Friday, February 3, 2012

Can I get an Amen?

I think a blog update is in order, maybe change the font or photo. Who knows? I guess I should update it since we are now going through a curious case of CAPD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sprinkle it with rainbow sprinkles and it's a party, huh?

I have this friend named Holly. She's the most remarkable mother, wife, and friend. I can honestly say there was some higher power that aligned everything just right to put her in my life. She has been supportive and loving and always gives me one heck of a laugh through our process with Em. She recently moved to Virginia (sad face) and has an amazing community for her special needs children. One of her doctors wrote this and I had to share it. "Here's the main problem with the proposed re-definition of autism in DSM-V: autism shouldn't even be in DSM-V. This is the diagnostic manual used by psychiatrists to define psychiatric disorders. Autism is not a psychiatric disorder. It is a systemic disorder that affects the brain as well as other organ systems including the gastrointestinal system and the immune system. Don't take my word for it. Ask Dr. Martha Herbert, pediatric neurologist at Harvard and Mass General. Defining autism according to criteria established by psychiatrists is nothing more than a historical relic. Psychiatrists are infrequently involved in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with autism, unless of course that individual has a co-existing psychiatric disorder. Much more often, the evaluation and treatment of individuals with autism is managed by neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and yes, primary care physicians. We should be the ones who establish the diagnostic criteria, not the American Psychiatric Association."

No other words needed...other than AMEN!!