Why do we (yes, we) have issue(s) with the Combating Autism Act?
First of all, autism isn't a disease. If it were combating AIDS, or curing diabetes or something outside of the brain (and therefore the fundamental part of the "me" or "you"), it wouldn't be such an issue. Both AIDS and diabetes kill people. Have you ever heard of autism killing anyone?
The "centers for excellence" are for studying "environmental influences" that the parents just can't get enough of. like the umpteen zillion studies that say NO THE CDC DID NOT POISON YOUR BABY! (direct quote from an instant messenger conversation, from Kassiane to spockette).
Something that kinda really sticks it to ya' is that there is absolutely zero evidence that ANY autistics were consulted about this. How about we rename this the Appeasing Parents Act?
There was an announcement on NPR about "going to war with the scourge of autism." I'm offended by that . I happen to LIKE the way I am, and have a problem with being referred to as "scourge." Kind of like Cluny the Scourge, if you've done your required fiction reading.
Is anyone else at all irritated with the NAME of the act? "Combating Autism" implies that autism is some evil thing that eats children. Which we've seen several claims of. The "I just want little Susie back to the way she was!" or "little Johnny isn't the same person anymore" parents.
According to the Library of Congress website with the amended form of the Combating Autism Act, the director of the NIH (National Health Institute, for those not in the know), is now required to award grants or contracts specifically for centers of excellengs on environmental health and autism spectrum disorder. That certainly outlines the causes they're looking for. Despite statements by the Mayo Clinic that "the increase may be due to improved awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria and availability of services, not environmental factors or immunizations." Brilliant usage of tax dollars, if you ask me.
Signed,
spockette and Kassiane