Autism in the News – 01.26.11
Autistic man’s confinement was abuse: province (Canada)
An autistic man was locked in a room at a special care home in Nova Scotia for 15 days, sometimes urinating in the corner when nobody knew he needed to go to the washroom, says his mother and staff at the facility. Read more.
Autism-vaccine article by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed from Salon.com’s website (Los Angeles Times)
The assertion that autism is linked to childhood vaccinations has run and run, even as study after study has failed to find such a link, either with MMR vaccines or ones containing thimerosal, an organic compound that contains mercury. Read more.
Michigan lawmakers renew fight for autism coverage (The Times Herald)
Michigan lawmakers are renewing efforts to require the offering of insurance coverage for certain autism treatments. Read more.
Miami Companies Join to Benefit Autism Research (Miami, Fla.)
Sedano’s stores in conjunction with IMUSA will initiate the Puzzle Piece Fundraising campaign from Feb. 2, 2011 through March 2, 2011 to raise awareness and funds for Autism research. Sedano’s customers will be invited to purchase a $1 puzzle piece as a donation. Read more.
Family of autistic man shot by police wins case (SF Gate)
A civil jury found in favor of a family Monday that sued the city of Los Angeles after an autistic relative was shot and killed by a police officer. Read more.
The hideous first story about the confinement of an autistic man (kid really…he’s only 20 years old) in what is apparently a nursing home-like setting in Canada really drives home the need for better supports and housing options for adults with autism. Some advocates may say that this underscores the need for community based solutions. While that’s true, keep in mind that this kid crashed out of 2 group homes prior to this placement. Sadly, the supports he needs likely don’t exist. A whole range of choices need to be available so individual needs can be met. That’s why the Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism effort http://www.afaa-us.org/site/c.llIYIkNZJuE/b.5063863/k.BE3C/Home.htm is so important. Policy makers need to read stories like this one to wake up and provide funding for solutions, whether it’s in Canada like this story or the U.S.
“Autistic man’s confinement was abuse: province (Canada)…” How can this type of treatment be going on? Over 40 years has past since deinstitutionalization was implemented…What is going on?
As an advocate for individual’s with special needs and their families, this is truly heartbreaking:(
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