I have been invited to contribute an autism article for their Spring/Summer issue, and hopefully for each issue after that.

A2Z Parents - BIG congrats and continued success!

The Autism Answer Book reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2009-08-29T09:48:00.001-07:00

The AUTISM ANSWER BOOK written by William Stillman is a helpful and reassuring guide to parents and professionals. This book serves as a resource guide in a question/answer format, with autism related topics in a categorized and organised manner.

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be a shocking experience. William Stillman 's book helps shed some light into answering parents lingering questions. Clarifying what may seem confusing, and insolvable actually offers some hope and concrete solutions to many. This book is written in a straight-forward and clear manner.

Autism Answer Book transitions between issues in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. This is a useful resource/guide to be referred to on a daily basis, and in the forthcoming years. There are many autism realities facing parents today. The Autism Answer Book will educate,illuminate,and create a positive light into the questions that continue to overwhelm many parents today.

Donation to the Pat Roberts Center

2009-08-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Finally we have a picture to go with our post. During this summer's first of many more to come AUPTIMISM Walkathon, Litsa and I were proud to have raised $3,700 and presented to the Pat Roberts Center.

The weather had cooperated with us, many showed up - we estimated around 200 people - music and free food supplied by our big sponsor IGA rounded our first walkathon to the 'success' rating.

We're now in the process of preparing for our next walkathon so please stay tuned for information.

We'd like to thank everyone who took part - from our amazing and very generous sponsors, our on-site guests, our fabulous DJ, and to all our wonderful participants who came with their families to spend the day walking, dancing, eating, and mingling and making new friends.

Thank you is not enough. We hope to see many of you next year once again.

Autism Awareness Walkathon Part One

2009-06-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

What can we say...truly humbled and grateful to have seen so many people show up for our first annual Autism Awareness AUPTIMISM Walkathon. We had over 200 people, and the weather smiled on us that day.

As you can see the front of our T-shirts holds our logo - a heart with a missing piece. The reason is: Our children are the heart of our hearts and we're continuously striving to find that missing puzzle piece.

Over the next week we'll give you a chronological play by play of the day's event to give you a better idea of the behind the scenes action and to bring this awesome picturesque day before you.

Let's start off first with the planning. Many told us there is no way we'd get a walkathon ready for this year. Takes over a year to plan. And you know what? They're right...in a sense. This year we wanted to bring families together to get to know us so there was no need for the grandeur display you might see in other walkathons. We simply wanted families to meet/mingle/and talk to each other, meet various centers and therapists, walk with us, and have a great time. These aspects we accomplished according to the feedback from parents.

This day, however, would never have happened with such a low budget we had to work with if it wasn't for our amazing sponsors who truly stepped in and helped us in so many ways. You can see the list of sponsors for our 2009 Walkathon HERE.

Litsa, my partner and co-writer, did an awesome job. Her legs took her all over Montreal, meeting and greeting sponsors, talking up a storm about our cause, picking up and delivering the registration forms, and so much more. This lady I am sure works off an endless supply of EverReady Batteries. LOL! This is why we make a great team because both of us work on different things and never clash nor complain.

So, everything seemed to be going smoothly in the beginning and we were thrilled and finally relaxed enough to uncross our fingers. Maybe we should have kept them crossed. Although we were told that within 2 - 3 weeks we should have our charity registration number, we went ahead with that knowledge and set up our registration forms. Almost 2 months later we called the government office again only to be informed it would take 6-9 months to be assigned an agent. From the whole outline and preparations we had done up to that point, this was the only disappointment. However, misinformation abounds and we chalked this up to a learning opportunity. We immediately made a note on our website that this year's walkathon will be a non-taxable donation. However, we did take everyone's information in the hopes we do get our go-ahead to issue receipts before the 2010 tax month rolls around. Keep reading this block for updates on that.

In-between the preparations for the walkathon, we continued writing our book and offering our first conference with guest speakers at the DDO library, hosted on April 30th. This was a great experience for us because we had the opportunity to meet parents face-to-face for the first time. In April, Litsa and I also visited an elementary school and performed a short skit. It's actually Litsa's and Nia Morfonio's upcoming children's picture book SARAH'S SOCK SCENE, contracted by Guardian Angel Publishing about a young girl who is sensitive to textures...socks in particular. I was the narrator and Litsa played the part of Sarah. Can we tell you the kids had a blast, especially when 'Sarah/Litsa' pulled out these funky furry/balled/colored socks out of my jacket. Everyone - except me - wanted to touch them.

But I've strayed from the Walkathon - more to come in Part Two but before we say goodbye for now Litsa and I want to send out HUGE thank you's to our sponsors, our awesome volunteers, to the centers and therapists/representatives who were present talking with parents, to our DJ and his dancing music to set the mood, and to the children and parents who came out to have a great time with us.

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Please stay tuned for more in Part Two...coming to our blog very soon.

Testimony from Dr. Bernard Rimland, Ph.D

2009-05-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Came across this interesting article dated 2000 that caused me once again to shake my head and wonder how many more of these testimonials there are out there from doctors who are being ignored.

ARTICLE

Do you have an opinion on what Dr. Rimland wrote?

I Cried!

2009-05-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure anymore what year we are living in. Are we that busy we need to isolate children in a chamber? Are we that inhumane we cannot be tolerant and teach along with guide and love these children? When I say 'these children' - apart from the video you will see - I am referring to children in general, the ones who are at risk of dropping out of school, the ones who act out in school. Surely school boards can implement a peer program to involve these kids in some capacity.

It's understandable that not every single child will be a success story, but giving these kids suspensions, making them sit outside the principal's office, or whatever other method used, there has to be a mediator who can speak to them and find out what's troubling them.

As a mom, this video, although nothing much in there, brought tears to my eyes because I visualized the 'jailed' children and thought, "Isn't there another solution?"

I would love to hear what your schools are doing with children, whether they are autistic, disabled in some way, or typical, to include, guide, and educate them.

Molecular Psychiatry Journal reports --

2009-05-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

In the May 19, 2009 Molecular Psychiatry journal, it states that scientists from UCLA discovered a gene – CACNAIG – that possibly increases the risk of a boy becoming autistic.

"We found that a common form of the gene occurs more frequently in the DNA of families that have two or more sons affected by autism, but no affected daughters," he explained. "Our study may explain why boys are more susceptible to the disorder than girls."

To read the full article go HERE.

Infanrix-Hexa

2009-05-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

GlaxoSmithKline: B.C. is proud to introduce Infanrix-Hexa, new infant vaccine that means three fewer vaccines. This PDF release was issued February 25, 2009. I sat, read it, and totally amazed that they are missing the point completely, and totally ignoring what many parents are saying: to take a better look at the vaccine schedule and to administer one vaccine at a time, not combinations.

There are thousands of parents who claim once the MMR vaccine was given, their children regressed – where once they babbled their first words…now silent; where once they played and laughed along with the parents and other siblings…now in their own little corner.

“Infants in B.C. typically receive both an injection that immunizes them against hepatitis B, and an injection that immunizes them against five other diseases, at their two, four and six-month check-ups. Infanrix-hexa™ replaces these two needles with a single injection that immunizes against all six diseases: hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). The vaccination schedule for all other visits will remain the same.”

The reason we are befuddled, yet once again, is that no one out there is listening or paying any attention to what the parents of Hannah Poling and Bailey Banks have stated, nor to any other advocate who dare to come out and openly place themselves in negativity from the ‘nay’ sayers by declaring the possibility of multi-vaccines as perhaps one of the culprits in autism.

Is it the cost of making single doses more important than to safeguard our children from the possibility that these multi-dose vaccines might injure a child? We are PRO vaccines but with an area of caution where the health of our children are concerned.

Here’s the link to read the release about Infanrix-Hexa:

http://www.gsk.ca/english/docs-pdf/Press%20Release-Infanrix-Hexa_02252009.pdf

Junk Journalism Once

2009-05-13T08:25:00.001-07:00

In the National Post, there was an article written by Arthur Allen - Junk Science Has A New Cover Girl - with a big picture of Jenny McCarthy in the middle. I won't go into the article but will allow you to read and come up with your own conclusions. My immediate response was ire on many levels as my letter to the editor of the National Post will indicate. I've posted my entire letter to them and what the editor stated can be printed due to the 200 word guideline.

Here is the link to first read the article by Mr. Allen:
http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=1586402

Now even though some of you might not agree with Miss McCarthy's view the issue with this article that I had was that the newspaper industry once again offered a one-sided view without bothering to investigate further. By putting down Jenny they are basically saying that parents do not know their children, have no input and allow us to step back and let the doctors do what they feel best. Below you will find the letter I sent to the National Post this morning and although you may not have read their original article, I am hoping you will get the idea of its bashing.

How like a newspaper to give a one-sided account and not bother to contact the biomedical specialists who are doctors and get their input. Has the newspaper business become so afraid to counter the billion dollar pharmaceutical industry and give a thorough investigation?

Allow me the opportunity to dissect Mr. Allen’s article with my own input:

A parent is a parent is a parent. As doctors themselves state we are the ones who best know our children. So whether Jenny was once associated with Playboy is not the issue but only a glamorous put down by this journalist. Jenny is not the only one who noticed a change in her child but thousands, and I state thousands because there were 4900 cases pending in the US last year all waiting to have their chance to say how vaccines had injured their children.

Also, I didn’t read the part where Jenny states she is pro-vaccine but wanting the medical profession to change the vaccine schedule for the children who might hide a disorder/dysfunction that makes them susceptible to multi-vaccines. Missing, too, was the fact that in the 80s US children received 10-12 vaccines by the age of 6 and now up to 36. Are you telling me that these compounded vaccines do not have the possibility of harming a toddler, ones who might have a mitochondrial dysfunction?

Where, also, is mention of the Hannah Poling or Bailey Banks cases where they were conceded in the courts that vaccines DID cause these children’s autism? How many cases of vaccine-injured children do we need to show that some children cannot handle the accumulated toxins needled into them? The medical professionals need to devise a test to try and evaluate a child’s susceptibility before their vaccines begin. And please get it right that no one disputes that vaccines have helped and will continue to help. But a better or delayed schedule should be considered. Children are now given at day one of birth the Hepatitis Vaccine, an age where any hidden health issues might not have surfaced yet.

And your mention of Humphrey Bogart, Louis Armstrong, and Elvis Presley advocating for vaccines gives no credence to an issue that back then had no clue about autism as much as there is now.

Research continues in various levels from genetic to environmental factors. And if you’re going to bash Jenny McCarthy, then why not mention Robert Kennedy as well with his own backing and autism advocacy about a meeting behind closed doors of top specialists and organizations where whispers of the possibility of vaccines harming children were spoken.

For this reason my title to Mr. Allen’s article is Junk Journalism Once Again.

Here is what will appear in Thursday's National Post finally:

A parent is a parent is a parent. As doctors state we are the ones who best know our children. So Jenny McCarthy’s association with Playboy is not the issue but only a glamorous put down by this journalist. Jenny is not the only one who noticed a change in her child but thousands, and I state thousands because there were 4900 cases pending in the US last year all waiting to have their chance to say how vaccines injured their children.

Also, I didn’t read the part where Jenny states she is pro-vaccine but wanting the medical profession to change the vaccine schedule for the children who might hide a disorder/dysfunction that makes them susceptible to multi-vaccines, as in the Hannah Poling and Bailey Banks cases. Missing, too, was the fact in the 80s US children received 10-12 vaccines by the age of 6 and now up to 36. Are you stating these compounded vaccines do not have the possibility of harming a toddler, ones who might have a mitochondrial dysfunction?

Your mention of Humphrey Bogart, Louis Armstrong, and Elvis Presley gives no credence to an issue that back then had no clue about autism as much as there is now.

In short, Mr. Allen’s article is Junk Journalism Once Again.

Looking forward to your input on this article.

Autism Recovery Video

2009-05-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Bernard Rimland is the host of this video of a few of the children who have made huge improvements and recoveries in the Autism Spectrum.

Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. is the director of the Autism Research Institute (ARI) in San Diego, which he founded in 1967, and the founder of the Autism Society of America, which he founded in 1965. He is also the co-founder of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) Project, which is sponsored by ARI.

Dr. Rimland is the author of the prize-winning book, Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and Its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior, which is credited with debunking the "mother-blaming theories of autism prevalent in the 20th century. He is also the father of an autistic adult. His website is: www.AutismResearchInstitute.com

Temple Grandin: Focus on Autism and Asperger's

2009-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is a very insightful video presented by Temple Grandin.

This hour long lecture is given by Temple Grandin, a noted expert and author on early intervention, educational strategies, visual thinking, social skills, medications and mentoring.

New Discovery:April 28 2009

2009-05-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

We need to be open minded!

2009-05-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's sad how many have divided amongst themselves instead of joining forces to figure out the underlying causes. Too much time and energy is spent on debating 'yes, it's vaccines--no, it's not' where the important aspect of this debate is the children.

We state constantly that ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL, and there are children with possible underlying factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction who may be susceptible to environmental toxins, vaccines being one of them. Why then is it so hard after so many parents come forth and state their reasons for believing a particular vaccine hurt their child? We do know of two distinct cases, Hannah Poling and Bailey Banks...how many more cases do we need to see that yes, some children may very well be susceptible?

Vaccines have and will continue to play an important role in life because they are vital, there is no question about that. Our concern is for pediatricians to take the extra time to evaluate a child before giving a vaccine or multi-dose vaccination. The schedule of vaccinations in the US has jumped from 12 to 36. Just imagine the little ones who are susceptible and hiding a disorder given one vaccine after another over the course of their short life in this world, not able to eliminate toxins from their bodies.

Are we too afraid to accept this scenario that we'll continue turning a blind eye to this possibility that some children may, indeed, be harmed by some or a combination of vaccines?

April 2009 Autism Awareness Conference

2009-05-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Litsa and I were absolutely thrilled to see the room filled to its maximum at our first Autism Awareness Conference held at the DDO library. The capacity was for 75 people and there were several who came in late and stood against the walls at the back. Before we recap we'd like to thank everyone who took the time to be present.

I'll include several posts in order to highlight our guests and their talks.

I was the first one to open the conference and those who know me will be surprised to hear that I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be. Here's the opening paragraph:

"There have been many who have asked: How can two writers understand what we, the parents of children with autism go through? We are mothers. I am a mother of five children, Litsa has three. My eldest was born with Hershprung’s Disease, where the first five years of her life until she finally had corrective surgery, we kept running back and forth to the hospital almost every other month, several times tubes thrust down her nose to empty her stomach because there was a problem with her bowels. Is she autistic…no. Did I have to stay up at nights when she was in pain. Yes. Did I have to watch her diet. Yes. Did I cry when she keeled over in abdominal pain. Yes. Did I stress to see my child hooked up with tubes in her nose, her stomach, and IVs needled into her arms? Yes. Do I still stress over her as an adult of 30 because she now has developed IBS? Yes."

I felt it necesary to show that parents can have connections to other families pains and sympathize, connect, and be there for them for support regardless if our children do not have the same disorders, or any at all. From the feedback Litsa and I have received so far we were thrilled to see our intent was appreciated and welcomed.

Now, you probably don't notice in my pic but I'm fanning my face. Why? Because of all times I had to get hot flashes just before my speech. After explaining my 'hot' situation, a few giggles erupted which put me at ease. Here's another excerpt from my speech:

"Where am I going with this… as mothers we can relate to your stress, we can relate to your frustration and anger over the government’s lack of help, and it is through this understanding that we unite with you to say something has to give. Enough is enough. Our goals as writers and mothers is to try and unite as many parents and advocates together for a louder and unified voice. Only then can we begin to break down the steel walls safeguarding the reasoning sections of our governments, the portion that now dictates to them that Autism Spectrum Disorder does not deserve to be within our Medical Act."

I ended my speech inviting everyone to join us on our first Autism Awareness Walkathon to be held on June 7th. Stay tuned for the next post where Litsa's speech will be the highlight, followed with our guests and more pictures of the night's event.

I am not a puzzle - I am a person

2009-05-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

There's an interesting article in Salon.com this week, where it states the 'neurodiversity' have "I am not a puzzle. I am a person' on T-shirts and buttons. The phrase is interesting because it's not the children who are a puzzle and we know everyone agrees who has a child that is autistic that we love them as a person.

This sentence from the article: " Organizations like Autism Network International view efforts to cure autism as similar to misguided efforts to cure homosexuality and left-handedness." had me pouting. Why? Because I don't think they realize that ASD runs the gamut from severe to highly functional. Parents love their children and want to offer them a means where they can express themselves without any stress. How frustrating must it be for a child to want to communicate but not able to?

What about the children who are autistic and hit their heads against the walls, the floors, bite their arms? Are the parents to sit back and do nothing for them?

You judge and make up your own opinions on this story. There were areas I agreed with what was written but areas as I wrote above I felt they do not represent the entire autism spectrum.

DNA and Autism

2009-04-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

We had speculated while researching for our book (and reading countless online/print material), that there had to be a connection in how the affect of ‘touched and genetically/environmentally altered/mutated’ cells in the brain would affect a person. Well, researchers have now come up with a new report that shows most affected with autism that they examined have a genetic variation in a portion of their DNA that affects the way brain cells connect with one another.

Now this is a big deal because in this report they state their research showed 65% of the people they studied had this DNA variation, compared to the minute percentage in previous studies. This study was conducted by a team led by Hakon Hakonarson and Gerard Schellenberg.

Read Press Release

Brilliant Beginnings

2009-04-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Litsa and I have been blessed so far with all the positive support for our upcoming AUPTIMISM Walkathon to be held on June 7th. Our main sponsor is IGA located in DDO at the Marche de l'Ouest where the walk will begin and end up for a family barbeque generously provided by IGA along with free water bottles. Our entertainment on the premises will be Virgin Radio96/CJAD 800. For more details please visit our Walkathon webpage.

Now this post is to highlight one of our Corporate Sponsors we are proud to have joining us this year: Brilliant Beginnings. Here's a bit about them from their website:

"We are committed to offer exceptional ABA therapy sessions to children with Autism, Aspergers, PDD-NOS, global delays and other related disorders and support services to their families."

They are located in the West Island, Laval, and the Greater Montreal Area. For more information, please contact:
Brilliant Beginnings Inc.
514-708- 5437 (KIDS)

They offer ABA, Speech Therapy, Social Skills Group, and Shadow Support. We are delighted to have teamed up with them and looking forward to seeing their 'face painting' skills during the walkathon - volunteered to face paint little ones faces on June 7th. Maybe Litsa and I will sit quietly and have our own faces painted. GRIN.

But on a serious note now, we are thrilled to see another center opening its doors to parents. The waiting periods for a diagnosis in Montreal is two years or more. Then factor in the waiting period to begin therapy. This is why having Brilliant Beginnings and their services available to parents and children is such a positive tone.

For more information please visit their website.

Enough is Enough - Please Sign the Petition

2009-04-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

Below you will find an email we got to sign a petition, which we did most eagerly. It seems more stumbling blocks pop up for parents to hurdle over than we care for. Parents have enough on their plates than to have another stressful block of ice shot in their path. Quebec needs to rethink their steps and open the doors to psychologists to diagnose children with autism as is the case in other provinces.

What the government doesn't realize is that parents will not give up, advocates will not give up, and if they have to retable a new one each year we'll be knocking on their doors with our signatures to show them we cannot be tossed aside as easily as they may believe.

Please read and sign to help our cause.

Dear Friend,

Last spring more than 1500 Quebecers signed a petition calling on the Quebec Government to allow psychologists to have the power to diagnose children with autism spectrum disorders and direct them to treatment.

Faced with this opposition, the government withdrew the legislation.

Yet, late last month, it tabled virtually the same legislation – this time as Bill 21.

As a result we need once again to stand up on behalf of children with ASDs so that they can benefit from early diagnosis and early intervention.

Please go to www.ChangeBill21.org and sign our petition calling upon Kathleen Weil to amend her bill. I also would appreciate your sending this email to your friends and colleagues and your encouraging them to sign the petition as well.

Feel free to forward this email.

www.changerlaloi21.org
www.changebill21.org

Sincerely,

Lynda Lubin
Coordinator
The Abe Gold Learning and Research Centre
8160 ch Royden
Mt Royal, Quebec H4P-2T2
Tel: 514.345.8330ext 319
lyndal@goldlearningcentre.com
www.goldlearningcentre.com

Sarah's Sock Scene

2009-04-02T13:46:00.001-07:00

I am pleased to announce that one of my children`s autism books, the first in an upcoming series, has been accepted to be published next year. Sarah`s Sock Scene is written by Litsa Kamateros and co-authored by Nia Morfonios.

Sarah`s Sock Scene is based on a girl with autism, who does not like to wear socks. She is hypersensitive to materials touching her skin, especially when it comes to her feet. In this story her classmates and her teacher try to come up with an alternate solution. At the end of the story Sarah is content with her choice of socks. Her mother on the other hand begs to differ. What is important is that Sarah finds a pair of socks that she is comfortable in, no matter what they look...or smell like.

It is important to educate and sensitize children about autism. Once children have a clearer understanding of the different behaviours of autism, they're more likely to react positively towards a child with autism. In the book, humour combined with real life situations, are the key elements used to enlighten the hearts and minds of children.

Education on autism today will create awareness and a better understanding tomorrow.

Enjoy reading my upcoming book, SARAH`S SOCK SCENE

Out of the Wild by Litsa Kamateros

2009-04-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

There came a time when life was simple,
air was pure, oceans clean and their waves rippled.

The smell of grandma's freshly baked bread

brought sweet aromas to my taste-buds as I laid in bed.

Fishing with grandpa, on a hot summers' day,

playing cops and robbers with friends seemed to pass the time away.

Times today are a changing,and I'm still quite unclear why.

Holding my son ,in my arms gives me the sudden urge to want to cry.

Just yesterday I tried to kiss, hug and hold him tight,

But all he did was kick me and put up a fight.

It seems we are not on the same page.

Call me crazy,I don't think I'm imagining this, I'm not deranged.

One day my boy was fine, the next day he was not there.

It's as if the boogy-man abducted him, and left me a spare.

This is not my child. He's hidden somewhere deep inside

I must fight to get him out, with all my heart, soul and pride.

I did not realise the 'systems' were letting me down

I must wear my armaments, fight the battle of my life, without a thought or frown

I know that in my heart without an effort or a fight,

this battle may be lost, but I'd be willing to take this plight.

Looking back at my very choice to take a step forward

I am proud to say that we have come advanced two-fold.

My parental heroism should serve as an example to others,

to not give up so easily, and be put down in the gutters.

Love, patience, perseverence and dedication

are an example to this nation.

That a child with autism can come out of his shell.

We honour the parent who fought every living hell,

and brought back his beautiful child,

to a more peaceful world, and out of the wild.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day

2009-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today is WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY. Let's recognize the contributions made by many professionals, and the perseverance and dedication of parents.

That being said,we must also recognize how much more must be done:

Research into the underlying causes of autism (genetic and environmental),

diagnostic time must be reduced,

treatments for ASD children on all levels of the spectrum must be accessible and funded,

continuous autism training for professionals (medical, educational, etc),

sensitising students through awareness of how to better deal with and understand ASD children, thereby decreasing intances involving bullying and teasing.

proper residential or institutional care for adults with severe autism should be funded, and

government/medical systems and media must recognize the autism realities and not whitewash the issues at hand.

In Canada, the federal government must take an initiative towards creating more equitable and uniform services for all of the provinces. Autism has no borders, therefore a National Autism Strategy, including autism under the Medical Act, is a necessity.

Above all, the government has a moral/legal obligation and responsability to the parents who are forever dedicated to the well being of their children.

LET US MOVE FORWARD, IN THE NAME OF AUTISM.

April 2nd: International Autism Awareness Day

2009-04-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, what do you know? A year has come and gone. As authors and advocates we have been working tirelessly to finish our upcoming book "Autism Epidemic:Shaking the System." We were honoured to have been speakers at the 2009 Montreal Autism Gala hosted by Melissa Vitulano. We have also hosted autism awarenesss events at various establishments: Lululemon and Walmart.

An upcoming conference is slated for April 30th, 2009 at the DDO library where we will have four guest speakers presenting autism related material and information.

We have embarked on a project - Shaking the System Autism Awareness 2009 Walkathon slated for June 7th, 2009. We are proud to announce that a portion of the donations will be going towards the Pat Roberts Centre in Montreal ,Quebec, Canada to aid several families with the early intervention therapies.

On International Autism Awareness Day we are honoring the efforts of parents, grandparents, guardians and teachers who work day in and day out, tirelessly towards the progress of children with autism. In many cases, the families have a limited amount of resources, services, financial aid, and support from government, medical, educational and media systems. Despite the odds families are making the decision to not give up on their children. The harsh reality for many families is divorce, bankruptcy, psychological and financial stress.

The government has let down the families one too many times. With the rate of autism rising every year drastic measures must be taken immediately. With 1 in 150 children being affected with autism, we demand that more research be done, as well as more finanial aid, resources and support to be given to families. The situation is critical. Immediate action must be taken.

WE MUST MOVE FORWARD, IN THE NAME OF AUTISM.

Vaccines, Bailey, Poling, and Infantix

2009-03-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Parents do their own research, attend various autism workshops and conventions to garner more information, try to bust down the government doors to get them to listen to their pleas, set up websites and blogs to inform and help other parents—these are just some of the things parents of children with autism, regardless at what end of the spectrum they are in, do in order to try and get answers. Some, with these interactions and venues, saw a connection of the possibility that vaccines may have played a part.

With Dr. Wakefield’s paper in 1998 as the catalyst of eye-opening info, and now with the Poling and the Bailey Banks cases, we need to seriously look that the connection between vaccines and autism might be there, along with environmental, hereditary and genetic factors.

What has floored us is the lack of journalism input concerning the Bailey case in the media. This is news! This case leaves the connection between vaccines and autism wide open where the medical professionals have tried so desperately to close. We often wonder why they are so quick to rule out this connection then realize that the pharmaceutical industry is a billion dollar business empire.

After the above cases, we are absolutely stunned - stunned not being the right word - but appalled to hear that a new 6 in 1 vaccine, Infantix hexa, which includes hepatitis B vaccine, is scheduled to be administered to infants at 2 months of age! Is someone not listening that the multi-dose vaccines may play a part in invading and harming children? Here's the data sheet on this multi-dosed vaccine.

I guess the multitude of vaccinations our children up to the age of 6 is not enough that we now have to add more to the already hefty pile up.

One last thought before I close this post:

Children don't have a tag: one size fits all - remember this. Each child's immune system capable of shedding the toxins out of their system differs from one to the other. We must and need to figure out the children who will be in harm's path if and when they are injected with multi-dosed vaccines. It is our moral obligation to protect the children!

For more information on vaccines and the media, check out what David Kirby has to say.

Upcoming Autism Awareness Walkathon

2009-02-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

It's official. We now have our date and place for our upcoming Autism Awareness AUPTIMISM Walkathon.

SUNDAY - JUNE 7TH - MARCHE DE L'OUEST in the West Island.

We'll update with more information on our corporate sponsors, sponsors, and doorprizes.

The IGA in Marche de l'Ouest has graciously offered to turn this into a family barbeque day: Food, water bottles, doorprizes, and lots more are coming your way.

Stay tuned for information on how you can register and donate to this worthwhile cause.

Our aim is to raise funds for our Shaking the System-Autism Awareness Foundation. A portion of the donations will go out to the Pat Roberts Center that is an important West Island resource center for parents.

To find out what the aim of our Foundation is please go here.

Helpful Tips

2009-02-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

On our website we have a few Warning Signs to look out for on this page:

http://www.theautismepidemic.com/warningsigns.htm

Although each child is different if you do suspect your child having autism the best solution is to mention this to your pediatrician and/or an early intervention program in your vicinity. The earlier a child is diagnosed and placed on the waiting list, the greater his/her chances in getting them into a form of therapy that will help them in the long run.

Another area to explore once a diagnosis is confirmed is to seek out any Autism Parental group/association and meet other parents. Parents are a wonderful source of resources but also as a support group.

These groups or adaptation centers, at times, have a library of books you can begin educating yourself on what autism is, what you will face, and what therapies are out there.

Another helpful suggestion is to contact family and friends and not be shy to ask for help. Even if it’s a once-in-a-while aid so you can go shopping, to go out to a movie, you need to begin surrounding yourself with a support group.

And to finish this list:

Be there for your child. Times will be tough. Situations will arise that will play with your patience, but remember a parent is the person a child has consistently in their lives and will look up to their emotions and reactions for guidance.

Awarded the Love Ya' Award

2009-02-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

What an honor to read today that we were given the Love Ya' award by Matthew's Puzzle blog.

We'd like to thank you for making our day.

According to Maryann, the blog's founder, this is what she writes about the award:

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

It's our honor to award this distinguished award to the following blogs:

Autism Family Blog

Healing Through the Eyes of Autism

Kim Stagliano

Facing Autism in New Brunswick

Autism Learning Felt

A Family

Bonbon Gazette

Age of Autism

There were so many other blogs that are worth mentioning but we had to narrow it down to eight.

We'd like to congratulate every single blog out there in Bloggersville who continue to bring autism awareness by their amazing posts and advocacy.

Nothing can penetrate a wall made of brick with a slab of ignorance better than a united front of parents. Let's keep up the good work and continue to support one another.

This Turns My Stomach! Maybe Yours, Too!

2009-01-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

Really, with all the 'reports' issued every year telling us what's good or what's not good for us, it's amazing we all still have our faculties. This latest one really turned my stomach inside out.

Is anyone really looking at what they ship off to people?

Do they care or is it strictly a money numbers game for them - how much will we rake in from sales?

Mercury in our foods.

Heck, I think I'm going to build myself a nice glassed-in garden and grow whatever I need from now on. It's come to the point you can't believe what they tell you anymore.

Autism Awareness at Walmart, Kirkland

2009-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, wow, and triple wow. Was Walmart ever busy. But so were we. Litsa, my 15-year-old daughter Alex, and I approached and talked to over 200 people yesterday during our Autism Awareness Day. We were joined by Litsa’s sister, Vickie, an hour later.

First, let’s give you the rundown of our objective:

• To let people know the statistics on the number of children touched by autism
• To pass out pamphlets on our mission
• To request personal stories
• To answer questions anyone might have had
• To let them know about resources available to them
• To let them know that governments are in a Woody Allen state of “Sleeper”ness and need to wake up and hear the pleas for funding and more therapists to cut down this excruciating long waiting list

Now let’s give you a glimpse of the people walking by:

• There were many who gave ‘that’ look: quickly glanced at our table, then turned their heads and walked by quickly. Some were fast but others we managed to grab their attention
• Many said, “I’m sorry, I don’t have any money.” Our response: “We’re not asking for money. We’d just like to make you aware that Autism is more prevalent than junior Diabetes, Cancer, Muscular Dystrophy.” That caught their attention and several stopped and listened to us
• A few walked by and said, “I’m not from around here.” and quickly sped off. We never had a chance to tell them that autism has no boundaries
• Then came the people who have been touched by Autism in one way or the other: have a child who is autistic, were resource teachers, grandparents, or nurses/in a medical profession. These folks didn’t need for us to approach them. They willingly stopped by to talk to us.

We willingly give our time and will host many more Autism Awareness Days this year but what truly caught our attention was a similar ‘kudos’ from many who said, “This is the first time I see anyone talking and making people aware of Autism. There should be more who do this.” Now that really surprised us. Why aren’t more people gathering together to host Autism Awareness Days? We hear a lot of complains that the government isn’t doing much for families so why can’t we unite and produce a louder voice? Our upcoming events are hosted on our website’s homepage. Come out and join us. The more, the merrier, and we’ll be able to attract attention as a united front. If we can have one parent stay with us for an hour, followed by another for the next hour, everyone will get a chance to really get people who are unaware of autism understand the behind the scenes emotions, trials and tribulations.

Stay tuned for more info on our Autism Awareness Day at Walmart.

Angst Expressed

2009-01-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

This is a follow up to our previous post: Children Have Spoken - Let's Listen!

There is no time like the present to start the ball rolling on research into the connection between autism, genetics, and environmental toxins. Any future research that will be done should remain independent, so as to avoid any conflicts of interest - focused on the children, and not the multi-million profits. May become a gargantuan task, but let's face the "real music" and "dance the dance of reality." The time has come to act in the interest of the children's health and not the "green" that lines pockets.

What all these environmental toxins have perpetuated is a higher incidence in child neurological disorders. The rise in the "epidemic" is nowhere near reaching a plateau, but rather the number of incidences will continuously keep climbing higher and higher to insurmountable figures.

One important point well worth mentioning is considering the constant rising rates of cases with autism. Our governments are not prepared or organized to handle the soaring cases of children with autism. The long waiting lists to receive a formal diagnosis, and the high cost of treating a child with autism are the "two roaring dragons" that must be met head on by government officials, and bravely tackled. The demand clearly does not meet the supply. Unless the "blinders” are removed, we can only expect far worse things to come.

An alternative and safe vaccine schedule must be researched and looked into as soon as possible. This would be the wisest approach into ruling out, or modifying anything unsafe as far as the contents, and frequency of any given vaccination.

Adding to this already bleak scenario, we have the additional stress factor of the financial burden to families. In many cases, due to the over-bearing stress of caring for a child with autism, large amounts of marriages end in divorce.

I don't like to think of myself as a preacher, but this "sermon" will and should be repeated until the "seed of willingness " amongst higher officials, are deeply planted in their minds and souls. The bottom line is to better the children's situation now, so as to better equip and prepare them for the future years to come.

Children have "Spoken" - Let's Listen!

2009-01-14T06:36:00.001-08:00

How can we begin to live with ourselves knowing very well the number of children with autism are on the rise day by day, month by month, and year by year?

We stand on the sidelines merely as onlookers observing, listening, watching. Yet when the time comes to take a pro-active stance to change, we merely look away, pretend or deny the reality of what is really going on. "Sweeping the issues under the carpet" seems to help clear one's conscience of any wrong-doing. Let's really listen to the children, take a stance, and do our part as righteous citizens.

The children cannot tolerate the polluted air filled with mercury, diesel exhaust and many other pollutants. The polluted water filled with hydrocarbons, pathogens and waste is not drinkable. All their food is filled with chemicals, hormones and antibiotics. Their nutrition has deteriorated from fast foods and processed foods. Vaccinations have doubled in the past twenty years and the frequency and the multiple vaccines in a single injection.

This "cocktail mix " of environmental toxins, and nutritional deteriorations has been tolerated long enough. Just the mere thought of this inside a child's body should be enough to scare the living day-lights out of anyone. It's time to wake up and "smell the coffee!" It's time to "clean up our act!"

The children have "spoken" and it's time we listened!

Shaking the System Autism 2009 Oath

2009-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

As parents, grandparents, teachers, and medical/government professionals, we have a duty...a duty to protect our children. Below you will find two oaths we would like to share with everyone. Our oaths, written by Litsa Kamateros, are ones we hope many will adhere to.

2009 Parent, Teacher, and Guardian Oath towards a child with autism.

-I will recognize that a child with autism has many gifts.

-I will understand that although a child with autism may sometimes not be capable of expressing his/her emotion, they are still human beings that crave love and deserve to be loved.

-I will discover and try to better understand the many obsessions my child may have, and try to turn them into a hobby, an interest or perhaps a lifetime job.

-I will include the typical sibling in my child's every day environment
(therapies, difficulties, etc)so they can feel involved and acknowledged and not excluded and isolated.

-I will encourage this child to participate in sports, school activities, and many different social situations.

-I will hold many fundraisers, to raise money to better finance autism research, and any autism centers.

-In a nut shell, I will give this child unconditional love and promise to never give up hope on their everyday trials, triumphs and tribulations.

2009 Medical Professionals and Government Officials Oath to Children with Autism.

-I promise to clean up the environment -air, water and food so the children can live healthier, and more prosperous lives.

-I will try to eliminate the waiting lists for required diagnosis and therapies.

-I will increase the budget, to better finance the vast amounts of children requiring therapies, and interventions.

-I will recognize that autism is a multi-systems disorder affecting neurological, immunological and gastro-intestinal systems.

-I will pursue further research and studies towards the comparison of vaccinated children vs. unvaccinated children and conventionally vaccinated children vs. alternative schedule vaccinated children.

-I will recognize autism as being one of the top health issues of the year 2009.

-I will look at the increasing rates (1 in 150) and recognize that autism is one of the most prevalent disorders of our time. Unless we react quickly, the numbers will only keep rising.

-I will acknowledge the fact that we have a national crisis on our hands. Immediate action must be taken.

-I will understand the burden autism has taken on families across the world: emotional, psychological, and financial.

-I will (for one moment) try to put myself in the "shoes" of the parents who must struggle with the every day trials and tribulations of autism.

-I will promote awareness in all public places: such as churches, librairies, schools, shopping centers, convention halls, etc.

-In a nut shell the prevalence of autism has surpassed every health issue present in today's society. We, as a society, should take a pro-active stance and push forward any laws that must be implemented in our system so as to better aid, protect, and empower these families and the children affected with autism.

Are we in the Dinosaur Age?

2008-12-16T09:19:00.001-08:00

Our name is not Flintstone yet even Fred would have known that OTs are necesary, that schools need more resource teachers, that cutting OTs is something even a dragon would steam with fire at the thought of cutbacks.

Is it simply the misunderstanding or lack of understanding how important therapies and occupational therapists and all other type of therapists are needed?

Pet peeve: funding for ABA therapy in most Canadian provinces are cut after 6 year old. UH? Why? Are we giving up on these children? Do you believe that's all the time they need? Can I tell you that after the LOONNNGG waiting list it might be at five years old that a child gets the okay for the funding! That gives them less or up to a year before the funding is kaput. Is it us or does anyone else see something wrong with this picture? Any comments?

Autism Awareness at Twitter

2008-12-16T06:19:00.000-08:00

Today is Autism Awareness Day at Twitter and many have gathered to 'twit' the day about autism. Several great prizes will be given out.

You need to be a member of Twitter to follow the short 140 character posts by many. Follow me at Twitter and read what fellow members have to say about autism, their helpful insight, parents motivating and helping one another with stories.

Litsa and I are seeking personal stories to include in our upcoming book. We welcome success stories, stories that will make us cry, stories that will make us jump up and shout YES! You go!, stories from adults and teens who have autism...any story related to autism so we can share with our readers.

Check out our website and then send us an email at: autismepidemic@yahoo.ca if you have any questions.

Pugnacious My Wazoo!

2008-12-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

We’d like to end 2008 with a bang. If you haven’t read our Gala speech, please click here. Now on to our BANG post.

We have been following Senator Jim Munson’s advocacy in autism closely. He works closely with Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa, Special Olympics Canada, SOS Children's Villages and families affected by autism. His goal is to engage with people and make a difference in their lives.

Is that wrong? Most of the Autism organizations and people who are touched in one way or the other with a family/friend member having autism promotes Autism Awareness.

Senator Munson:
“I am happy today to see the release of the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology, Funding for the Treatment of Autism, Pay Now or Pay Later, Autism Families in Crisis. It calls for a national autism strategy to address this epidemic that affects a growing number of Canadian families. No matter where you live in this country there should be a level playing field when it comes to the treatment and funding of autism.”
More on various speeches here. http://sen.parl.gc.ca/SenWeb/custom/?lang=en&sen=44&cust=32

Senator Jim Munson has tabled a bill to recognize World Autism Awareness Day

We have also been watching Autism Canada’s Director Laurie Lawlam and her own advocacy for several years to unite other autism organizations under one umbrella for a stronger voice.

This is not a posting to honor Senator Munson and Laurie Lawlam and their adamant stand to be true advocates but to show the various approaches and organizations and associations that are out there where ALL autism organizations can and should join or participate in.

When a man climbs the corporate ladder he is called ‘ambitious, kingly, a leader’. When a woman climbs the same ladder she is called a ‘bitch’. Where are we heading with this? It’s the controversy and division between one organization and the other to unite and stop arguing between themselves. What is the goal? To offer to our members various reputable options? To drown ourselves in ‘you’re wrong, it’s not this or that’ harsh sentiments? Are we not all striving to find the causes and to help parents? So why are we bickering?

There are many out there who voice the following opinions/observations:

*biomedical has helped my child
*after a vaccine I noticed a viable change in my child
*doctors are afraid to speak out on biomedical approaches
*the pharmaceutical industry is a billion dollar entity we can’t fight
“the waiting list is horrendous
*the costs for therapies are wiping me clean but I have no choice. My child needs his therapies
*I love my child and wouldn’t change them for the world

The above are voices of parents around the world. Click onto any autism blog or website and you’ll spot at least one of these sentiments. So why do we so easily attack these individuals?

Why then can’t every organization help each other and work together? What are our goals? Who are we trying to help? What are we trying to achieve?

Litsa and I know exactly what we want to do. We want to make more people aware that there are families out there who need our government’s support, monetary support to help pay for therapy beyond the six year old stage. We want the various government leaders to unite and really, really listen to some of their own government advocates who are trying to pass a bill to help these families. We want our government to stop playing political games and backtalk that they are ‘going’ to implement change and offer help to these families. We are going on to sixty-six years now since Dr. Kanner first wrote about children who displayed symptoms we have now come to know as Autism Spectrum Disorder. How many more years do we need to listen to the Woody Allen sleeping governments before parents and children are put first in the agenda? There’s a BIG difference in autism and autism politics. Let’s not forget this. And the politic aspect should be eliminated and we should strive towards the same goal. As we know autism has no borders and touches everyone across the board.

With that, we want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We invite anyone from the Canadian government, medical organization, and even those from countries around the world to feel free to leave us your comments on any of the above sentiments.

Autism Awareness Twitter Day

2008-12-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

Autism Twitter Day will be held on Tuesday, December 16.

For more details on how to join us, or what prizes will be available that day, link to Autism Family Adventures and read some of the posts announcing this special event.

Here is a glimpse of the days events:

9AM PST

http://www.twitter.com/modelmekids - Sue on social skills, video modeling
http://www.modelmekids.com
http://modelmekids.ning.com

http://twitter.com/humanistic - Carmela is a teacher and SLP
http://humanisticconsultants.com/

http://www.twitter.com/swingsetmamas - Marlowe on music, Nat'l Inclusion
http://www.swingsetmamas.com
facebook group

10AM PST

http://twitter.com/susangiurleo - Susan on executive functioning, parent coaching
http://www.childdevelopmentpartners.com/

12:30PM PST

http://twitter.com/AdvancedBrain - Auditory Processing
http://twitter.com/AlexDoman - (CEO of Co.) brain training, memory
http://www.advancedbrain.com/
http://www.abtmedia.com/

http://twitter.com/childrenscare - Jeff on ABA, w/Bd Certified therapists
http://cchs.org/blog/

8:00PM PST

http://twitter.com/nbeurkens - Nicole is an Autism Specialist
http://www.horizonsdrc.com/

http://twitter.com/_Dianne Dianne on Early Intervention, location Australia
http://www.aspireearlyintervention.com/

http://twitter.com/MMiller20910 - Mark on Therapy Dogs
http://specialneeds08.blogspot.com/
facebook page

The Way I See It reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2008-12-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

"The Way I See It", written by Temple Grandin, and published by Future Horizons, is a wonderful book written with a wealth of ideas, designed to highlight many points towards a better understanding of autism through an autistic person's eyes.

Temple gives the reader a clearer understanding on an infinite number of topics:

Teaching children with autism,

autism and behaviour issues,

learning and understanding social rules,

medication and biomedical therapies,

brain research and adult issues as well as future employment tips.

What makes this book different than other autism books is the practical and realistic approach in Temple's explanations on many given topics. We begin to have a clearer picture, and the many reasons a child with autism may say or do something. We also understand how this very same child may have a completely different perspective on various issues.

Parents will appreciate the "treasure chest" of ideas offered in this book,and will be better equipped to make sound choices for their children both now and in the near future.

Book Giveaway Contest

2008-11-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

Healing...Through the Eyes of Autism is hosting a Holiday Book Giveaway.

Enter TODAY for your chance to win ONE of FOUR signed copies of
“In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism”.

"In my mind, I see many colors, bright like a rainbow, shooting about like comets in a night sky."

Check out Healing...Through the Eyes of Autism for more information.

Autism Gala: Part Two

2008-11-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

Part Two of the 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Gala is now posted on our website.

Wakefield Hearings

2008-11-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

When parents cry out they want independant research studies, they have a valid point.

Point in reference is the delayed and ongoing Wakefield Hearings, concerning the MMR vaccine/autism controversy.
Read the following article from October 31st, 2008 to make your own impression.

3rd Annual Autism Awareness Gala: One

2008-11-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

The 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Gala to benefit the Montreal Children's Hospital Autism Clinic was a huge success. The organizers raised $33,000 dollars that night.

Litsa and I were honored to have been one of four guest speakers that night. For the chronicles of the night's events, go here.

There are so many details to recount to everyone we decided to give it in snippets.

The biggest thrill for us was to have met Senator Jim Munson and his lovely wife, Ginette.

Right off they made us feel at ease, as though we've known them for years. Senator Munson's humor and down-to-earth mannerisms had us in stitches. Just for a quick example, during his speech: "I played basketball. I was 6'2" at the time." Look at the picture and you'll understand why this was so funny. But more on the good Senator and his wife in a later post.

There were four speakers that night:

*Litsa and I

*Canadians ex-coach Jean Perron

*the honorable Senator Jim Munson

*and Dr. Eric Fonbonne

We'll recap a bit about everyone's speech in our website and here.

Before we end this post, we have to kudo Joey Elias and Caroline Sequin, the emcees of the night. Joey's quick and humorous responses throughout the night had everyone on the floor.

In conclusion...there is no conclusion, not yet. We'll bring the night's festivities to you bit by bit.

Stay tuned for more.

Vaccines Pricking Many?

2008-11-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

Are parents finally getting their messages through?

Are their voices now beginning to break the 'silent barrier' of indifference in some?

We're referring to the vaccine and autism connection.

What a hard topic this is because each child with autism is so unique that pinpointing a single 'cause' is hard. This much we have to admit. There are genetic factors, environmental, etc.

However...

the Poling case brought up more than a government conceding a direct relation to her vaccinations and autism. It brought up the point that some children, such as Hannah Poling, who have an underlying Mitochondrial Dysfunction are more susceptible to autism. This brings to light, as well, that some children's immune system may not be up to par to the scheduling of vaccinations.

The parents have been saying that a modification in the vaccine schedule and/or a pretest to determine a child's system can absorb the various toxins needled into them, must be thought of and investigated.

Eliminating vaccinations is not the issue because we know vaccinations have saved many lives over the years. What we're stating is to further study immune systems to discover a means to detect children who are at risk with some of the vaccinations.

It's our moral obligation to our children to investigate all underlying factors, controversial or not. One never knows where a 'discovery' might be made. Let's not leave any stones unturned.

David Kirby has an interesting post here.

We'd like to hear your own opinions.

"Louder Than Words" reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2008-11-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

Jenny McCarthy's "Louder than Words" is a heart-felt journey of a mother's struggles and successes of helping her son overcome autism. Her constant battle with medical authorities and the so-called "leading experts" in autism lead us to believe she is fighting a losing battle in helping heal her son's autism. She, unfortunately, has very little support. Her courage and determination in healing her son remain unsurpassed. From all her research she discovers, through intense behavioural therapy, diet modification, and supplements, that her son has made a turnaround. Jenny's perseverance in helping her son has become her life's mission.

Through this journey we share many sad, frustrating and joyous moments that any parent of an autistic child can relate to. Jenny's patience, love, determination, hope, and strong-will are all ingredients for the ideal recipe towards helping find help and a possible cure for our beautiful children.

"How Can I Talk If My Lips Don't Move" reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2008-11-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

"How Can I Talk if my Lips Don't Move?(inside my autistic mind) by Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay.

This is a book about a severely autistic boy who defies conventional notions and thoughts of what society is saying about autism and the autistic mind.

Tito's mother is a true advocate of her son. She is a firm believer in encouraging her son to learn how to read and write at an early age - along with intense behavioural and speech therapy. The result is that he was able to write prose, poetry and a book - The Mind Tree - between the ages of eight and eleven.

Tito takes the reader into the mind frame of an autistic individual and maps out the intricate thoughts, behaviours and different perspectives for all to better understand. He describes in detail his self-awareness and some of his common behaviours. He is truly an insightful, gifted, introspective and inspirational figure to all.

The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Autism reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2008-11-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Autism written by Adelle Jameson Tilton is a valuable and resourceful guide helping parents to understand and cope with important issues regarding autism.

The helpful tips that better inform parents, teachers, professionals and children with autism include:

1) How to communicate effectively with your child.

2)How to deal with meltdowns-public or private.

3) How to find a school that suits your child's needs-integration vs. special education.

4)How to keep your family together as one unit.

5) Learn about assistive devices, such as computers and picture boards.

6)Finding intervention and support groups.

These are just a few examples of the many helpful tips.

Publisher:F+W Publications Inc.
ISBN:1-5337-041-5

November 1 - Autism Awareness Event

2008-11-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Litsa and I thoroughly enjoyed our first Autism Awareness Campaign.

We greeted, pinned autism ribbons, handed out pamphlets, and talked to over 200 people today. We estimate this number by the amount of pamphlets, ribbons, and handouts we originally began with and the final tally left.

We would safely say that at least three quarters of the people we approached knew of or had someone in the autism spectrum. The exciting part was when people approached us first to tell us they noticed many wearing the ribbons around the shopping center and wondered what it was all about. Bingo! Autism Awareness has begun.

Joining us was Franca from WIAIH, and Denise from the Pat Roberts Center. Both were on hand to talk about their own resource centers for families. Between the four of us, we covered lots of ground.

Lululemon, the retail outlet in Fairview Shopping Center, will continue throughout the whole month to promote Autism Awareness, using our fact sheets we supplied, and the posters and information generously supplied by Autism Canada.

We began the day at 11:30am, and continued nonstop until 5pm. Our goal was constantly in the forefront: make the general public aware about autism, what is autism, what the statistics are, let them know parents need funding and help from our government, offer them some local resources, direct them to Autism Canada for more resources and helpful information, and to ask them to send us their personal stories.

Although there were many who shunned us when we approached them, when we clarified we weren't looking for donations but offering information on autism awareness, they stopped and were amazed at the statistics and information the four of us supplied.

The whole day was a huge success and we're looking forward to many more in the near future. The pictures were taken by my 15-year old daughter, Alexandra. Great job, Alex! Also, we'd like to thank Litsa's daughter Georgia for coming and helping us with the decorations. Great job, girls! We're very proud of you.

Read and see more pictures about our Autism Awareness Day.

The Doctors

2008-10-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen this new reality show The Doctors? From the comments in their site it appears the four doctors denied any linking factor with vaccinations and autism and has stirred up some emotions from many parents.

On the same subject, Ann Pisani had sent around an email asking parents and others to send a request to the Oprah Show to have both sides of this debate to settle things once and for all. Funny thing is the CDC doesn't show up or sends in their 'thoughts' after the fact.

Now, we know there are several 'speculations' right now as to the probable causes of autism, and research is an ongoing thing. However, when you have so many parents stating the differences they spotted in their children right after a vaccination, why is it so hard for the medical community to listen?

I was actually floored this week while researching various organizations: I came across a FAQs from an Ontario association and one of the questions was "What do I do if I suspect my child having Asperger's?" The response threw me for a loop: If you can find a doctor who knows what Asperger's is...

Are you saying that there are pediatricians who have no clue what Asperger's is? Now? Sixty five years after Leo Kanner first reported traits in children that we have now come to know as Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Is anyone listening to these parents?

Lea Schizas

Come Join Us November 1st

2008-10-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Litsa and I will be at Lululemon at Fairview Shopping Center on Saturday, November 1st, 2008. With us a representative of WIAIH will also be on hand to answer questions about their resources.

Lululemon is hosting a month long Autism Awareness event beginning November 1st and we'll be there to start the month with a bang.

The time has come for parents to unite for a stronger voice so the government can hear your pleas for more funding. Our aim is to help represent your voice through our book and through the various workshop engagements coming up in 2009. More will be announced as they are finalized.

We'd also like to thank Autism Canada for their support and will be handing out their pamphlets and information on how Autism Canada has helped parents and continue to support them.

Hope to see many of you on Saturday, November 1st.

Lea Schizas & Litsa Kamateros
http://www.theautismepidemic.com

Dr. Kenneth Bock - YouTube

2008-10-21T10:56:00.001-07:00

The Game of My Life reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2008-10-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Game of My Life written by New York Times bestselling author Daniel Paisner is an all around inspirational book about a young boy, Jason McElwain( also known as J-Mac).

The book revolves around Jason's mom, Debbie, helping her son overcome his every day struggles with autism. Jason's day to day struggles eventually become Debbie's life's mission. She does not believe in giving up hope on her son. Her unconditional love and determination set a positive pathway for her son to make appropriate choices. Her insistance on her son staying focused in everything he attempts, paves the way to his success on his basketball team. Jason is hailed an instant hero. His successes in all his accomplishments on the basketball finals game are praised all over the world.

Jason's story will inspire many readers. But most of all, Jason will inspire many young boys just like himself to think "outside the box" and with a little focus and determination their dreams and aspirations can come true.

ISBN number 978-0-451-22301-2

Dr. Mary Megson - Developmental Pediatrician Speaks Up

2008-09-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Robert Kennedy Speaks Up on Thimerosal

2008-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Let us know what your impressions and thoughts are after hearing Robert Kennedy Jr talk about thimerosal, something parents have been doing for many, many years now.

WIAIH for Montrealers

2008-09-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

I was just rereading WIAIH'S (West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped)newsletter and felt the need to truly applaud this center for its continued help and resources to parents. It's situated at:

111 Donegani
Pointe Claire
TEL:514-694-7090
FAX:514-684-5839
WEBSITE: www.wiaih.qc.ca

If anyone is interested in submitting an article or a personal story relating to your child with special needs, or if you have seen an interesting article that parents/members could benefit from, please contact Franca(514)694-7090 ext.14 or cherry@wiaih.qc.ca

Mother Warriors by Jenny McCarthy reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2008-09-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Mother Warriors, published by Penguin Group (USA), is a touching and heartfelt book that is written by Jenny McCarthy.

Jenny sets out to grab the attention of the American Association of Pediatrics in one respect: the gathering of DAN doctors as well as Pediatricians to discuss thousands of success stories of mothers healing their children by implementing biomedical treatments. She, unfortunately, is met with a lot of resistance and plenty of negativity on the issue of biomedical treatments. However, Jenny, along side thousands of other mothers, is unwilling to give up, rather she puts on her "boxing gear" and is more than willing to put up a strong fight in defence of these successful treatments.

The second half of the book, through many touching and personal stories, describes how "warrior mothers" and a "warrior father" have successfully healed their children despite many odds against both them and their children. These parents have taken the "SYSTEM" head on. They are unwilling to take a passive approach to one of society's most prevalent incidences- AUTISM (1 child in 150 is affected by autism).

The book's intent is to educate, inspire and empower all parents across the globe to better battle the indifference of the "SYSTEMS", as well as to offer hope to parents on a brighter path to recovery and healing.

N.B:There are many helpful resources and DAN doctors to help families .
ISBN: 978-0-525-95069-1

Doctor Kenneth Bock

2008-09-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

I would like to praise a particular "medical innovator," Doctor Kenneth Bock. Doctor Bock is considered one of the top medical leaders in the biomedical (Dan protocol) approach to autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies. Doctor Bock goes to the root of the problem.The main triggers of the autistic children are: environmental toxins,nutritional deficiencies, gene vulnerabilities,metabolic imbalances, and assault on the gastrointestinal and immune systems.

Doctor Bock introduces a wonderful healing program (in his book: Healing the new childhood epidemics) individualized to each child's needs. In reading Dr. Kenneth Bock's book I sensed a deep sincerity and devotion to each and everyone of his patients. The countless success stories were touching as well as inspirational. It is unfortunate that some conventional doctors fail to understand the true benefits in healing autistic children and in using the biomedical method (Dan protocol). Instead, many of these children are given medications to suppress these symptoms, but unfortunately never get to the root of their problem.

As Doctor Bock suggests we must not only be a doctor but much rather a "medical investigator" searching for the root causes of our precious autistic children's symptoms. A center that comes to mind is in the Montreal, Quebec, Canada region: The Wellness Center located on 1225B Greene Avenue,Westmount. The Wellness Center uses the Dan Protol (biomedical approach).

For any further questions you can contact them at (514) 448-9777 or info@santewestmount.com).And as for any inquiries about Doctor Bock's center in Albany , New York his E-mail is: rhc@rhinebeck.com.

10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew reviewed by Litsa Kamateros

2008-09-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

-is a book that gives its readers a clearer perspective on various aspects of an autistic person's characteristics. The author Ellen Notbohm takes the reader through an educated and informative journey of how autistics perceive and understand life intertwined with many heart-felt true life stories about Ellen's two boys-Bryce and Connor.

The author's intent is to educate the people living, working, and educating the child.

The Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew:

1)I am first and foremost a child.

2)My sensory perceptions are disordered.

3)Distinguish between won't and can't.

4)I am a concrete thinker. I interpret language literally.

5)Be patient with my limited vocabulary.

6)Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented.

7)Focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can't do.

8)Help me with social interactions.

9)Identify what triggers my meltdowns.

10)Love me unconditionally.

ISBN number:1-932565-30-2.
Publisher:Future Horizons
Edit this entry

Vaccine Friendly Doctors

2008-09-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

During our research, we happened upon this link:

Vaccine-friendly doctors

found in AskDr.Sears.com

With the debate - "yes, it is vaccines causing autism" and "no, it's not the vaccines causing autism" - a parent can go crazy trying to figure out what to do.

Litsa and I are NOT against vaccines but believe that a modification into the vaccine schedule needs to be looked at. Not too long ago children were given 12 vaccines up to the age of 6 and we're now up to 32 or 36. Not a medical professional so I do welcome input by the medical readers hopping on here but if a child has a weak immune system, are you not overloading their bodies with more toxins and obstacles they would have to overcome?

Anyway...

The AskDrSears article above was interesting.

New Study to Begin

2008-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here's something very interesting. And I suppose better late than never but it seems, as Litsa and I have suspected, a louder and more unified voice crying out just might get some reactions.

Apparently now there will be a study to determine if, indeed, Gluten-free, Casein-Free diets play a role as to the behaviour in children with autism.

Here is the link to read more on the ASA website:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11858

Litsa and I have created a Yahoo Group if anyone would like to join and discuss any of our blog postings. To join the group sign-up area is on homepage.

"Nick's Law"

2008-08-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

At the moment, Senator Gumm wrote “Nick’s Law” which would require health insurance policies cover diagnosis, treatment and therapy for autism spectrum disorders in the United States. However, this ‘Law’ has been questioned by Rep. Peterson. He was quoted the following:

“The medical profession has stated there’s no reason to believe behavioral therapy is any more effective than anything else,” Peterson said. “The results are described as marginal in any case, and these individuals will be wards of the state in any case. So you’d have the cost without any benefit, as best we can see.”

I am unsure which medical profession has stated such a thing but if they would bother to read and hear all the cases of successful changes in many children with ASD who have gone and going through ABA, then perhaps that statement wouldn’t have been made. Or is this another case of parents, once again, not being heard?

Once again it shows that the fight continues to be on the parents to show and prove their case, along with strong advocates such as Senator Gumm. In the meantime, their bank accounts dwindle, their stress level continues the roller coaster ride, and the only factor that pushes them forward is the immense determination and love for their child to make sure they continue getting the best possible therapy to help them live in a ‘typical’ world.

Find out more about Senator Gumm and "Nick's Law"

Let us hear what you have to say about Representative Peterson's 'views'.

One Voice

2008-08-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

As parents, we have had no choice but to feel connected to other parents and understand the emotional ups and downs they endure. Through our research we've read many reports and sites that all 'say' they want to unite as one big voice. Yet, here we are in 2008 and one big voice is still something of a debate.

Litsa and I will do our best to unite as many parents around the world, as many associations and organizations around the world, and spread awareness to one and all, with or without children with autism.

Our main concern at the moment are the children who are in need of immediate therapy, those who have been on the waiting list, while that window of opportunity is slipping by. We would love to see this waiting list disappear all together.

The voice of the people must unite as one to be heard. Debates from governments and medical professionals will continue as they have for a number of years. In the meantime, what about the children in the waiting lists? What about the children who have an opportunity to receive therapy and develop the essential instincts to socialize and mainstream in the 'typical' world? Do we allow more time to pass while that window of opportunity closes?

One voice! Stay tuned for updates as we begin our struggle and unite with others to bring this ONE VOICE into play.

Kim Stagliano's Post on the Huffington Post

2008-08-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

I have been reading Kim's postings on the daily web newsletter Age of Autism for a spell now and have to say her 'up front and personal' approach delights and entertains me. Although the subject matter - autism - is not a subject one would consider 'entertaining', Kim has the ability to draw you into her penned words and educate you on the subject she is talking about. And this happens because she's able to grab your attention and keep you there until the very last word.

I came across a blog post she had in The Huffington Post that I want to share:

Why is Ohio Retarded but Connecticut Isn't?

It's all about the choice of words we use and I have to agree with her. Read and let me know what you think.

Guest Speakers at the November Gala

2008-08-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual Autism awareness gala
Saturday November 8th 2008
All the proceeds to benefit the Montreal Children’s Hospital Autism Clinic.
For more information, please contact Melissa Vitulano autismgala@aol.com
(514) 758-6396
or visit http://autism-awareness-gala.org/

Litsa and I will be one of the guest speakers that night amongst many others.

Autism Support Group in Montreal

2008-08-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

We'd like to thank WIAIH for all their support and inform those who are living in Montreal about the following mentioned in the latest WIAIH newsletter:

Autism Support group

An autism support group meets at WIAIH.

If you would like to attend a meeting or for more information please contact Melissa
Vitulano at (514) 758-6396 or by email at asgwi@aol.com The meetings are held on
the second Thursday of the month.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Download

2008-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

There is a helpful handbook for Canadian parents and practitioners for children on the Autistic Spectrum. The Handbook includes "Screening, assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in young children, developed by the Miriam Foundation, a non- profit foundation that supports rehabilitative, vocational and residential services for people of all ages living with autism. You can download the handbook free on the Miriam Foundation Autism Central website (www.autismcentral.ca)

Welcome to Shaking the System

2008-08-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Shaking The System Blog. If you haven't checked our homepage yet to find out what this site is all about, please take a minute and click here. Our site is new and in the making so please bookmark us and come back often.

We are the authors of "Autism Epidemic: Shaking the System", an upcoming book filled with not only information and links helpful to parents of autistic children, but also to every reader around the world who will be touched by the personal stories within.

This blog is yours as much as it is ours. We invite you to drop by, leave us comments, tell us about your child's and your own challenges you've had and continue to face.

Let us know what therapies/treatments have worked for your child, how they are progressing.

In this age the internet doesn't have boundaries. We all unite as though living next door to one another.

Thank you for visiting.

Lea Schizas & Litsa Kamateros