Comments on: World Autism Awareness Day

By: T.G. Almstedt

T.G. Almstedt — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:38:52 +0000

I am currently a student teacher at the local high school district. I am also a avid beer drinker and home brewer. In becoming a student teacher I had to take about 15 units of college classes on top of my content classes. Being that I will get my credential in “regular” education instead of special education, I still got an amazing amount of education on students with special needs. As much as I don’t like NCLB, it has forced me to take classes to educate myself on the matters of my soon to be students. I actually have 30 report from fellow students of mine that did them on subjects like special needs students, non-English speaking students, mentally disabled students, physically disabled students, asbergers and autism. Now I may not be prepared to fully accommodate and recognize a students with a learning disability but I feel I am more prepared and if need be I will be able to have the means to research. I am happy to be a teacher, a beer enthusiast and home brewer. As a starving student teacher I am not able to buy you a pint, but I will post my comment here and if you want to swing by I’ll pour you a home brew!

By: Fred Bowman

Fred Bowman — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:35:01 +0000

Jay,
I finally got ’round to reading this. You SHOULD be proud of your son. But be especially proud of yourself. Parenthood is no easy gig under normal circumstances (but immeasurably rewarding). You stepped up, sir. I’m proud to know you.
Fred

By: Tbim

Tbim — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:11:50 +0000

Great story! Thanks for sharing it. I hope he continues to do well in the future. He is a great looking kid!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:47:50 +0000

So glad to hear Porter is doing so well. It’s good that we are learning more about autism. Your story makes me wonder about all those loner kids in school when we were growing up …

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:44:42 +0000

Of my 24 year old twins, one has Asperger’s. Your future as his “defender” & “champion” will be difficult but that is often true with all kids.

My son Ryan is exceptionally intelligent (scarily so) has a small circle of friends and as I leaned from support groups (find a good one asap!) he is not “damaged” …there are people who are “typical” and there are those that are “unique”…I know your preferences when it comes to beer….need I say more?

By: Loren

Loren — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:25:38 +0000

Great story Jay. Keep on sharing your kids lives as they’re a pleasure to read.

Cheers!

By: John Fryer

John Fryer — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:23:44 +0000

Nearly always boys are affected more than girls. This points to a toxic cause. EG MERCURY.

Not even the vaccine companies and regulators realised the harm of mercury but to think it is still in vaccines as of April 2008 with many people claiming it is out adds to the misery.

Not sure all the organisations you mention subscribe to the mercury cause so be careful if you are giving away money.

For me direct action is better; give it to families facing huge bills.

The pharma science research bandwagon have buckets of money.

And there is a lot of LIES and PROPAGANDA about as witnessed by the no mercury now in vaccines LIE.

John Fryer Chemist

By: William Brand

William Brand — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:37:51 +0000

Jay, that’s great news about Porter. I’ve always thought that deciding to stay home with Porter was a great move. Obviously, it paid off. Just hang in there. And your article tore me up. Damn fine writing. All my best. bill brand

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:45:15 +0000

I can only imagine what you went through with this. My son is a “normal” 3 year for what that means, but just the description of your son playing by himself while the other kids played together touched my heart. I hope things continue to go well!

By: Maddy

Maddy — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:59:38 +0000

Newbie – thank you for sharing your personal story.
Best wishes