More Autism stuff...
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A few weeks ago I received an email from a very kind woman, letting me know about a book her sister-in-law (I think that was the relationship) had co-authored called Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child's Life.
I am loving this book. It is practical. It is real (and Claire LaZebnik has the best "voice"). It approaches autism from both a clinical and a parental perspective - having both intertwined makes it connect with me that much more. In looking it up this morning I found that there is a website just for the book as well - check it out here. I am about half-way through the book and feel like it could be one of the best I have read with tools I can use right now in working with Simon.
Time this week has a cover story on Autism. There are a couple articles you can read online - have to get the magazine for the full cover story.
I was reminded again as I looked around online this morning how MUCH information is out there. It is so overwhelming. Tons of different sites. Different opinions. Different books. It is enough to take you to the edge and beyond.
One thing I did come across was S. 843 and HR. 2421 Combating Autism Act of 2005 which is currently in committe in both the House and the Senate. Here is the summary of the bill:
After searching around to try and figure out the status of the bill I ended up calling Representative Mary Bono's office (she introduced the bill in the house). They gave me the following link where you can track the status of the bill: congress.gov Type HR2421 into the search field (make sure you click bill number below the search field). You can read the full text of the bill there as well. It sounds like this sort of legislation can be difficult to pass because it is "disease-specific" so they are looking into creative ways to get it through. Most bills never make it out of committee.
Check out the Combat Autism site for ways you can contact your House & Sentate leaders, and to find out if they are already supporting either the House or Senate bill.
And dude, this political stuff is just about as confusing as autism stuff. Around and around. Outdated and updated information. That is seriously a challenge on the web as well - sometimes it is hard to tell when content was added and how old or new the information is - it is too easy to think that it is all fresh and new.
This, my friends, is my life - with a bit of art thrown in for fun :). Go out and do something political today. It is quite an adventure.
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42 comments
Holy Cow! I may be the first person to post... =) Lovin' the photo of Simon... he is the coolest little dude ever!! ((Hugs))
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I did it! I went to the combat austism site and emailed my congressman and senators. Thanks for the heads up!
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Thanks for the links. I plan on contacting my representatives to find out if they are supporting this bill.
Love that pic of Simon!! :o)
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Hi Ali - thanks for the information. A little bit overwhelming, but I am headed to the bookstore this afternoon, for at least the Time Magazine.
Hey, hey about Politics, I am involved in it every stinkin day - what joy! Scary isn't it that it is something Chris wants to do, probably something Chris needs to do.
Have an awesome day!
~Mary
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FYI - as a library science student, I feel it's my duty to let you know that if you get too overwhelmed at what's out there on the internet, contact your local library where the reference librarians (very often university libraries will have gov docs librarians who specialize in this stuff) can help you find the info you need and interpret what you find.
Long time reader, first time commenting... :)
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Ali,
once again, have you read Temple Grandin's books? i'm reading them from the animal perspective, rather than the autism perspective, but can't escape either perspective. learning lots!
best, slowJudy
PS when are you coming back to the right coast again?
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FYI - If you ever need to look up information about legislation - this is a great site - www.thomas.loc.gov You can search in several ways and it shows you every version of the bill and status. Hope that helps!
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Soooo glad you have found this book. I found it a few months back and read the whole thing in like one hour. Laughed, cried and took notes all at the same time.
Love to see that little guy of yours. My Ryan is doing so well and Just sooo funny!
Thanks for the political push.... that is one area I really need to get moving on... just so overwhelmed Kwim?
Thanks, Kim
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As always Ali, thanks for the info on Autism. I always love how the info flows around on the web....sorting it out can be tough though. Information is golden. It (the autism) is such a part of our everyday life with my twins. I'm putting the links on my blog for my friends and family to check out too. Thanks again.
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We are having an auction on LifePreserversClub.com right now for autism. If anyone on is interested it runs till the 14th of May.
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Ali,
Your dedication is so moving and inspiring. Just wanted to tell ya that.
And, could that boy get any cuter??? He's a Keeper!
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I just finished my round of "political" phones, letters and emails. I am trying to better the playgroup in my neighborhood but the road it is located on is a State Road, that intersects with a town road....My senator replied very quickly to my recent letter.
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love that you use your influence for good.
Simon is lucky and so blessed with you as his momma.
I try to follow all of th epolitical stuff, I have one child with autism (he'll be 18 soon) and two other kids with special needs.
It's confusing and a bunch of rigamarole, but THEY (the powers that be) control so much of what can help (and harm) our kids, it's important to stay informed.
Thanks for all you so, Ali. You're a DYNAMO.
Suz
http://suzannebalvanz.blogspot.com/
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all this...and trying to stay "in the moment"...
nothing a good hug from a little dude can't fix.
bless you!
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Can I just say I love you! Mom and I were just talking about this bill over the weekend. You saved me a ton of time in locating information. I have already emailed her and we will be making some calls/sending some emails.
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Love your attitude about politics. Love the fact that you take the time to be an advocate for your child and for yourself politically. How is Chris coming along with his campaign? Is there a website up and running yet?
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I have tears in my eyes as I write this! Ever have one of those days where you are just struck by the realization of what your child will have to deal with for the rest of their lives? It can be overwhelming. Anyway, I was feeling down for my little man and I came on here and am reminded to rejoice in the moment. Plus, it is so cool to have you in the same corner, fighting for our children.
thank you, Ali!
Many blessing to you and yours
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The best way to get bills out of committee and on the radar screen of any elected official is to call them and write them again and again and tell them what you think.
Don't know who your congressperson is??? Here's a great site: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ whre you can type in your state and zip code.
Need to find your U.S. senator?
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Sometimes you have to be persistent but most of the time the people are really nice. I did this job for U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, in Connecticut. When you call, you should tell the receptionist that you would like to leave a message for (insert official here) about (insert issue here) and that you would like a written response back. You don't need to know the bill number; they can look it up for you. This is the important part because then the receptionist has to take down your info and add it to the database of issue callers instead of just blowing you off.
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Great, great info Ali. It's fabulous how many resources there are...with a click of a button!
On the political front, I got to officially VOTE for my husband last night. He is "running" for precinct committeeperson and his name was on the ballot! I took a picture of the ballot with the bubble by his name filled in! I'm such a geek.
May 16 is going to be an exciting day for both our families!
Cheers!
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You are SO right about the mound of information out there. My husband & I see a counselor, specifically for guidance on rearing a child like Zeb. This guy is tremendous, and because he's in the field, he can act as a filter on some of the material. He can direct us to sites/people/sources instead of me flying blind in cyberspace. (how DID people do this before the Internet? Scary...)
As to political efforts, my little contribution was to get my monthly training in an environmental class I teach at the elementary school. I then teach 2nd through 5th grades. I figure I'm helping create environmentally aware, socially conscious people for the next generation.
Take care.
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