I thought some on this forum would like to read this

[autismmom]

Forgive me if this is in the wrong place but I thought this might be a little more important here than In The News. Here are some statements by the presidental canidates on what they plan to do about autism and related spectrum disorders.


Autism Society of America: Advocacy

[desertmom]

This is the perfect place for this. I saw this earlier today. Unfortunately, many that are not touched in their lives by autism basically feel it's our problem to deal with. They'll give to feed kids in Africa, but don't feel that they should have to pay into an insurance that covers autism therapies.

Also, unfortunately, many of these politicians listen to what orgs like Autism Speaks have to say, rather than the orgs that the real parents back and belong to. The problem with Autism Speaks is that it has celebrities in it as mouthpieces and they push for cures, rather than therapies to help those dealing with it now. There are other reasons that Autism Speaks doesn't speak for those parents of today, but I don't have the list handy. Celebs are raising money that go to an awful lot of admin costs, too. Unfortunately, it's not become a trusted organization, but it is a vocal one. One reason I'm grateful that it even exists, as I've mentioned to other parents, is that at least these celebs and mouthpieces are bringing this very prevalent issue to the forefront. THAT is needed.

[autismmom]

I thought I was the only one that disagreed with a lot of Autism Speaks. I am greatfull that they are raising money but what about right now. Personally, I feel that while they are looking for a cure why not also put the time and energy into figuring out different therapys. A cure might not come for a while but therapy can help today. We may never cure autism but we can overcome it.

[bonnotsm9]

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

Obama's just had a little blurb about the disorder then used it as a segway into national health care and the UN. whatever. I don't see how signing a UN treaty or having nationalized healthcare is going to do anything to actually treat autism.
"As you all know, more than one million Americans have autism spectrum disorders, a complex set of neurobiological conditions that have a range of impacts on thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate
to others. As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more cases of ASD have been recognized across the country. I believe that we can do more to help Americans with ASD and their families understand
and live with these conditions."

But this isn't an issue that is going to decide my vote anyway.