Comments on: Lauren Thierry, Autism Every Day, Why Lie?

By: culvercitycynic

culvercitycynic — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 02:32:19 +0000

Some of us could actually make films [can or do] but would never stoop to a “poor-me” flick because (a) we don’t feel that way and (b) it would be an insult to our beloved children. So, nope, not feeling any envy toward Lauren and Alison—more like absolute disgust.

By: zelda

zelda — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:59:29 +0000

Kev,

I’m guessing this is one of Mr. Watkin’s “other women” (jilted maybe? angry ‘coz he wouldn’t leave Lauren maybe?) and not actually Lauren Thierry herself…

Interesting insights, though, if it’s true. Fits the whole whiners flock together thing going on at AS.

By: Lauren Thierry Watkins

Lauren Thierry Watkins — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 21:39:29 +0000

C’mon folks, what’s a little pity party compared to years and years of putting up with it?? You’re just envious that you can’t make a “poor-me” film and get it televised nationally.

edited so I don’t get sued – Kev.

By: Mom of an autistic child

Mom of an autistic child — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 03:56:10 +0000

I recently watched the video “Autism Everyday.” Yes, I can relate with most of it. I also have two “typical” children and a child with autism. Yes, there is a difference between typical and autistic children. My two typical children can speak, my autistic son cannot. My son has been in therapy for 5 years and still cannot tell me when he is hungry, when he is upset, what toy he wants for his birthday, and so forth. My son cannot play baseball with his father nor can he ride a bike. My son just started to have tandrums that I cannot comfort him – he is banging his head against the wall which he has never done before. My son is trying to learn to potty train at 7 years old and still is wearing pull-ups. There are days he has taken his bowel movement and wipe it everywhere on him or the walls. My son will have meltdowns in the car and start banging his head on the window or the seat. There are days he cries and I have no idea why. My son will probably need supervision for the rest of his life.

Unfortunately, some people chose not to open there eyes and see what reality some of us are chosen with -

By: C. Sottilare

C. Sottilare — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:39:34 +0000

I think this segment was the first that I’ve seen with a glimpse of reality into the families of children with autism. I myself have a 12 year old son of a severely autistic child. Everyday is a challenge. He is self injurous, destroys property left and right (I’m talking hundreds of holes in walls, solid core doors being ripped off, etc). This is just a brief sample. He is bigger than I am and sometimes I am the victim, getting hurt in the process. I’m terrified to take him anywhere since he can overpower me at will. Yes, the segment did not show all the joys of those with exceptions – but its just that exceptions.

By: Kev

Kev — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 06:07:02 +0000

Sorry Kim but I’m getting fed up with saying the same thing over and over again. However, once more just for you.

Yes, they are realities. But they are not the only realities. This is nothing to do with HFA vs LFA (a meaningless distinction anyway) this is to do with an autism organisation that claims to be showing the reality – I take issue with that. I do not want to see my child misrepresented. I further do not want to present to the world the idea that its OK to consider killing one’s kids. or that its something parents of autistic kids routinely think about.

By: kim

kim — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 22:35:01 +0000

After seeing “Autism Every Day” I thought “finally, someone is telling about the other end of the spectrum! Seeing only the higher functioning kids on t.v.is not going to help fund research for a cause or cure nor is going to help the government realize that families inflicted by this need help with getting some needed services through health insurance.

My seven year old son is non verbal, still in diapers and has meltdowns along with bolting. These are EVERYDAY realities. I don’t see many parents carrying their 7 year old kids over their shoulders just to get them on a school bus everyday while their kid is biting their arms. It’s not too easy changing the diaper of a 7 yearold much less get a babysitter willing to do it.

Because my son has no regard for safety we have our back yard fenced in, our front yard fenced in, a service dog and a tracking system around his ankle…. all out of pocket expenses wihout any financial assistance.

I don’t know why anyone with a child with autism would criticize this film. You should know that every child with autism is different. We should be working together and not against each other.

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 23:01:34 +0000

Autism Every Day on ABC’s Good Morning America today.

By: Kev

Kev — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 14:48:27 +0000

“YOu know be a SINGLE parent of an austiic cihld. Girls are worse than boys. I do not know a parent that has not once thought about wanting to die with their autistic child. I knew peole with 3 and 4 autistic kids. You walk in our shoes. Not all are mild many are severly mentally retarded. SOme states have little or no services for respite. You cannot work you cannot have a roof over your head.”

I’m thinking this must be a joke comment.

Cat – I’m not a single parent but I do have a daughter who is autistic. I have never once thought about wanting to die with my child. What’s all this ‘walk in our shoes’ nonsense? What’s this ‘hardcore autism’ nonsense? Are you yet another who wants pity instead of help?

I didn’t see Alison Singer with more than one autistic child? What’s her excuse? I didn’t see any child in that film who was ‘worse’ then mine. Good grief, this isn’t a competition.

This film was dishonest – wilfully so.

As for your second comment – so now we have to be single parents with adult autistic children? Guess what? Still wrong to kill your kids Cat.

I’m not American. I’m British by the way. I know full well the lack of support lots of people get. We’re on the receiving end of that too.

We have one family member who helps us.

Get off your high horse Cat. Your situation is nothing special. You’re right that its damn difficult. Very damn difficult, but you know, the only times I have to bring that up is around people like you who seem to feel you have it harder than anyone else. You don’t. Despite the hardships life sometimes throws at us, my daughter is who she is and that’s why I love her.

Are you saying that you have never once seen anything other than misery associated with your kids?

By: cat

cat — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 14:43:06 +0000

PS to all not all states and services and insurance and nations are the same. I have lived in 3 states, two nations.

All of you who say the nbc head is wrong you are wrong. My child is 21 years old. Been at this since about 18 months. Let us talk again when your child is an adult or hits puberty or you move to a state that has been sued for lack of services.

You all need a wake up call.

BTW autism is not an American issues. Canada is in in 105 people being dx, the middle east, bahrain is starting a huge research project our own govt just started at the request of drs who have seen a 10x increas in autism, ocd, adhd, bipolar and btw many autistic kids develop in adult.

bahrain is spending millions to find out why they and india and china have the same darn massive autistm increase. 15 yrs there was no books, no info. no experts now all of a sudden so many of you claim you are or know one. HAHA!

so, who is going to look after all the kids with autism when you are all dead and gone?

i should have written a book but i have been busy trying to survive.

Here is a hint in Ont Canada you get more disability payments over 1000 in most cases in home homemakers services. Most states have long waiting list for such help.

Calif guarantees services via the constitution.

How is autism a bless unless your kid is so drugged out? How is it a blessing when your child will not get out of car so you can go buy food or go to a dr appt?

Those who say it is a blessing must have lots of help and family. Many do not.