America Online (AOL) has a series of articles on autism recently added to their site. They have 5 articles, including one on Jeanette O’Donnell. Ms. O’Donnell is very active online with her blog What are they thinking? and commenting as mom26children.
Ms. O’Donnel describes herself as:
I am the proud mother of 6 children. 5 of our children have autism. We do not feel our world has ended, but just begun. We do not chelate, intervene biochemically, give shots of any kind, practice ABA, etc. We treat them as we treat any humanbeing. We treat them with kindness and respect and expect the same from them. They are exceptional children.
The article, Caring for — and Blogging About — Her Five Autistic Children
I’ve always liked reading her posts and her comments. She’s a straight shooter, she doesn’t hold back, and she stays friendly.
Here is a section from the AOL piece (but take the time to go and read it)
O’Donnell:… But you still haven’t asked the question.
AOL: What is the question?
O’Donnell: People ask why I had six when I knew the first was autistic. First, the doctor told us there was no chance that a second kid would have it, so we didn’t know. But I want the people who question them to meet them. And I want them to tell me which one shouldn’t be here. Every one of my kids belongs. They are here for a reason. I don’t know what it is, but there’s a reason. Well, actually, I do know the reason.
O’Donnell: What’s the reason?
O’Donnel: So I could be their mama, that’s why they’re here! It’s very selfish. No, the truth is: They’re gonna teach the world a lot.
Left Brain Right Brain 
Jeanette O’Donnell’s idea of being there for other autistic families is to simply post on her blog “Did you see a post on AoA today… they’re crappy parents and I’m perfect because”…..
Then again… Estee won’t post any comments that don’t paint her as a saint either…. And she has absolutely no idea about the Ont system since she buys her way around it.
I don’t think either help those facing autism for the first time. To paint it as roses. As they know better than the rest.
Autism is hard… I’m currently fighting… and started before Xmas… for a better classroom b/c now they have the right to pawn him off on the EA all day and ignore him… They call it integration… I call it a teacher that we did not agree on in June he was to have. So now… I have to find a special ed placement??? Add a secondary dx b/c he doesn’t qualify for an autistic one. WT???
Hard… Yes, tell the roses… but stop slapping at people when they tell the days that are bad, when they are upset about it.
Show compassion… and maybe learn the definition of the word “acceptance” – to accept all view points as valid… not just your own.
farmwifetwo,
your impression of what Jeanette O’Donnel’s blog and statements are like is as inaccurate as ever. Seriously, have you ever read her blog? Can you back up a claim that she has ever called someone a “crappy parent”?
Please do in you next response to this discussion. Either that, or apologize.
FW2 on acceptance, take one…
Cut! Not even close, and not all viewpoints are valid.
FW2 on acceptance, take two…
(Your turn F2W2)
I think Jeanette is amazing and every parent should think like her. As a mother of a child with autism, I found her to be inspirational. I am very impressed with her way of thinking and how she has handled her children.