Advice to Parents Part 6 and 7: Fight and Pray

I will finish off my 7 part "Advice to Parents" by combining the last two parts. In the Bible fighting and praying were one and the same or closely linked among God's people.

"Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13,14

God delivered his people that day and if you are in need go to your Holy Father for deliverence. Parents with a newly diagnosed child will face many challenges, obsticles, and roadblocks. Fight for your child with everything you have. Keep in mind that the world is strong like the Egyption army. You will need a miracle from God for victory. For me and others I know the road was/ is hard. The ones who come through intact, in most cases, were carried through by faith. Don't give up. Fight and pray. Jesus taught us:

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9,10

This will not happen in our time but in God's time. You are never alone. Stay strong in your faith. Keep fighting and praying.

Peace and Love,

Andrew

Advice to Parents Part 5: Geography

I'm going to repeat myself on this point. Different states, counties, cities, and towns offer different levels of support for children and families with autism. In short: Do your research and find the best place with the best support. It is important to understand that some states and localities offer lots of support and some offer little or nothing. If you are in Florida and can move, leave now (If you can). Kids with autism in Connecticut (and other northern states) get most of their therapy and education at little or no cost to the parent. The quality of the product is much better. Minnesota, California, Arizona, and most other states are also known for good support. If you must stay in Florida there are ways to get what your child needs but prepare to spend lots of money. The poor and wealthy tend get or buy more services. Middle class people tend to go broke fast. Resourceful people can always find ways but it takes a lot of time and effort. In short: Do your research and make the best geographic choices for you and your family.

Peace and Love,
Andrew

MLK on the role of the Church.

There was a time when the church was very powerful. It was during that period when the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town the power structure got disturbed and immediately sought to convict them for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators." But they went on with the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," and had to obey God rather than man. They were small in number but big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." They brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contest. - MLK



I found this to be a moving description of the early Church from Martin Luther King.



Peace and Love,

Andrew

Vaccines and autism: More info about our story.

I wanted to comment about the latest attack on Dr. Wakefield by a journalist in London. The case was made by Dr. Wakefield that autism in linked to the MMR vaccine. I believe that Dr. Wakefield was partly correct but his focus on the MMR alone has given his detractors an opening to savage him. The latest attack acuses Dr. Wakefield of ignoring previous data from the 12 children in his study. I don't agree with that conclusion. In our own case I believe the MMR was the knock out punch in a series of events that result with the onset autism in Andrew Jr..

Here are some entries in Andrew Jrs. "Growth and development book" that may help you understand.

On the 1/25/02 visit Andrew Jr. was a week old and we had questions about how much to feed him and a heart murmer (it went away).

On 2/22/02 he was 5 weeks old. No concerns were listed. The only note written was "Had Hep B vaccine". The next visit was scheduled for 4/2/02.

We instead went back on 3/21/02. After the Hep B shot Andrew had extreme pain from digestive dificulties . All the notes going forward reflect digestive damage but otherwise he developed normally. When he recieved the MMR at 2 1/2 he imediately had a fevor, lost language and had OCD behavior.

I believe that the first event contributed to the onset of autism in Andrew Jr.

The onset of autism is a complex matter. It appears that the 10 fold increase in vaccinations since 1984 is linked to the massive increase in autism rates over that same period of time.

In Dr. Wakefields case nothing has been proven or disproven. Look at the evidence for yourself. Remember "Educate before you vaccinate".

Peace and Love,

Andrew