The responses from across the country continue to pour in. I am surprised at how many people are affected by AS. The Boy Inside seems to have truly struck a nerve. Our dream of an online community growing out of the shared experience of watching the film is starting to become a reality. Parents are starting to share their stories and connect with one another. There seems to be emotional value for people in telling their story and hearing other family's stories. I hope our kids start to find value in connecting with each other online.
One of the most moving emails to come my way today was from the ringleader of the group of kids that rejected Adam during Grade 6 and 7. He watched the film on CBC Newsworld last night and apologized to Adam for bullying him and said he wished he would have been able to see things through Adam's eyes. It makes me more determined to get the film into every school, not just in BC, but in all of Canada. With a good study guide to help teachers use the film in the most effective way, we can really have an impact on how kids treat other kids.
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Thank you for the amazing film
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2007-09-04 20:12.
Hi Marianne,
My husband and I just finished watching your documentary on CBC and we felt compelled to log on to find out how your family is doing now. We were in constant tears and we're so happy to see that Adam is enjoying life more. As a mother of a 20 month old with another baby on the way, I hope I have some merit in saying that you are an incredible mother - a model. Thank you so much for educating us on how we can raise more aware children.
Mandy
Toronto, ON
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National Autism Strategy
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2006-10-29 09:24.
I'd like to thank you for your film. I was struck by the inability of school to handle situations that arise. My 8 yr old son is somewhat fortuate to go to a small elementary school. What about high school? ALL teachers and students across Canada should see your film!
I'd also like to share an excerpt from the "National Autism Strategy" debate - House of Commons - 27 Oct 06: (2nd hr of debate is approx. 3rd week of Nov)
Hon. Andy Scott (Fredericton, Lib.):
I was asked to read a letter by a constituent in my riding, who is in the armed forces. His name is Brian Rimpilainen. He is from Fredericton. He and his wife Tracy have two kids, a four year old and an eight year old, who has been diagnosed with autism. This was specifically written by him. He stated:
The birth of a child is both joyous and trying at times, but at the age of 3 yrs came the crushing blow of an autism diagnosis for our oldest boy. Overwhelming and frightening was the situation we were thrust into. With reason comes questions— What to do?—What information can we find to educate?—What treatments?— WHAT HELP?
Well, there is ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis). At our own expense, we sought the guidance of Dr. Paul McDonnell and a therapist. 40 hrs/ week is the recommended therapy which is not always possible for some families. We learned the basics of ABA—we did the best that we could. Later, some assistance came—but too late for our son—he was already entering kindergarten. Tracy was fortunate to have the opportunity to be certified as an ASW (Autism Support Worker) at the University of New Brunswick's College of Extended Learning.
We know that we were blessed to have been given an autistic child—we celebrate the joys of both our children's successes and embrace the hardships/headaches of autism. But what now?— What more can be done?—What will happen when Tracy and I are gone? Will my son be taken care of in his adult years?
I see the heartache of parents who relocate to find services for their autistic children. Shall we all move to Alberta where services are enviable? As a member of the Canadian Forces I have contemplated the possibility of a posting. What services will be available? How will the move disturb our children's balanced life?
I see that there is research and training that could be done. The school-aged autistics need the help of trained Teacher's Assistants. “Inclusion” is not the answer for all autistics, some require one-on-one instruction, some flourish with the social interaction of peer mentoring. I question why all autistics across Canada can't get the same level of services within reasonable wait times. Stress and hardship in the autistic family leads to a higher than normal divorce rate: the mother becoming the primary caregiver.
With such a high prevalence rate we must act now. Does it not make sense to invest in trying to facilitate the ability of autistics to achieve their potential as productive citizens? The alternative is an immense cost to society in long-term care. AUTISM does not discriminate, it does not wait, it does not stop at age 6. As a father/ parent, all I can hope is the recognition, dignity, and security for our children as citizens of Canada.
For Brian and Tracy, their story tells the story. I do not know how we can turn our backs on the thousands of Canadians who can tell that story.
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I just tuned into the last
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2006-10-28 22:57.
I just tuned into the last 30 minutes of the film on CBC and I was simply amazed at the bare truth of life with a child with difficulties. My children have a friend with Aspergers' and I now understand much more than I did before the difficulties the parent's face, not just the child. My heart goes out to all of you for having the courage to allow your lives to become public, let this benefit many children. I am purchasing a copy of the film and will ask our school to show it.
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Creating Peer Groups
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2006-10-29 21:20.
Hi there
please move this conversation about creating social groups/hango out situations over to our parents/adults forum. There is a topic on that forum for this idea. I am very keen to get another group going in the Vancouver area. We had one last year, kind of a pilot project organised through developmental disabilities association, and we need about 6 -8 kids in the age 13-16 range to get it happening again.It was great for our kids and they miss it.
Marianne
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Thank you
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2006-10-27 18:53.
I am the mother of a 6 year old son with AS. Our son was diagnosed a year ago. Until they watched your film, our extended family had no idea of the impact that AS has on the lives of the individual and immediate family members. The day after the documentary aired, we received a number of phone calls from family members offering to provide us with respite care and to also spend more time with our other children.
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RE: Thank You
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2006-10-29 21:22.
You lucky people! I sometime joke that I made the documentary so family and friends would take pity on us and offer to take the kids more often. So far it hasn't happened for us, but I'm happy to hear its happening for some folk.
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To Marianne, Bless You.