I need to vent.
Earlier in the week, a panel of experts released the results of a study finding that special diets help or don’t help autistic kids — or that food allergies, food sensitivities, or gut problems cause autism.
The panel, chaired by Harvard’s Timothy Buie, MD, included 28 experts in 12 scientific disciplines, including child psychiatry, pediatric allergy, pediatric gastroenterology, and pediatric nutrition. The panel evaluated scientific evidence regarding gastrointestinal disorders in all forms of autism, collectively called autism spectrum disorder or ASD.
I’m not upset by the study. I’m upset by this segment on ABC.
I have always loved Diane Sawyer, and am surprised she featured Jenny McCarthy in her report instead of the scientists.
Maybe I’m a little jealous because both Jenny and Diane look so great.
Oh well. I’m done now.
What are your thoughts?
Wasn’t this on a day or two ago during the news. I think I did see. I tried to click the link but the video didn’t come up. If it’s the one I am thinking of where she is asking parents of the autistic community to speak out as she now is doing that special diet with her son. Something like that I remember in it. I would have rather saw the scientists to be honest.
I had thought that diet has always played a huge part in children’s and adult’s behaviours. Not just those with special needs,.
….
on another note.
I love the writers here…..but…was wondering if any of your writers have children who can be aggressive and how do they deal with it.
I have a nine yr old ..I blog about him often. We just had a really really rough night. I’d love to connect with other moms who have similar situations or just anyone who can lend an ear. What happens when your child’s aggressive just becomes too much?
Please help…
I agree with you, Laura. The report from the scientists would be more responsible ‘news’. I beat-up on the media pretty regularly. Probably lost readers over my criticisms. ‘News’ is a for-profit business. They sell what sells. (Like food) we can choose who we ‘buy’.
____
on another note.
I never received a book from you.
i agree with you
I am a 50 year old woman and have just figured out I am most likely an Aspergers person (I have an appointment with a psychologist who specializes in working with adults on the spectrum). Diet helps me calm down and sort things out so that I can cope better with frustrations and, consequently, live a better life. It does not “cure” the way that my brain is wired (and I’m kind of happy about that). Jenny McCarthy is a menace to society.
General health aside, I view a good diet as a tool for coping. There are other tools that also help me cope. E.g., when feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of meltdown, taking the time to carefully write out by hand (in neat printing so I’m focussed and not rushing) a list of all of the stuff I’m working on. This helps sort things out so everything is not so overwhelming and I don’t get lost in the fog. Diet is a tool, not a cure.
I found an interactive software which helps to improve speech delayed problems and help build vocabulary on toddlers and young children with special needs. SeeMe SPEECH COACH has been very effective in the learning process of the children. I hope you give it a try and share it with others too.
Finally got to view the segment. I REALLY wish people would quit using the word autistic — it has very negative implications. My son has autism he is not autistic.
Jenny McCarthy does not speak for me. She (and others) need to remember that the diet does not help all children with autism. While it is beneficial to my son, I do know some great success stories. Just because the scientists couldn’t find scientific evidence, doesn’t mean that the scientists are saying that it won’t be helpful.