I didn't know what the View was. Was too shy to ask. Wish I would have watched it, though...
Thanks for the YOUTUBE!
http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/episodes/2007/1.html
"Monday, January 29th
Today was a very special day on The View.
Autism is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder that's characterized by deficits in three core areas of a child's development - a qualitative impairment in language, a qualitative impairment in social interaction, and some stereotyped repetitive behaviors.
There is no early medical detection or cure, but every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with Autism. And today on The View, Autism speaks…
Our special guest co-host, singing star Toni Braxton, let us into her life as a mother of a three and half year-old son with autism.
Some of today's audience members were experts in this field and helped to provide us with some excellent information regarding Autism.
One of these audience members was Dr. Anshu Batra, author of Autism 101, a pediatrician whose practice specializes in Autism, and mother of two Autistic sons. She was able to give us all some critical information about Autism, including:
The 5 Disorders of Autism:
1) Autistic Disorder
2) Asperger's Disorder
3) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
4) Rett's Disorder
5) PDD – Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
Red Flags or Warning Signs for Parents include:
In communicating:
• No response to name
• Appears deaf at times
• Doesn't point or wave goodbye, but can use hands as a tool to retrieve objects
• Is not talking
• Doesn't follow directions
• Doesn't track
• Cannot communicate his/her needs
Socially:
• Doesn't smile or look at you
• Seems to prefer being left alone
• Is an "easy baby"
• Is "in his/her own world"
• Gets things for him or herself, is very "independent"
• Tunes you out
• "is not cuddly"
Behaviorally:
• Tantrums with any need
• Hyperactive or uncooperative
• Fists toys and purposelessly carries them around
• Lines up toys/objects
• Toe-walks
• Cannot be without a particular toy/object
• Watches the same video or reads same book over and over
• Hypersensitive to sounds or textures
• Does not like anything new
For more information from Dr. Anshu Batra, visit her website at ourspecialkidz.com or contact her at AnshuBatra@hotmail.com.
Our first guests were Jeff and Paula Sell who learned firsthand the devastating effects Autism can have on a family when their 12 year-old sons, Ben and Joe, were diagnosed with different forms of this disorder at the age of 2.
We also welcomed 12 year-old Grace Goad who was diagnosed with Autism at 32 months, and has discovered that her talent for art is the best way for her to express herself. To view some of her beautiful artwork and to find out more about this incredible young girl, visit her website at GraceGoad.com.
We then shared the inspirational story of Karen Siff Exkorn who was once told that her 2 year-old son, Jake, would never speak again. But today Jake, now 10 years-old, attends regular school and doctors have said he no longer shows any signs of Autism. Karen attributes this to what she calls early intervention and ABA therapy, important topics that she addresses in her book The Autism Sourcebook which everyone in today's audience got a copy of.
Another brilliant and helpful guest today was Dr. Temple Grandin, a college professor and author with Autism. Our audience received copies of her newest book, Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships. If you would like to find out more about Dr. Grandin, visit her website at templegrandin.com.
Our final guests, Maria and Dean Calcagni, have a 17 year-old daughter named Gina, with Autism and they are now facing the difficult decision of what to do when she turns 18 and legally becomes an adult. If you would like more information and advice about dealing with Autism as an adult, log on to wrongplanet.com.
Everyone in the audience today also brought home The Autism Acceptance Book by Ellen Sabin, which teaches children about autism, further develops their understanding for the people around them, and encourages them to embrace people's differences with respect, compassion and kindness. To learn more and see a free teacher's guide, please visit wateringcanpress.com. Today's audience also received an Autism pin and pamphlet from the organization Autism Speaks, and the 12-minute version of the documentary Autism Every Day.
For more information about Autism, see below:
Autism Organizations and Foundations:
Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org)
Cure Autism Now (CAN)
The Autism Society of America (autism-society.org)
Erin Is Hope Foundation, Inc. (erinishope.com)
Eden Work Education and Resource Centers (edenservices.org)
Finally, The View would like to thank everyone who contributed to today's special show that gave Autism a voice…
"
From ABC website cited above.
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"I'm sorry Katya, my dear, but where we come from, your what's known as a pet; a not quite human novelty. It's why we brought you.... It's nothing to be ashamed of, my dear, but here you are and here you'll sit."
02 Feb 2007, 8:48 am
