Jenny McCarthy, an American model, comedian, actress, author and activist, is famous for stints in Playboy magazine, dating and breaking up with Jim Carrey and spearheading a national debate on the causes of Autism. With the help of Andrew Wakefield’s (who is now, consequently, also on “ethics row” for breaches of standard ethical code) controversial study on the links between child vaccinations and Autism, McCarthy created an absolute media circus when she claimed that her son Evan, and many other children around the world, essentially developed Autism as a result of vaccinations.
In a time where society is filled with misguided information about Autism and its causes, now is the time to listen and help.
Generation Rescue, McCarthy’s Autism organization, is an international movement of scientists, parents and physicians researching the causes and treatments for Autism. While the organization still follows the misguided notion that Autism is linked directly to vaccinations, the group’s passion for children and commitment to their well-being are no doubt sincere.
Other Autism organizations, such as Autism Speaks and ADAPT4autism, aim to provide information about the disorder, symptoms, frequently asked questions and facts, among other things. ADAPT4Autism is a local not-for-profit organization in the local Saint Louis area that aims to provide services and programs for children and families affected by Autism. Offering day camps and summer programs, ADAPT4autism provides children with a chance to go swimming, horseback riding, hiking and other enriching activities in a safe, modified and understanding environment. In a society wildly uninformed about the disorder, providing this kind of environment for children is invaluable.
In fact, according to Christina Gibson-Cipfl, director of ADAPT4autism, “Summertime services for students with Autism is at a premium. Many families are looking to provide summertime services to their child, but either don’t have the resources or funds to do it. Our goal is to provide quality summertime program at affordable prices. By fundraising and collaborating with local clubs, such as the Elks and Junior Services Clubs, we can make the camps affordable for everyone.”
Other foundations nationwide can help children and parents alike cope with the disorder and gain a sense of normalcy in a world that still struggles to understand and appropriately identify it. Regardless what you believe about the causes of Autism, all parents absolutely should talk to their family pediatrician about vaccination risks, about what shots can be spread out, what can be postponed and which shots might be optional for his or her own child. And as schools nationwide begin to face an increase in children on their caseloads, there has never been a better time to help.
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