White House Response

I received an email response from my letter. This is it in it's entirety.

March 31, 2011

Dear Friend:

Thank you for writing to me about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). I recognize the profound impact ASDs have on millions of Americans, and I appreciate hearing from you.

For too long, the needs of people with disabilities, including individuals and families living with ASDs, have gone unrecognized and unmet, and remedying this neglect has been important to me throughout my career. This commitment has continued into my Presidency, and my Administration has already increased funding for autism research, screenings, treatment, life-long services, and public awareness.

We must support children and adults living with ASDs. Safe universal screenings are essential for infants, as are re-screenings for children at or before two years -- an age at which some conditions, including ASDs, begin to appear. I will continue to work with Congress, experts, and families to improve Federal and State ASD programs. We remain committed to leveling the playing field for all Americans with disabilities.

Again, thank you for writing. To learn more about this important issue, please visit www.HealthCare.gov or www.WhiteHouse.gov.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

 

Why We Need Awareness

Tomorrow begins Autism Awareness month. And to my knowledge our own White House has not responded to our letters. You can see a few here.
Some do not think awareness is important. I saw it is, even before my son was diagnosed I would have said the same thing as our kids and many adults are very misunderstood.  In my classes at school alone Autism has been called mental retardation (not true, while the child may have mr autism alone does not cause it), a mental illness (also not true, so because someone thinks differently they are now sick), a personality disorder (also not true), and who knows what else is going to come out by the end of class.
Some Facts:

• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined

• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

• Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade

• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases

• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• Autism is a lifelong condition. 
•  Autism affects all persons regardless of race, religion, economic status or politics.
•  Every 20min a child is diagnosed.

World Autism Awareness Day is to inform the general public about the global health crisis of autism, stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention, and to celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism. For more information visit http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org

Open Letter

This is my Letter to the White House who reused to light the White House up Blue for Autism Awearness on April 2, 2011.

Dear Mr. President,
Recently I heard that the White house politely said no to lighting up the White House Blue for Autism Awareness.  I wonder why because it has been done before. In the past the White House was lite up pink for breast cancer, and there is talk that it will be blue for prostate cancer.  If you are willing to light the house up for other causes why not Autism Awareness. I just think you can not light up for one cause and then refuse others. If it had never been done then this would not be an issue for so many.
I have heard some talk that is is because the White House does not support Autism Speaks the organization who came up with the idea. What about the kids. 1 in every 100 kids are being diagnosed with Autism and no body knows about it. Kids are being arrested and jailed because no one knows what Autism is or how to deal with it. We need to raise awareness about Autism, what it is and that you may not even know the person has it.
I understand your concerns with the organization if their are any, but this is about kids and adults with Autism. No money is being raised just awareness.  Other Autism organizations support the idea of light it up blue as well. Please just think about the kids. My 12 year old son is one of them.

• While many parents worry about how to handle the friendship drama of kids, I just want mine to be able to make friends.
• While parents worry about paying for college, I wonder if my son will be able to handle it
• While parents look forward to the day with both happiness and sadness of their child moving out, mine may not

 We have to fight for our kids everyday. The insurance companies don't help much, the schools fight back a lot, all we are asking is for some help in raising awareness.


This is still a work in progress but as I look at the date I realize I am running out of time.