I Survived...

I am alive. I came out of sedation okay, just a little teary. I was jolted back to consciousness when I heard the word polyp. I don't know if they were talking about it or I asked about their findings in my haze, but that was the word I sort of feared. In the past two years, they have found six precancerous polyps in my younger sister in two separate exams. My last exam was clean, so I really was hoping I was going to dodge the bullet of genetics and find an ulcer or something.

That was not to be. I am extremely sore because they took quite a few biopsies to continue to look for the source of my discomfort, more likely related to something in the lining of my colon like microbial colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. They will also attempt to determine if Miss Pretty Polyp is malignant or benign. So instead of answers, I get another two weeks to wait.

Intellectually, I understand statistics are in my favor regarding whether what they find is cancer, even with my family history. Emotionally, it's a hell of thing to wait on. I am Mrs. Worse Case Scenario and a tad bit of a Drama Queen. In my mind, the worst thing they could have found today was a polyp. They did. It sucks.

Still up... part 2

Yup, still going... um, strong.  I am supposed to get up in an hour and a half to start to get the kids ready.   :(

Oh, and Jimmy is up now too.  

Still up...

Everyone else is asleep but me.  I am expecting I will have to take the last dose of medication.  I am hungry, tired, and bloated.  If they can't tell me tomorrow what is wrong with me as a result of this test, I am going to be really upset.  Unrealistic expectation... perhaps.  I am just cranky right now.

This is not fun...

The really sad thing is even if they find nothing, I have to go back every few years for the rest of my life for colonoscopies because my grandmother had colon cancer.  Then again, it is better than cancer. 

Jimmy is being a little angel through my (relatively mild) suffering.  Jacob is attempting to ensure that he gets no birthday party.  And my mom is here - she will be attempting to hook me on Dancing With the Stars this evening.

I am heading out the door...

To get Depends at my mother's request.  For me.  For tomorrow.  

Fun.

Two days and counting...

I get my colonoscopy in two days - Wednesday! My stomach was killing me today. I move and my abdomin hurts.  It is pretty miserable.  I want to leave with whatever is bothering my stomach removed and a nice prescription after all this.

That drama notwithstanding... wait, the drama never ends around here.  At least the boys are laughing at the moment - Yin Yang Yo is on.

Weekly Update

I have been really behind with a good many things in life, but I need to update - our fence did finally get approved. I am still thinking about pursuing the HUD complaint simply because the interpretation of the Fair Housing Act that the CAI uses (the big management association) states that requests like ours fall outside the typical HOA/ARB processes since the need was to accommodate a disability. I am going to press on to ensure that no family with a pressing need has to jump through those hoops in Blooms Crossing ever again.

We had a decent Sunday outing. My mother-in-law came along - last minute arrival so the guys could work on the basement. Jimmy did fairly well at IHOP and actually walked away from the DVDs at Target without going nuclear. My day is over all too quickly, as I am off to bed. But I have a little midweek break - the prep for these things is always worse than the actual exam, so Tuesdays going to suck. Hopefully I will be able to enjoy a nice late breakfast Wednesday morning!

More later...

Me and Urijah

Not the greatest pic of me, but far from the worst. I am actually leaning in because he is a little shorter than me, it's hot, blah, blah, blah. But it's a pic. And Urijah was such a sweetheart!

It's late...

The event was a lot of fun. Live MMA is an amazing rush. I have the benefit of getting better seats than most people (sitting there with my laptop and posting away), but it is a nice break to get out. Of course, therapy will come early tomorrow for Jimmy. But it does every Sunday.

Speaking of Jimmy... I looked over tonight and saw our video camera. I never considered posting videos of some of his quirkier behavior, but I think that I will begin to play around with it. Would be kind of fun, I think...

Where in the world is Rachel tonight?

Cage side at the Patriot Center, doing a play-by-play for DH's website. Already met Carlos Condit and Urijah Faber, fairly well known fighters in the world of MMA. I always feel a little guilty leaving home, but I needed to get out. :)

Getting by...

It has been a long week. Jimmy has recovered from his ear infection. Jacob has a girlfriend (DH teasing him about it prompted the "wrong daddy" comment), though he certainly doesn't want to admit. She sent home artwork with him this weekend from school. Jacob used an entire roll of scotch tape to put in on the wall. Of course, Jimmy tore it down. Ugliness ensued.

My colonoscopy is next week, which is a huge relief. A friend point out that I have been waiting awhile for this. I certainly have. The pain has been worse the past few days, so I am hopeful that this will be diagnosed and treated this week. I don't want to wait much more - I am pretty miserable.

In the good column, I caught up on my sleep last night - I was out by 8:30. I am covering an MMA event tonight at the Patriot Center with DH and another friend from Ocean City. It should be fun - and Uriah Faber will be there. A great fighter, but also very cute. Makes me feel like a dirty old woman!

War Cougars!

"You Picked the Wrong Daddy, Mommy!"

What Jacob now says when he gets in trouble with his dad...

I love Betty White...

Worth the click...

What up, T?

In a mood...

I am just pissy right now, so much so I can't think straight.

The Bailout

What a waste... If $700 billion went to researching autism, we would likely have a cause, a cure, and a ton of money left over fix other real problems, instead of lining the pockets of millionaires.

And Obama voted for this... Then again, McCain did too.

Switching My Vote..

Thanks T!

Recovery?

This is the kind of crap you deal with when you are one of the others in the world of autism. We have made attempts at biomedical interventions with no results for Jimmy. I am not a believer in the vaccine theory - I have my own, but that's not one. But those are the camps... recovery, vaccine, then there is everyone else. I have tried to get into a DAN doctor, but can't afford to do it without insurance coverage. I have long been under the impression that the local support group is some hybrid of those two campus - I have never been because it is too painful. People telling me that Jimmy could recover if we have him drink rice milk and live wheat free. And when that doesn't work, we just weren't doing it right? Chelation? Hyperbaric chambers? Barbara isn't 100% right, but Jenny McCarthy isn't either. Jenny is fortunate - her son is better, she isn't having her husband suggesting that her son might need to be institutionalized at some point in the future, that he is too much to handle. There is so much support for those who believe in vaccines or recovery. What about those who are just muddling through? Are we bad parents? Are we not doing enough? Are we failing our kids?

Barbara Walters MD? Tells Jenny McCarthy Autism Not Reversible.
Ba-ba Wa-wa Don’t Know Nada.

So, there you have it, right there on The View: Barbara Walters says autism is not reversible and that Jenny McCarthy is giving false hope.

Meanwhile, Jenny McCarthy is sitting at the table, the mother of a recovered son. Off camera and back stage, Stan Kurtz is watching Barbara’s preposterous statement on an in-studio feed, mouth agape, himself the father of a recovered son.

And so it goes for thousands of parents around the country with recovered and recovering children.

Barbara, where exactly do you get your information to make such a sweeping statement? Is it OK to be 100% wrong about something and act like you are right?

If you’d like Barbara to hear your perspective, please write her and The View. From a TACA action alert:
WHAT DOYOU NEED TO DO? Your help needed is a quick email to Barbara Walters at the View. Jenny needs our help.

WHO SHOULD EMAIL?: Anyone who has a child affected by autism and has either:
a) benefited from biomedical treatment GREATLY (the definition of
greatly is up to you, the parent)
b) or HAS a recovered child
WHY?: The View folks think Jenny's message is an anomaly. Recovery is not
possible. Biomedical intervention does not work.

If you disagree with this opinion – we need your help. It is urgent.

The View main web site:
http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/index
Ask the View:
http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/ask

PLEASE address your message to BARBARA WALTERS
PLEASE DO NOT HOLD BACK YOUR EMOTION. PLEASE SPEAK FROM THE HEART. It is imperative that family's stories are heard from those affected.

It is time to share information about your child and tell your story.

Your help is needed today. Right now. Please take the time if you
qualify for the WHO SHOULD EMAIL.

I needed a giggle...

A classic...

So we finally got a phone call from the HOA president...

She is going to look at our request, but not until the next meeting. Didn't care about the disability aspect, didn't want to hear about the Fair Housing Act. I am pleased by her agreement to look at it, but not the time frame. We have been waiting since August. I am still thinking about filing a complaint on the basis of the delay, so they might approach this differently for the next person with a disability.

HUD Complaint

Well, turns out that if you have a Fair Housing complaint, you can file it with HUD and their attorneys and staff handle it for you. Of course, that is the simplistic description of a more involved process. But at least there is a reasonable mechanism for people to assert their rights. I just wish that the Blooms HOA would actually work with us rather than force us into this process.

Jimmy asks to go outside constantly and we have to say no. With the elopement aspect of his autism, it is just too dangerous. I feel badly that I have say no every single time. But I am angry that the HOA and management company are making this so difficult.

Found: Sarah Palin Pageant Video ;)

No Response from Blooms Crossing HOA

They haven't called in days. The management company promised Jim a phone call from the ARB on Thursday and we are still waiting. So I have the contact information for the Virginia Fair Housing Office to file a complaint on Monday and I am looking for a Fair Housing Act/ADA attorney. The law is on our side in this matter because of Jimmy's disability. We wouldn't be desperate for a fence if it were not for him and his elopement behavior (part of his disability.)

HB83 Hearing on Monday

Again, my personal thanks to Jackson Miller from the Virginia House of Delegates for co-sponsoring this bill to support his friend Jimmy and other kids like him.

Dear Virginia Autism Advocate,

It's hearing time and we need all hands on deck! All Virginia autism
advocates interested in getting $36,000 a year in private insurance
coverage for autism treatments and therapies for your children need to
be in Richmond next Monday, September 29, 2008!

Join us in the General Assembly Building, House Room D on the Capitol
Grounds in Richmond on Monday, September 29th, 2008 at 1:00 pm as the
autism insurance initiative is reviewed by the Special Advisory
Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits. The members of the
commission, which includes many of your Virginia legislators, need to
see with their own eyes how important this is to you.

Your physical presence in Richmond is imperative to launch the autism
insurance initiative! This is our first opportunity to make a lasting
impression on Virginia's legislators!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. TAKE THE DAY OFF! Explain to your employer how important this is to
you and your family and plan on attending the meeting in person. We
encourage you to bring your children if you would like but are asking
that you not bring them into the hearing room during the hearing itself.

2. WEAR RED AND GO GREEN! We want to stand out and be bright and bold
as we advocate for our children so wear something red! And Go GREEN -
carpool, fill up your minivans, Suburbans and Tahoes and show up in
droves to show the commission we mean business. We need a minimum of 400
people in attendance to send that message.

3. SHOW THEM A SIGN! Bring a small handheld poster that says "Cover Our
Kids" or "End Autism Insurance Discrimination". Including a picture of
your child on the poster will make your message even stronger.

4. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to everyone you know! As parents, you know
everyone is always saying, "If there is ever anything we can do, let us
know!" So let them know now! Forward this email to your family members,
aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, therapists, neighbors and co-workers
who live in Virginia and tell them that they can support you in your
efforts to secure autism insurance coverage for your children by coming
to this hearing in Richmond on Monday!

5. SIGN UP TO HELP on www.autismvotes.org
to keep receiving action alerts and updates on the progress of this
initiative in Virginia.

Let's keep the fire marshal busy by packing out the hearing room and
sending a strong, clear message that the discrimination against our
loved ones must come to an end.

For more information on the Virginia autism insurance initiative, go to
www.autismvotes.org/virginia !

See you in Richmond!

Judith Ursitti
Regional Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks

Watch Our President...

Love the house of cards analogy. I can't believe we have to go to January 20th with this guy!

Drugs Hint At Potential Reversal Of Autism

From NPR

Drugs Hint At Potential Reversal Of Autism

by Jon Hamilton

Morning Edition, September 23, 2008 · Scientific researchers can spend years in the lab on obscure topics, like how a sea slug remembers or how a fruit fly sees color. But every now and then, a basic scientist makes a discovery that changes human lives.

Mark Bear, who directs the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT, is one of those basic scientists. He's discovered a system in the brain that could change the lives of thousands of people with the genetic disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome.

Fragile X is a mutation on the X chromosome that can cause mental retardation and autism. Until now, there has been no treatment.

But Bear discovered that the mutation responsible for Fragile X appears to disrupt a system in the brain that regulates synapses — the connections between brain cells. He says the system works a bit like a car.

"You really need both the accelerator and the brake to properly function," Bear says. "In the case of Fragile X, it's like the brakes are missing. So even tapping the accelerator can have the car careening out of control."

Bear and other scientists have also identified several drugs that seem to correct the problem. The drugs don't replace the missing brakes in the brain. Instead, they limit acceleration by reducing the activity of a group of receptors on brain cells known as mGluR5 receptors.

The drugs have reversed most of the effects of Fragile X in mice. They are now being tried in humans. And at least one small study found that a single dose of a drug had an effect.

The implications for people with Fragile X are huge. If the drugs work, people with the disorder could see their IQs rise and their autism diminish.

"It's a dream come true to think that we have the prospect of having gone from really basic science discovery to a potential treatment," Bear says.

Bear's research was funded in part by a group called FRAXA. Katie Clapp and her husband, Michael Tranfaglia, started the group in the early 1990s as a way to help their son Andy, who has Fragile X Syndrome.

Clapp says she now has reason to hope that Andy, who is now 19, can get better.

"We're not expecting a miracle, or to make up for his 19 years of development," she says. "But if we can watch improvement happen, that's a dream."

It's my dream too. As hard as this is, I keep hope that someday there will be a breakthrough that will allow Jimmy to have a more normal life. I have pushed my dreams for him in a place far away, that he goes to college, that he falls in love, that he gives me grandchildren. I have the same dreams that every other mother has for her child. They seem improbable at this point, but not impossible. I believe in miracles.

Reasons to be happy...

Or at least look positively forward to the future...

1. I have a colonoscopy scheduled in three weeks. Most people would not be looking forward to this. I, however, see it as the beginning of resolution to several weeks of stomach pain. For this, I am pleased and grateful.

2. I have my meeting tomorrow at Jimmy's school to get consult back on track and his school year moving forward.

3. Chloe has her vet appointment tomorrow as well. She gets the last of her baby shots. I can also schedule getting her spayed and her front claws out. No, it's not cruel - she is an indoor cat, she will have her rear claws, and it is a whole lot more human than letting my DH drop her back off at the park. She has a bad habit of attacking him and playing rough with the kids.

4. Many of my friends have great things going on for them right now - new babies, new jobs, big moves, great relationships. I am happy to watch them be content and flourish in their lives.

:)

A great session

Jimmy has a great session today. We took him to IHOP, where he did great coming in and sitting down and getting through a whole meal. When we went to Target, we were met by the behaviorist, who gave us a book that they had put together of movie and game logos to use as a way to diminish the disruption of the video aisle to our trip... and it work brilliantly. We even have a picture schedule for our outing days to work on transitions. I am going to try to get some photos next week of the outing improvements. But I was very pleased. (It also helped that I did NOT take his brother with us!)

A good article on special needs trusts and estate planning

With a link to an Easter Seals guide on such matters...

Danny's Farm

It's nice when people are able to do things like this...

Gott revolves life around autism
By Michael Schwartz / MLB.com

ALTADENA, Calif. -- When former Dodgers reliever Jim Gott found out he had a pair of autistic sons, he had a tough time dealing with it at first.

During Family Days at Dodger Stadium, he would watch with envy as his teammates' sons took perfect swings, something his autistic children would never do.

"I was looking for the exact same thing," Gott said. "It was a tough thing to have to kind of reevaluate things and accept them for what they were. It was great, it was a great teaching lesson for me just understanding that my son wasn't going to be the Major League ballplayer that I was or have those aspirations that a lot of the players' kids have at that time."

Now Gott's life revolves around autism, as he and his wife Cathy created "Danny's Farm," a petting zoo and facility for kids from all walks of life with special needs and disabilities. Gott and his wife run the place, but they also bring in special needs counselors to work with the children and host an educational component called "Education Spectrum," which teaches basic social skills.

The farm is named for Gott's 15-year-old son Danny, who has always gravitated toward animals and is the inspiration behind the farm.

Gott understands the difficulties parents of autistic children go through in trying to find suitable extracurricular programs for their kids, who have trouble fitting into normal social situations. For example, Gott remembers not being able to take his now 20-year-old son C.J. and Danny to programs such as "Mommy and Me" and "Jamboree" and having preschools tell him his children's behavior does not fit into their program.

"It's very stressing for a family when you're trying to just find some comfort for your child and a place for them to fit in, so what this is able to do is we've got families that are able to bring their kids for their first experience to be around other animals or first experience to be in a camp setting, in a classroom kind of setting," Gott said.

Special needs adults tend to the petting zoo, which is open for birthday parties, giving them an opportunity to earn a paycheck. The farm is where Danny will get his first work experience when he's old enough to do so.

The petting zoo includes the sights, sounds and smells of roosters, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, guinea pigs and tortoises, some of which were brought in from distressed situations.

"This is again a place where everyone is safe and loved," Gott said.

"I didn't know Word was part of Microsoft Office!!!"

Only slightly more funny was the man who tried to feed a book through the tray to copy it. Had no idea you opened it and put it face down on the glass.

Another day at the reference desk.

I love the Fair Housing Act

Discrimination against the disabled includes "...(A) a refusal to permit, at the expense of the handicapped person, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modifications may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises...; (B) a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling;..." 42 USC Section 3604 (f)(3).

I hope this constitutes a ground for appeal for the fence. Jimmy's disability is documented and the running behavior is a manifestation of it. It's not like that wasn't explained in the initial application, but apparently they need it broken down for them.

But wait... there's more...

Fair Housing Act

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in residential real estate matters on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, familial status, or handicap. State statutes may add protections on the basis of marital status and sexual orientation. State or local governmental offices will provide associations with information about extensions to fair housing laws.

In 1988, Congress added two new protections that allow disabled individuals to have an equal opportunity to enjoy their dwellings. As a result of this protection, community associations must allow disabled individuals to make reasonable modifications to dwellings or common areas that afford them full enjoyment of the dwelling. The disabled person must pay for the modifications. This federal right to make reasonable modifications supersedes an association's governing documents and design review criteria.

Got my trip to the mall...

Maybe I have turned a corner.  I have my lesson plan book and tons to sort through on the reference desk tomorrow.  And when I get home, I still have a lot to do.  But I am really relieved the week is over and things are going better.

Jimmy is behind me, watching The Batman and hopefully going to sleep soon.  But he is happy... and so am I.

Yay!!!! The weekend!!!

We have respite care tonight and Jacob's away all weekend with his grandparents.  We will have Jimmy, but I also have a desk shift at Mercer, a housewarming for a friend, and hopefully a little bit of time for housework and a bubble bath.  A mental health weekend, of sorts.  The only thing that would make it better would be a trip to mall!

And...

...my aunt has cancer.   

No black cloud.  It is freaking raining now.

But it isn't raining hard.  They caught my aunt's cancer early.  She should recover nicely with chemo.  And, hey, maybe I have an excuse to go to Vegas in the relatively near future.  She works at a casino and I have learned blackjack - I smell opportunity!  Also, I had a great day at work.  There are a couple of women where I work who have such amazing wit and humor, it can turn the worst mood around.

I shoulder a lot.  I do.  All moms do.  Yet we continue to get out of bed every morning.  I love my life.  I love my family.  I love my work.  I love my friends.  Almost any day, inspite of what I post here sometimes, I will tell you I am one of the most fortunate people I know.  Fortune being different than luck, you know.  When I was in my twenties, I would take to my bed for three weeks when a guy broke up with me.  Seriously - took sick leave, didn't go to work.  When I had a problem, I would ignore it rather than face it.  If I could go back 12 or 13 years, I would slap myself over the sheer stupidity of it all.  Wherever I looked, there were dark clouds and nothing else.  

I have felt like that the past few days too.  Mercifully, I have grown enough to realize two things.  Given time and a little work, things do get better.  Getting to better isn't always easy, but it is a worthy destination.  And those dark clouds more often than not have silver linings and those can be their own gift, a reward for seeing things through, rather than some sort of consolation prize.

A Ray of Sunshine

My sister Becky called me to tell me that eight year old Sarah has her first crush... on an autistic boy who barely speaks, but is apparently very sweet and cute.  I bet he is a good listener too.  Lord knows the women in my family, except notably for my mother, like to talk.  Actually, we can never shut up.  Just ask the men in our lives.

I couldn't help but smile at that.  

Why I Get Nervous About Posting

I was looking at my hits and saw that someone from Social Services spent 30 minutes reading my blog today.  In the back of my mind, I always worry about pissing someone off.  I'd be an idiot not to.  But so much of this experience has been about intense levels of frustration and a certain indignity... I hope that this blog falls somewhere below rallying cry and above idle bitching.

Cute picture of Jacob

On his class website... the kid in the gray polo on the swing.

Currently Following Me Around...

I am likely starting to sound like Eeyore, too.  I still haven't gotten any sort of satisfactory resolution to Monday's debacle.  I am still seething about how that all went down.  I have a meeting scheduled next Tuesday regarding FAPT, but before that I have Back to School Night tomorrow night.  A night I usually enjoy, I am actually dreading for fear of confrontation.

The HOA's ARB denied our request for the fence for Jimmy.  We are having to appeal it.  We never got a letter or a phone call - nothing.  I had heard horror stories about the Blooms Crossing HOA and I am depressed to find out that there is likely some truth to them.  If they don't work with us regarding our appeal, do we get a lawyer?  Three of our four neighbors have fences - we aren't trying to build Fort Knox, just a four foot high fence for the backyard so Jimmy can finally run around.  What part of "flight risk" do they not understand?  Ridiculous.  

I miss my friends.  There are so many people I don't see anymore.  T, Amy, E.D., Mel, so many really important people that my situation precludes me from seeing as much as I would like.  Or, like Amy, they move away.  I haven't even seen my mom in a few weeks and she is only an hour away.  

And I am still sick, though Becky may have given me a hint what it could be wrong - she and Jamie were diagnosed with giardia after visiting here.  Usually it is associated with well water, but given that this house was as shut up for months, it is entirely possible that a parasite was living in our pipes or something.  I took samples to the lab this morning and the doctor's office called back and asked me for (I kid you not) six more.  So that's what I need to do in the morning.  

I suppose that these are all small things.  Well, smallish.  Taken together, however, and it just weighs on you.  That's sort of where I am at mentally in this moment.  I know it won't last forever - it never does, but for now, it does suck.

T's Suggestion to Lift My Spirits

Love it...

FAPT

Well, it was a nightmare. It started off badly, when the new case manager showed up late for the meeting. Case manager? What case manager? In 18 months of FAPT, I never had one. To make matters worse, the case manager was a school employee that (at least I feel that) I have been at odds with before. The same one who took over the parent/teacher conference last year. I know it is a conflict, whether it is personality or philosophical, it doesn't matter. I was (and still am) furious.

As I alluded to, it got worse. I was presented with reports on Jimmy's behavior over the last two weeks. Jimmy running into the nearby wooded area, Jimmy running into the school parking lot... Details the school failed to mention to me as the parent until they decided to fight for a one-on-one aide. One-on-one... great, it's needed. But this new case manager did it at the expense of our in-home hours, which had been decreased to three over the summer because of the full day at the summer program. I had to fight just the three more back and maintain consultative services. The new case manager tried to get consult thrown out of school entirely. I reminded them that consult came in to play when it came to light that the school's idea of getting Jimmy to sit and attend was strapping him into a Rifton chair for six hours a day, a violation federal law. In all fairness, consult isn't working how I would like, but that was another thing that failed to be brought up until FAPT yesterday.

I would love to go into more detail about how I feel about all of this, but I really don't think I can. Disgusted, enraged, betrayed fail to begin to touch the tip of the iceberg. I think only the woman from Parks and Recreation was there for Jimmy yesterday, representing what was best for him inside and out of their program. While I am grateful for that, it is pathetic. The people I have come to rely on the most - his teachers and private therapists - all failed him yesterday. I think I failed him too - I tried too hard to polite. I should have questioned this whole case manager thing the minute this woman walked through the door.

Jimmy's FAPT Meeting

I was actually going to post the dictionary definition of "clusterf#(%, but decide that might be a little over the top. I will give you a full post tomorrow, which will be infinitely more interesting with the day after fall out.

If you love me, call or e-mail me. I need a pick me up right now.

Happy Monday!

A beginning of another week. DH can't find his car keys, I have FAPT at 4pm, school board later, and a cat begging for food now. All I would like to do is to go back to bed.

Is it Friday yet?

Wii, Wii

The family Christmas present will be a Wii - it's from my in-laws. I have started an Amazon list for the birthdays/holidays for my far flung relatives (there is a button on the side bar.) Heavy on the videogames, just because I would like to have a small library to entertain us through the winter months.

How Jimmy Nearly Became an Only Child

Last week, Jacob got irritated at the length of my conversation with his babysitter. While he waited for me to finish, he took a rock to my car and put some fairly deep scratches into the drivers side front and rear doors of my minivan. I was psychotically angry at him for about seventy two hours. Mid week, I scheduled a detail and oil change at my Dodge dealership in Manassas. The detailer thought he could improve on the appearance, but didn't think he would get it scratchless.

The detailer at Manassas Dodge is a freaking miracle worker. It's perfect. Like new. Jacob is deeply grateful to this unnamed detailers who clearly spent an enormous amount on time with a buffer today.

Melting down...

I got a note home from school today - it took two adults and 35 minutes to get Jimmy to participate in a group walk today in gym. Tonight, he melted down when I met my in-laws for dinner at Denny's. It was totally my fault, actually. I forgot Denny's was next to McDonald's. With that oversight, I set us up for failure with lots of crying and repeating "McDonalds, please." I barely ate. He was a mess. My in-laws had never seen him like that and completely taken aback by the episode. I am trying to tell myself that we have good and bad stretches and we are temporarily in a bad one. If that doesn't comfort me, I can find more in that if I am to be stuck at home, it is in a great house with some great carryout places (like Noodles and Company and Ledo's) opening nearby in the next four to six weeks. It's not so bad.

Right?

Who goes to a Jessica Simpson concert?

Maybe they are trying to get her for the next Chucky movie...

Tooth number two is out

Wiggly tooth was lost at extended care today. Jimmy lost his marbles over it, too. He has been working at it for a few days, but apparently pulled it right out. He immediately tried to put it back in. The staff tried to prevent him from doing it, for fear of him swallowing it. He got downright combative and I got the call for an early pick up. Actually, between the time of the call and my arrival, someone got the tooth away, gave him some pretzels, and he forgot all about it. But I am two for two now - I was convinced that I would never see the baby teeth, that he would take them out and leave them somewhere peculiar or he would swallow them for lack of understanding. I have them both!

Because misery loves company...

My sister just called... long story short, she has Graves disease and has to undergo a radioactive iodine treatment to kill her thyroid. She is giving up one of her three jobs - delivering pizza - but it sounds like her husband is picking up the slack and will being driving pizzas so she can stay in school during treatment.

I feel bad for my mom right now. She must be really worried about both of us.

Hitting a wall

I apologize for the lack of solid posting the past few days. I think I am falling apart. It's not like things are going badly. Work is fine. My school board responsibilities are pretty manageable, though we aren't in budget season yet. Jacob is happily in school. Jimmy is having a rougher time transitioning back, so much so they are asking for a one-on-one aide. But he is Jimmy, ready to lose another tooth and loveable and hyper as always. I am still unpacking, but the house is still holding together.

But... I don't feel like myself. I am pretty sure I have an ulcer. I went to my doctor, who told me to go to a gastroenterologist. The first office couldn't get me in until late October. I took the appointment, but over the last few days, I realized I need to be seen sooner. Today, I found someone in town who can see me a week from Monday. I honestly wonder if I will make it that long. My stomach wakes me in the middle of the night. It's worse when I eat. It's never really better. I am extremely overtired, stressed out in a way that isn't really in proportion to my current real life, and I am just not there mentally.

Since childbirth, I have made a point of not bitching that much about pain. The way I feel right now is just unreal and I am scared to death. It is likely colitis or an ulcer - I have a history of colitis, but haven't had a problem since my late teens. My grandmother died of colon cancer, though, so I worry about that do. I got an e-mail from my mom, nagging me about getting an appointment. She has just gotten back from a funeral of a longtime friend and colleague who died of colon cancer. My mom is worried too, which is completely unlikely. I never see overt signs for worry from her. Yes, I know it is likely an ulcer, but I am just unnerved by being sick and in pain. I wish I could get into the doctor sooner, because I am really miserable right now.

Sorry I am putting this all out there... I just had to vent. This has got to get better.

To Infinity and Beyond

A autistic boy and his father rescued after 12 hours in the sea, treading water... Amazing.

Sarah Palin and Special Education Funding

Well, if there is mixed information out there about anything, it is what Sarah Palin has done for special education funding in Alaska. Education Week has her raising funding. CBS fact checked her speech and alledges that she cut funding by 60%. I guess you support either side, depending what stats you looked at. Makes it hard to see the truth, though.

Funny Stuff

John Stewart at his best...

Tomorrow is day one...

Of a new school year. I still don't feel completely ready - to take Jimmy to school tomorrow, to put Jacob on his first bus on Wednesday, to have students again - but I welcome it. It has been a long and stressful summer. I am hoping for more calm in the fall.

An unwelcome houseguest...

I have two e-friends in the line of fire from Gustav, one in New Orleans and the other in Lafayette. I haven't from Lafayette in a couple of hours - she is home with her hubby and son. She is also midway through her second pregnancy. I was hoping she would leave - even had it arranged for her to stay with my family in Texas - his entire family stayed (I think), so they did as well. My friend in New Orleans still has computer access. He says he is just starting to get the scary stuff, that the ditches are filling in with water and they lost a tree in the yard. They have no power, so I can't figure out how on earth he still has Internet - a laptop with dial up, maybe?

I really hope the damage to New Orleans is minimal. That region has been through quite enough.

One of my favorite places in the world..

French Quarter residents discuss Gustav

I hope it fares better than last time...

Barack Obama: Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders

"BARACK OBAMA: SUPPORTING AMERICANS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

More than one million Americans have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a complex condition that impacts communication, socialization, and behavior. And more cases of ASD are being recognized across the country at an alarming pace. Barack Obama believes that we must do more to help support Americans with ASD, their families, and their communities. Throughout his career, Barack Obama has worked with families affected by ASD to raise awareness and to provide support to parents and families living with ASD. As president, Obama will build on these many years of advocacy and ensure that his administration prioritizes ASD research, public awareness, and lifelong support services. Obama will seek to increase federal ASD funding for research, treatment, screenings, public awareness, and support services to $1 billion annually by the end of his first term
in office. Obama will also continue to work with parents, physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create opportunities and effective solutions for people with ASD.

Record of Leadership on ASD Research and Care: As an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama sponsored legislation that became law to create an ASD diagnosis education program, an initiative designed to promote the implementation of evidence-based practices. The goal of the project is to offer educational opportunities at all
levels of care, including physicians, early intervention (EI) specialists, psychologists, teachers, day care providers, parents, respite workers, and speech and language therapists. Obama has personally worked side-byside with Illinois families affected by ASD to support efforts to build the Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. This school and research center will bring together education, academic research, early intervention programs, and training to prepare its students for independent living.

In the U.S. Senate, Obama is a cosponsor of a measure that would expand federal funding for life-long services for people with ASD, authorizing approximately $350 million in new federal funding for key programs related to treatments, interventions and services for both children and adults with ASD.

Appoint Federal ASD Coordinator to Oversee All Federal ASD Efforts: Barack Obama will ensure all federal ASD activities occur in an efficient manner that prioritizes both research and supports for families
affected by ASD. Obama will appoint a Federal ASD Coordinator to oversee federal ASD research and federal efforts to improve awareness of ASD and improve the training of medical professionals to identify and treat ASD. By establishing one top-level point person to coordinate ASD efforts in the White House, Obama will ensure that ASD receives the recognition and priority it deserves in the federal government. The Federal ASD Coordinator will also be tasked with eliminating bureaucratic obstacles that may be delaying implementation of important ASD measures and ensuring that all federal ASD dollars are being spent in a manner that prioritizes results. The Coordinator will work with state task forces on ASD to ensure effective communication and
collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies.

Fully Fund the Combating Autism Act and Federal Autism Research Initiatives: Barack Obama supported the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which was signed into law in December 2006. The Combating Autism Act authorizes increased federal funding for ASD research and efforts to boost public awareness and early diagnosis
of ASD. Since the bill has been enacted, however, federal funding for ASD has not increased to the levels authorized by the Combating Autism Act. As a U.S. Senator, Obama has worked to fully fund the Combating Autism Act and as president, he will ensure that his administration addresses the growing impact of ASD and other special needs on American families. President Obama will fully fund the Combating Autism Act, which provides nearly $1 billion in autism-related funding over 5 years, and work with Congress, parents and ASD experts to determine how to further improve federal and state programs.

Support Special Needs Education for Children with ASD: Barack Obama understands that children with special needs – students with visual, hearing, physical, sensory, and mental impairments – require meaningful resources to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Obama is a strong supporter of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and supports full federal funding of the law to truly ensure that no child is left behind. The current underfunding of IDEA causes school districts throughout the country to deny necessary services to students with ASD and other special needs. Obama will also work to change IDEA’s definition of “autism” to Autism Spectrum Disorders to ensure that all children diagnosed with ASD disorders receive the support they need.

Support Universal Screening: While roughly 90 percent of infants in the United States are currently screened for various potentially disabling or life-threatening conditions, fewer than half the states screen all infants for the full recommended panel of 29 disorders. Many of these conditions, if caught early, can be treated before
they result in permanent impairments or even death. Barack Obama believes we should screen all infants, and also that we must set a national goal to provide re-screening for all two-year-olds, the age at which some conditions, including ASD, begin to appear. These screenings will be safe and secure, and available for every American that wants them. Part of Obama's early childhood intervention plan will be directed at coordinating fragmented community programs to help provide all children access to screening for disabilities as infants and again as two-year olds. Achieving universal screening is essential so that disabilities can be identified early enough for those children and families to get the special supports and resources they need.

Work Together: As part of his commitment to open the doors of our government to the American people, Barack Obama is committed to facilitating open dialogue among Americans with special needs and their
families, federal and state agencies, regional centers, resource centers, research institutions, school districts, first responders, and community members."

John McCain's Combating Autism in America

Now seems as good a time as any to highlight the candidates respective autism platforms...

"John McCain is very concerned about the rising incidence of autism among America's children and has continually supported research into its causes and treatment. He has heard countless stories about families' hardships obtaining a diagnosis for their children's autism and accessing quality medical treatment. He believes that federal research efforts should support broad approaches to understanding the factors that may play a role in the incidence of autism, including factors in our environment, for both prevention and treatment purposes.

John McCain was proud to lend his support to the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which he cosponsored, and worked to ensure its enactment. This law is helping to increase public awareness and screening of autism spectrum disorder, promote the use of evidence-based interventions, and create autism Centers of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research and Epidemiology. John McCain understands that despite the federal and scientific research efforts to date, the exact causes of autism are not yet known and greater research is needed to understand this disorder. That is why in November 2007, he joined with Senator Lieberman in requesting the leadership of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal research into autism, to hold a hearing on federal research efforts regarding factors affecting incidence and treatment in order to help determine where research efforts can best be directed. As President, John McCain will work to advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, and identify better treatment options, while providing support for children with autism so that they may reach their full potential."

Sarah Palin for VP

That's not an endorsement. I was sort of excited when I heard about it. I had really hoped for a woman in one of the top two offices in the land. Then at dinner with DH, he told me that she was a mother with a special needs child, her newborn son. Again, sort of exciting - maybe this woman with McCain (whom I have always liked as a personality and a statesman, even though I don't agree with his politics completely) would be the one to affect change for children with special needs, to fully fund IDEA, to make more Medicaid Waiver funds available to the states to help families struggling in the face of disabilities, to require health insurances to cover autism.

I came home and Googled her. A working mom, I get that. I am one myself. But she didn't take a maternity leave? WTF? Who doesn't take time to spend with their newborn child, to nurse, to bond, to have those precious moments. Women who need to go back to their jobs to support their families - it's sad, but if you are a waitress and not entitled to paid time off, I understand. But this - this is anathma to who I am as a woman and a mother. I am still not that enthusiatic about Barack Obama, but McCain's choice will ensure that I don't have a weak moment and vote for him in November. Maybe I am being harsh, but I just can't understand a woman not wanting to spend a few weeks exclusively with a newborn.

Bill Clinton's autism quote

"American families by the millions are struggling with soaring health care costs and declining coverage.

I will never forget the parents of children with autism and other serious conditions who told me on the campaign trail that they couldn't afford health care and couldn't qualify their children for Medicaid unless they quit work and starved or got a divorce.

Are these the family values the Republicans are so proud of?"

Whoa!!!

Bill Clinton just mentioned autism in the DNC speech!!!! My sister called to tell me. I have it streaming on cnn.com now. I guess I should watch tomorrow for Obama's speech. I hope McCain will give it a mention as well. Autism should be an important issue. To me, it is more pressing than Iraq. Forget the war, I am busy fighting my own here.

I haven't had a chance to watch much TV at all this week.

Note: Bad U2 cover - that is sacriledge. I am just saying...

Rise in Somali autism rates cause concern

An interesting article regarding the rise of autism in a Somali immigrant community. Not that I am a medical type, but I think a great deal could be learned from the study of small groups... fewer variables or at least a little more in common genetically.

Back at work...

And my life is still in boxes. I can't find my mom's library book (which I thought was in a box in my office.) I can't find my FIOS DVR, which I need to mail back in the next day or two. I can't find my big box of work shoes, which I really need out and about in the next week.

I am having a semi-serious health problem - looks like I am having my first serious outburst of colitis in many years. I haven't had a problem since I was a teenager and now I am living with a dull burning in my stomach and a few other unmentionable side affects, all from the enormous stress of the past few months. I am following up with a specialist - the downside is that I am getting another colonoscopy (a few years before I am due), the potential upside is since my stomach hurts every time I eat, I might lose a few more pounds.

Jimmy finished his summer stint at the Matthew Center. They were great. He is sharing daycare arrangements with Jacob next week, then it is back to school and aftercare. Jacob will be getting an afterschool sitter as well. I am still trying to figure out the morning thing - hopefully that will be made clearer to me before the end of this week. Since both have door-to-door service (Jacob because of age and Jimmy because of disability), their transportation schedules are different than the posted bus routes.

The joys of back to school...

Support Virginia HB83 regarding medical insurance mandates for autism

From an e-mail that I was sent. I will be calling all these people this coming week and encourage my friends and readers to do the same to support Virginia HB83. I would love to see this committee hearing get the attention it deserves.

Again, my thanks to Delegate Jackson Miller for co-sponsoring this legislation.

Subject: Please support Autism Insurance Mandate

I am writing to urge you to support HB-83, the autism insurance reform bill, which will come before the Special Advisory committee for consideration in September 2008. This bill sponsored by Delegate Marshall, will end insurance discrimination for children with autism and provide them with the medically necessary health coverage they need.

Today, 1 in 150 individuals are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. When children with autism receive appropriate services, they can make great gains and improve significantly.

This bill is a common sense and fiscally responsible way of helping families in Virginia access health care services from which they are currently excluded due to their child’s autism diagnosis. I urge you to help end this blatant discrimination by supporting HB-83.



Thank you for your support in this important matter to my family.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Senator George L. Barker (703)303-1426

P.O. Box 10527

Alexandria, VA 22310

e-mail: district39@sov.state.va.us



Senator A. Donald McEachin (804)226-4111 (804)288-3381

4719 Nine Mile Road

Richmond, VA 23223

e-mail: district09@sov.state.va.us



Delegate Terry G. Kilgore (276)386-7701

P.O. Box 669

Gate City, VA 24251

e-mail: DelTKilgore@house.state.va.us



Delegate Clay Athey (540)635-2123

35 N. Royal Avenue

Front Royal, VA 22630

e-mail: DelCAthey@house.state.va.us



Delegate Tim Hugo (703)968-4101 (703)569-1201

P.O. Box 893

Centreville, VA 20122

e-mail: DelTHugo@house.state.va.us



Delegate Don Merricks (434)836-3370 (434)797-2400

2276 Franklin Turnpike

Suite 103

Danville, VA 24540

e-mail: DelDMerricks@house.state.va.us

Yay!!!!

Dara Torres wins a silver... so close to gold, but still an amazing feat! She's got a relay left!

Getting it done at 41!!!

How's it going???

We're okay. There is so much to do to getting the old townhome ready to rent and getting unpacked here. I could use an extra week of vacation, but alas, I go back on Monday. I am trying to pace myself. Jimmy went to bed an hour ago, so I have about eight boxes in front of me to unpack as my goal as I watch Michael Phelps and (finally) Dara Torres. DH hates the Olympics, but I love it. I admire athletes - more than merely being thin or healthy (things I continue to aspire to), they have such command over their bodies, a command with which they do amazing things. Michael Phelps swims like he has gills. Gymnasts flip and fly effortlessly. I am watching the marathon right now. I can't imagine running 26 miles. And none of these women have iPods on! How the heck do you do that???

It has hardly been without stress, but I have enjoyed my break. I needed it. I will likely put in for summer school next year or really find a little better structure for my time in the absence of buying a house and moving, but I can't imagine not having a school schedule now. I have said it before, I love my job. I love the kids, the work, and the perks!!!

Jimmy has session tomorrow morning. Community outings to work on his elopement and seat time. Better get through those boxes quickly.

Yay!!!!

They went 1-2.

Now on to the event finals...

Go Alicia!

I'm back...

Sorry for the posting layoff, but a lot has been going on. We have moved into a single family home in town. We are getting the townhome ready to rent - might be done in a week and on the market. And, of course, I go back to work in three days. I barely have started to unpack, but the rental really is the priority.

Jimmy is adjusting nicely to our new home. Jacob is thrilled beyond words. I will feel a little more financially secure once we get the other place rented. I guess it's all good - we were on top of each other before. This gives us room to breathe and space for company. Since Jimmy's elopement issues have gotten worse, I think we will be homebound for a while to preserve our own sanity.

I have lots more to say, but my brain is just fried at the moment. And the gymnastics all-around starts shortly. (Yes, I am a fan of that, as well.) My two Olympic wishes:

1. A 1-2 finish for Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin...
2. A medal for Alicia Sacramone in Saturday's vault final. Hey, you try getting on a balance beam the way she did and tell me you can do it better than her. I am all about redemption.

Michael Savage Redux - Ancestry.com

Rachel,



I wanted to reach out to you directly. Your site has referred to Ancestry.com as an advertiser on Michael Savage’s show or the Talk Radio Network. I can confirm to you that Ancestry.com is not an advertiser with the Talk Radio Network or the “Savage Nation” radio show. In fact, our company doesn’t currently advertise on the radio. It is unclear how the company’s name ended up on this list, but it appears to be a mistake. We would appreciate your help in spreading the correct facts within your personal network.



Sincerely,



Mike Ward

Public Relations Director

Ancestry.com

Part of The Generations Network

Knoxville Shootings at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

My prayers are with the members of the Tennessee Valley UUC and the larger Knoxville community in the aftermath of Sunday's shooting. I did my graduate work in a distance program through UT, so I did wind up spending a little time there and have several friends and colleagues in the area. I was reading a news article on the alleged shooter and it mentioned some of his reading habits.

"Still seized three books from Adkisson's home, including "The O'Reilly Factor," by television commentator Bill O'Reilly; "Liberalism is a Mental Disorder," by radio personality Michael Savage; and "Let Freedom Ring," by political pundit Sean Hannity."

This is who listens to Michael Savage.

Autism Group: Advertisers Dropping Savage

Sears, Radio Shack, and AFLAC have all dropped him. I wonder how much money has to fall out of his pocket until he actually apologizes...

Who's a Moron? Michael Savage Feels the Pinch...

A nice post about how Michael Savage is losing sponsors as a result of his own stupidity.

Watch This Space...

For a severely off topic rant about buying a foreclosure from a major lender in this country... A singularly horrible experience, from the bank's realtor (who will likely have a complaint filed against her) to the lender (who my father-in-law wants to file a BBB complaints against) to the settlement company (who does not have clear title yet and has not provided a HUD1 with less than 36 hours until settlement.

I am seriously thinking about going to the press with this whole mess. First, these banks screw up the economy by given bad loans, now they are screwing up the recovery by denying buyers basic rights in this whole process.

To My Local Friends

If you have time on Thursday or Friday of this coming week, I could use some help painting the boys' bedrooms in our new house. I am painting Jimmy's first, in part because I have to go back and repaint the chalkboard areas. I got an ocean blue and some fish (probably more appropriate for a bathroom) to put up in his bedroom. I also got a few pints of chalkboard paint. I am getting my vision together, but I think he is going to have a couple of "fish tank" or maybe even bubbles to draw in. I am still thinking about one solid chalkboard wall too. I can't decide. Anyway, if you have some time, send me an e-mail or something.

Thanks!!!

5 Year Old Escapes Daycare, Heads for Hooters

True story from Denton, Texas. What's even weirder is that my niece Katie used to go there years ago! My sister worked at PepBoys at the time and her store and the daycare were in the same strip mall.

Please note that the escapee is neither child in the photo. Yes, those are mine. They have been.

Welcome to the world, Miss Scarlett...er, I mean Miss Anna

To bookend nicely a day that noted the passing of a man who had something to teach about life and the birthday of my child who has done the same for me, I have to stop to note the arrival of a beautiful little girl, Scarlett Elizabeth who arrived Friday morning at about 3:10 a.m. Daughter of the infamous BFF only known on this blog as T, she joins her parents, two sisters, a brother, and several pets I can never keep straight.

T, though Jimmy can't speak, he is hoping next year's birthday present comes from Toys R Us!!! I am kidding, of course. Love to T, Scarlett, and the rest of the tribe.

Edit: Sunday morning, I received photos of our pretty princess... Miss Anna! Anna Alexandra. Where did that come from? Still... a beautiful name for a beautiful baby!

Happy Birthday Jimmy!

It's seven years today. Where has it all gone? He is the light of my life, a beautiful kid. I am not sure everyone would see what I do as a parent and I know many in the world certainly don't. But I thank God for Jimmy, every single day.

Greg's Take: The list of advertisers grows--thanks you for your diligence

Greg's Take: The list of advertisers grows--thanks you for your diligence

I love this part...

"By the way, Home Depot and Geico, who have both denied advertising on Savage's show, have had five and four commercials tonight, respectively, on the station in my market."

I just dropped $148 at Lowe's. Geico - I have not any love for them since last August. Figures!

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

Worth the time. Randy, thank you for leaving us this lecture. Be in peace.

Talk Radio Network Justifies Savage Treatment of Autistic Kids

"In the context of his broader concerns, it is clear that Dr. Savage's comments were intended to suggest his opinion that, in the vast majority of cases, most children throwing tantrums, or refusing to communicate, are not autistic. Unfortunately, by condensing his multifaceted concerns into 84 seconds of commentary, the necessary context for his remarks was not apparent, and the few words he used to express his concerns were, in this instance, inartfully phrased.

As a result, Dr. Savage's comments did facially appear to be directed at children who suffer from autism, and clearly could be perceived as such. This has, in turn, caused understandable pain and distress to those who have a child or family member who is challenged by autism. This was not Dr. Savage's intent, and, on behalf of the Network and all persons associated with the Network, we wish to note that our hearts go out to all families who are forced to face the realities of autism every day of their lives, and to sincerely apologize to these families for any increase in these burdens resulting from inartful commentary appearing in the Network's programming."

Mmmm... yeah.

The rest of it kind of made me sick, but read it if you like.

Talk Radio Network's Phones are Working Again...

Also -- perhaps more importantly, I was given the direct e-mail address for Mark Masters, CEO of Talk Radio Network and asked to post it on my blog for people to send him an e-mail. It is: mmasters@talkradionetwork.com.

X-Files Comes Out Tomorrow

X-Files is a favorite for me. I love David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. This is a cute Access Hollywood interview, where they interview each other. I have waited for this. I can't wait to see the movie!!!

Interesting sites

NoSavage.org reports that Geico has pulled out as an advertiser.  (For those interested in our feelings about Geico and their drivers, check out our get off your cell phone you moron posts.)

The Truth About Rockstar Energy Drink, well, has apparently known truth about Rockstar Energy Drink and its relationship to Michael Savage (aka Michael Weiner) for a lot longer than the rest of us.  

Good times... 

Time to get back to getting Jimmy to sleep.  His medication isn't working as well.  He has been going since 1 a.m..  Yes, he has had me up since then as well.  

What a week!

This tiny blog's traffic has quadrupled in the last week, all thanks to the Michael Savage controversy.  Lots of hits from those wanting to see who his sponsors are.  Some are from the sponsoring corporations, which is sort of interesting.  Maybe they want to see which way the wind is blowing.  

This is how the wind blows.  When Jimmy was diagnosed three years ago, the rate of diagnosis was 1 in 166.  Not too long ago, that rate increased to 1 in 150.  Over diagnoses?  Consider this: not too long ago, a clinician was evaluation Jimmy.  We were talking about the explosion of diagnoses and I asked her if Jimmy would have been classified as something else before the autism explosion.  He said it was possible that he would have been labelled mentally retarded, even if the data (namely his cognitive ability) didn't support it.  She pointed out that while autism rates had risen, that MR rates had fallen - autism became better defined and more appropriate labeling and diagnosis occurred.  Some have called it a diagnostic substitution phenomenon. 

The end result is that more children are diagnosed.  Listen, mental retardation is a quantifiable diagnosis.  There are IQ tests.  You can look at the results.  If you score about a certain level, you are "normal."  If you are below a certain level, you are "MR."  I am sure the assessment is more nuanced, but at least it is something people understand.  Autism isn't as well defined as that yet, but that makes it no less real.  Certainly not to families dealing with it.

I don't know what the end game of all this is.  Do the parents give enough hell to the sponsors to have them pull advertising?  Enough to get Michael Savage fired?  I don't know.  It's a hell of a commitment for parents and supporters to do who are burdened (not how I look at it, but for a lack of a better term) with taking care of these kids.  But what the rest of the world really doesn't realize is that parents of autistic children are first and foremost advocates for them.  We spend our lives try to explain who they are and why they are the way they are.  We spend our time in their schools, making sure they get services they need in settings they can handle.  We fight insurance companies to get them the care they need.  And when we have nothing left, we fight some more.

I don't know what will come of all this, but I think of all groups he could have picked to attack, the motivated and dedicated parents of autistic children was probably the worst.

For those looking for Michael Savage's sponsors...

If you are looking for additional information about his sponsors, I would like to redirect you to the comments of my earlier post.  Apparently, the ads change depending on the market in which the show is being broadcast.  Amother blogger named Greg, who's daughter has autism, has been doing a fantastic job in getting answers from sponsors regarding Michael Savage - check out his site.

I Love Perez Hilton

Two days ago, I (probably along with some other readers) sent Perez Hilton the Michael Savage YouTube video with his autism comments.  Perez actually ran with it.  Anyone who reads the site for the entertainment value of the gossip knows that you don't have to read long before you encounter his social conscious.  Which, of course, is a wonderful thing.

Thank you Perez Hilton.  

Edit: I was reading through his comments.  I am not the only one to make the Rockstar Energy Drink connection.  A poster named Sass wrote:

if you all REALLY want to hit Savage where it hurts….STOP drinking ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINKS!! I believe he and his son, RUSS WEINER (yes, his last name is really WEINER) still own the company, or have their shares in it. I use to work with RUSS oh-so-long ago and he is as big of a schmuck as his father. But they created ROCKSTAR ENERGY drinks, and Russ was the one who use to go and pimp it out. IT is so funny, cuz Russ WEINER is as big of a so called "conservative" as his father, yet, he like to party his ass off, screw a bunch of skanky broads, thinks of himself as quite the "ladies" man (bleech) and is an all around hypocrite and spoiled brat. So ironic that HIS father is saying that Autistic children are really just bratty children.

Don't believe me….?? Just google Mike Savage/Weiner and his son Russ Weiner and ROCKSTAR energy drinks. you will see I am correct.

I think we ARE an over-diagnosed society…I have depression, bipolar disorder, border personality disorder, ADD, AUTISM…bleh blah blah…docs are NOT doing their jobs. We are also one of the most OVER MEDICATED societies in the world.

But to utterly dismiss all children with autism as being the result of "bad parenting" is absurd. This man is absurd. Take whatever he says with a grain of salt!

Michael Savage's bosses at Talk Radio Network

Talk Radio Network
	541-664-8827 Don't expect much.  They have their phones turned off apparently.  :)

Helping HANDS for Autism Act

Our congressman Frank Wolf co-sponsored this bill.  I need to send another thank you note off to him...

Helping HANDS for Autism Act Introduced in the House
Thursday, June 19, 2008 
By: Carin Yavorcik

Bill provides for lifespan autism services and awareness

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a companion to the Helping HANDS for Autism Act this week.

The Helping HANDS for Autism Act (HR 6282) is a three-part legislative package designed to support families dealing with autism spectrum disorders, increase awareness among first responders and public safety officials and provide housing options and services for adults with autism. It was introduced by Reps. Kay Granger (R-TX), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Dan Burton (R-IN) and Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX). The bill is a companion to S 2950, introduced in the Senate last April.

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 60 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.

“The Helping HANDS Act is an important step toward getting families the support they need today,” said Autism Society of America President and CEO Lee Grossman. “It provides for services from just after diagnosis through adulthood, is the most critical need today.”

What the Bill Does:

1. Creates a grant program to provide “autism navigator” services to help families navigate the web of services and care they need. Navigators will help guide families to current health, education, housing and social services that are often available to individuals on the autism spectrum. Too often, families feel overwhelmed after diagnosis and often lost as to where to turn for help. The program will help connect families to important treatment options soon after diagnosis, help families identify education options, and help coordinate individuals’ care and community support.


2. Provides for the development, demonstration and dissemination of a standard curriculum for the training of first responders (police, fire departments, emergency medical technicians and other volunteers) in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities. It provides grants to states and local governments to support training of first responders. People with developmental disabilities, including autism, have up to seven times more contact with law enforcement officers than others, according to an article in the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Bulletin in April 2001. That is why training is so important. Something as simple as first responders turning off flashing lights and sirens on a police car could make the difference between a peaceful or chaotic encounter.


3. Creates a HUD task force comprised of appropriate national and state autism advocacy groups, community-based organizations and parents who are charged with developing a housing demonstration grant program for adults with autism. The goal of the grant program is to provide individualized housing and services to adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Sunday Session

Our therapist came today to continue to work on his outing behavior.  It took about eight minutes to get Jimmy into IHOP for breakfast.  A man even stopped to offer to help us - after the Red Lobster fiasco, I wanted to run and hug him just for asking.  As usual, Jimmy wanted to go to McDonalds.  When we got to our booth, he took his notebook and made pictures with the Golden Arches, a circle with a slash through it, and writing the word "No" underneath, to highlight the fact that we weren't at his preferred dining establishment.  We got him settled down and he ate pretty well.  

Next stop was Petsmart, a break he usually loves.  He walked through the store with his hands over his ears.  Not standard behavior with him - he has some degree of noise sensitivity, but it usually manifests itself in more extreme ways.  He was as engaged with the birds this this time, didn't want to see the fish, and looked only briefly at the cats in the adoption center.  

Target went fairly well.  No meltdowns.  He helped with the carts, even getting things out for checkout.  He spared us the drama of "Mom, you didn't buy my DVD of choice" separation anxiety.  Maybe he knew "Terminator 2" wasn't that great a film.  

Our Sunday community outing didn't go perfectly, but given how they have been lately, I will take today as pretty successful.

Amanda Peet's Feet

I like to look at the traffic that my site gets and where it's from.  I can also sometimes see how they searched to find me.  I came up for someone in Scandinavia looking for "amanda peet feet." 

Let's now process what someone would want with those.

Ick.

Michael Savage's Sponsors

Always deeply appreciate when people do the dirty work for me.  From this list, I am going to be contacting Prudential, with which we do business.  I can pull my accounts from there if I like.  And since FIOS isn't available at our new house and I don't want to go back to Comcast, that left Dish Network and DirecTV.  I guess Dish won't be getting my business.

Not that my little protest will accomplish anything, but at least I can feel like I did something.  

"Partial Client List of Advertisers on TRN Shows

Advertisers choose TRN Shows because our shows deliver return on 
investment while remaining economical. Our shows hosts support their 
sponsors and have loyal listeners that support the sponsors on their 
shows. Simply put, radio advertising on our shows works! Here's a 
partial list of our happy clients: 
ABC 
Acura 
American Express 
Ancestry.com 
Boca Java 
Bochringer 
Bosch 
Campbells 
Citrix 
Consolidated Resources 
Direct Buy 
Dish Network 
Ebay Motors 
Efax 
General Motors 
Gallo Wines 
Hoover 
Legal Zoom 
Marshalls 
Nautilus 
Nivea 
Outback Steakhouse 
Prudential 
Purina One 
Simon & Schuster 
Staples 
Subway 
Texaco Chevron 
United First Financial 
Volkswagon" 

Even worse...

Michael Savage's son owns Rockstar Energy Drink.  

Why on earth is this upsetting to me?

My husband is the owner/admin of a mixed martial arts forum on the Internet.  We are huge fans of the sport and its various promotions, the UFC, EliteXC, Dream, Affliction and so on.  Not only does Rockstar sponsor all of these promotions but it sponsors several individual fighters as well. Everytime I see the Rockstar logo, I will think of Michael Savage's hateful comments toward my son, myself, and other families like ours.  It is tempting to use some of my connections in the sport to try to make a point.  If I don't, it is only because I am extremely busy with moving, becoming a landlord, being on the school board, going back to work for a new school year - all on top of being first and foremost a mom to my kids.  That's what important, more than insensitive twits like Savage.

Then again, when has being busy been an excuse for me?

Michael Savage - Clueless jerk or just needs the opportunity to have my son for an afternoon?

You decide.  I have got to find out who this guy's sponsors are.

Amanda Peet: Open Mouth, Insert Foot

She called parents who don't vaccinate their kids parasites.  Whoops.  Not that I am of the vaccine school of thought, but it was still an ugly comment for Amanda Peet to make.  Of course, she apologized for it - in her apology, she made a lot of sense.  Noting the 14 studies conducted on autism and vaccines, all failing to find a link between the two.

"How many more studies do we need to conduct on vaccines, before we start re-channeling our efforts and money towards research on autism?"

Since I believe that over prescription of antibiotics is a more likely culprit in our case than vaccines would be, I would rather the time and energy be focused on finding a treatment or cure to improve his life, rather than participating in class actions suits and finger pointing.  I guess that is ugly of me to say, but I have found that sitting the non-vaccine pews of church can be very lonely and isolating.  I am tired of hearing about vaccines.  I want to know more about the recent synaptic study, the potential of gene therapy to remap the brain, things that may give me a child that won't run out into traffic because he doesn't want to go to Red Lobster, or can hold a conversation with me or his brother.  That's what I want.  Maybe after this little incident, Amanda Peet will want it to and give time and energy to help Jimmy and other children with autism.

We're Back...

We went ahead with our planned trip.  Jimmy was really moody the whole time.  Our one nice meal (when the in-laws joined us for the day), I didn't even get join them because Jimmy refused to leave the time share.  He would melt down when we would leave, he would melt down when we got back.  There was no winning with him.  It was depressing.  Maybe I have only myself to blame for that, as I didn't get there in the best of moods.  Nothing worked as I would have hoped this trip.

Oh well.  Home to pack.  

My nightmare

We went to Red Lobster tonight as a family.  Taking young children to a restaurant is a challenge for any parent.  We used to go out as a couple at least once a week, but since our sitter problem in the spring, we have either not gone to do things, split up and someone takes Jacob, or attempted to do them as a family.  

When we arrived at Red Lobster, Jim ran in and got a table and came back for us.  Jimmy wasn't being compliant, so I sent him ahead as I attempted to wait him out.  After 15 minutes, I gave up and hauled him out of the car.  He sat on the benches for a few more minutes, but when I tried to get him to go in, he got away from me and took off.  I dropped my purse and ran after him, screaming for help.  I stumbled in my flip flops and he got even more distance between us, as he headed for Sudley Road with eight lanes of traffic.  He nearly went in the street, but some man I heard my pleas and grabbed him on the curb.  He went on, but I sat on Jimmy for another ten minutes on the lawn outside, waiting for another man to find dh and bring him out to help.

We got him in, but it was the worst night ever.  I was crying, my hands were shaking, and Jimmy still wasn't keen to be there.  I never ate - I was too upset to even order food for myself.  My whole body just shook as I realized that I honestly came very close to watching my son get himself killed.  I haven't calmed down from that yet.  We are supposed to go on vacation tomorrow, but I don't want to go.  I want to stay in my house.  It may be a mess because we are packing to move.  He may write on the walls.  But there are deadbolts.  He doesn't cry or put up a fight when I am trying to get him through the door.  In our home, we are relatively safe.  In this moment, when my hands are still shaking, it is the only place I want to be.  

Tina Fey's Black

I love this...

Recent photos from July 4th