The Psych and Guidance team at my primary school, Preston West Primary 1968-1975 assessed me as disturbed.

Dr Lawrence Bartak, a senior Educational Psychologist, widely published senior lecturer at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, with over 40 years experience diagnosing and working with people with autism, diagnosed me with autism in 1991.

Dr Leslie Tan, an audiologist at Listening Works, Camberwell, Victoria, diagnosed me with a receptive language processing disorder.

I was diagnosed in the mid 90s with a visual perceptual disorder by and Educational Psychologist.

Several immunologists diagnosed me with primary immune deficiency and a series of gut, immune, metabolic disorders.

Of course, Dr Fred Volkmar, a US psychiatrist who had never met me nor ever seen video footage of me at the time, did reply to a radio interviewer (who had also never met me) that I didn’t fit his experience with the 40 high functioning autistic adults he’d met. And, following the publication of my first book in which I wrote briefly of his office behavior) an ex university Sociology supervisor with no qualification in child development or psychology who had never known me outside of the private meetings in his office and my participation in his classes did challenge my diagnosis, as did the interviewer he went to, Kathy Gollan, at the ABC, who had also never met me.

http://blog.donnawilliams.net/2008/03/17/diagnosis-autism-and-a-untidy-boxes/

But given Christschool has widely proclaimed me as a fraud (all my childhood pictures are for view on my website http://www.donnawilliams.net ) I was certainly waiting to see his response as to who diagnosed him as autistic.

You have given this a lot of thought. I appreciate your comments and advice. I guess I will wait and see.

Peace to you as well.

Walleyeman

I watched the video you linked and your question about Subsection 1. Subsection 1 would not apply to this video because the video is protected by the federal Constitution because it would be considered political speech. More locally, Minnesota law is careful not to confuse political speech with how you are interpreting this video. See further under the notes for section 609.749 wherein the notes accompanying the section set forth the following: “This section does not apply to any peaceable, nonviolent, or nonthreatening activity intended to express political views or to provide lawful information to others. This section shall not be construed to impair any constitutionally protected activity, including speech, protest, or assembly. (2000-125, sub.1; 2000-140, sub. 91.) Telling someone FU is not considered threatening and I assume that parts of the video were public and fall under fair use rules, particularly as it relates to political speech, commentary and parody.

As far as the message in the video I really didn’t find much wrong (nor novel for that matter) with it from a disability rights perspective. I’m not autistic, but I know what it means to be exploited. So in this way, I have natural empathy with this position. This person seems to be saying that he has felt exploitation in his life as a result of his “disability” (and by inference he has seen the same exploitation occur with his own child and does not want other children to have to suffer from exploitation). I don’t know the person he was directing this to but I did read all of the comments on the video and deduced that QuantumErik was the person he directed the comment to.

I also don’t know much about Hyperlexia but I did follow the link provided on the video which appears to support his position that hyperlexia is a common “condition” for some people with autism (the validity of which I cannot attest to). Thus, I understand his second point about not using the condition as some sort of “proof” that the child is “cured” in promoting what he believes is questionable experimentation on children (40 pills a day seems like a lot for any condition, but I’m not a doctor).

Many people react strongly to what they perceive as child exploitation, especially if they themselves were exploited as children. If I had autism, I might feel a bit angry as well if I were familiar with this type of situation. However, I might have attempted to make my point differently. But what I know about autism could be fit on a thumbnail. I understand there are difficulties with social skills and perhaps that is why he didn’t make his point with less “abrasiveness”.

I took the time to look at some of his other videos and found them very enlightening. This is a whole area of advocacy I’m not familiar with, but I intend to learn more.

One video I particularly liked was this one –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trym2trONes
I think this video could speak to anyone that has felt like an outsider in society, misunderstood or has been abused by someone at some point in they’re life.

I think/assume you should/have looked at the rest of his videos before you come/came to such a conclusion.

I understand your looking out for someone you consider a friend and it’s natural to be protective of friendships. However, I’m not sure your going about it the best way.

You indicated earlier that the school searched their “databases” for this individual and didn’t find anything. That would lead me to several conclusions. Firstly, you either don’t have the correct name or he didn’t attend the school. Secondly, even if you did have the correct name, this person would have had to agree to release information about himself in very restricted ways (potential employers or specific requests such as for admission to another educational institution) or thirdly the person you spoke with wasn’t familiar with student records law and was giving out information that is against privacy laws, even denying attendence is a violation if they didn’t receive a signed release form from you. I guess a fourth conclusion could be drawn if you misrepresented yourself, which would be a very grave mistake if this individual decides to pursue his privacy rights because if you are who you say you are, it should be easy to trace your phone records.

I’m suggesting to you that you are/could be personally in some very grave legal waters here if this individual decides to exercise his rights. I don’t think a jury or judge will “buy” your argument that you were just protecting the school’s image (what would be your ‘legal consideration’ for this would be the first question asked). On the contrary, they may come to the conclusion that you were attempting to harass and intimidate this individual.

As to your other point about using your name and the town you live in, I simply would advise you not to do that because a lot can be gathered on you from that information and since you in essence have voluntarily surrendered control of your personal information by this act,, you are essentially trusting the entire world with your information. There is rampant identity theft, child predators and psychopaths out there. This is actually the first time I’ve come across anyone on the internet insisting on using their real name and the town that they live in. I would highly recommend you rethink this “policy”.

The internet is a wonderful technology that is being used to expand human knowledge, exposing us to people we don’t normally encounter in everday life but it can and has been used for very destructive purposes. Also, never underestimate a politically elected official, such as a district attorney, who may be keen to prosecute cyberstalking laws. DA’s are notorious for “excersising” certain statutes depending on the political and or societal demands of their local electorate.

Peace

Good thing my letter to Christ School did not fall under any of the definitions in 609.749 Harassment; stalking; penalties. Read it again – I did not “contact someones “Alma Mater” , I did not even know who kent was at the time. I simply suggested theypost a comment asking him to change his username if he wants to talk like that.

It is also a good thing that Kent does not live in Minnesota because his YouTube video on my freind might fall under the definitions in 609.749 Harassment; stalking; penalties.

Carefully read Subdivision 1. Definition, and then watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5maRs7LGC4 – especially starting at time 5:45 thru 6:20 where Kent ends with “and frankly I don’t care who my “french” offends”…………..

And you feel offended by MY language? This is why I contacted the school – having Christ’s name associated with this was a little too much for me to bear, and to do this to a freind of mine added to my cause. That was it. I have nothing to hide, that is why I sign my name, everywhere, everytime.

Tim Kasemodel
Wayzata, MN

Tim Kasemodel
Wayzata, MN

http://www.haltabuse.org/resources/laws/index.shtml

Just for kicks, I looked up Minnesota. Minnesota is a state where cyberstalking is against the law. Below is the law from Minnesota:

Minnesota
609.749 Harassment; stalking; penalties.

Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section, “harass” means to engage in intentional conduct which: the actor knows or has reason to know would cause the victim under the circumstances to feel frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated; and
causes this reaction on the part of the victim.

Subd. 1a. No proof of specific intent required. In a prosecution under this section, the state is not required to prove that the actor intended to cause the victim to feel frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated, or except as otherwise provided in subdivision 3, clause (4), that the actor intended to cause any other result.

Subd. 2. Harassment and stalking crimes.

A person who harasses another by committing any of the following acts is guilty of a gross misdemeanor: directly or indirectly manifests a purpose or intent to injure the person, property, or rights of another by the commission of an unlawful act; stalks, follows, or pursues another; returns to the property of another if the actor is without claim of right to the property or consent of one with authority to consent;
repeatedly makes telephone calls, or induces a victim to make telephone calls to the actor, whether or not conversation ensues;
makes or causes the telephone of another repeatedly or continuously to ring; repeatedly mails or delivers or causes the delivery by any means, including ELECTRONICALLY, of letters, telegrams, messages, packages, or other objects; or knowingly makes false allegations against a peace officer concerning the officer’s performance of official duties with intent to influence or tamper with the officer’s performance of official duties.

The conduct described in paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), may be prosecuted at the place where any call is either made or received. The conduct described in paragraph (a), clause (6), may be prosecuted where any letter, telegram, message, package, or other object is either sent or received.
A peace officer may not make a warrantless, custodial arrest of any person for a violation of paragraph (a), clause (7).

I’m a bit surprised the letter didn’t read, “This sick bastard has posted comments that are very vulgar, with profanities that are used often.” But i guess that might have represented an unnecessary amount of poor taste. (And you always want to use just the RIGHT amount.)

Interesting that the apparently extra-sensitive, easily offended people on this board include one who apparently thought it amusing to sign the name “Raymond Babbitt” to a petition calling for respect for autistic people; another who hijacked domain names related to bloggers who didn’t agree with his viewpoints, as some kind of head-scratching prank; and others who apparently split their time between calling people names on the Web and trying to get those same people into trouble for their own use of language.

Not terribly flattering, gentlemen.

Dear (Director of Communications),

My name is Tim Kasemodel and am a christian and I have a child with autism. I was viewing some autism videos on youtube and ran across many that are posted by someone using the name “christschool”. I want you to be aware of this because many of his (a father of a child with autism, who says he is autistic as well) videos and posted comments are very vulgar, with profanity used often. Regardless of his opinions on autism treatments, I feel he uses an unecessary amount of poor taste to convey them.

I am surprised that anyone who would use Christ in part of their name would be so shameless and hateful. I hope very much that his use of your shcool’s name is a coincidence. It may be a good idea for someone from your organization post a comment asking him to change his username, so people would not associate his rude, vulgar and hateful videos with your school.

Tim Kasmeodel
Wayzata, MN

Why are you calling my alma mater? Just what are you trying to find out about me? This is rather scary to me. Is your intention to frighten me? Well, it worked.

If someone wanted to talk, get to know me, they could certainly click on the user name in my profile on youtube. However, I must say that I don’t wish to correspond with you at this point.

CS
“Self love is an act of definance to some in society” -Malcom X

Anne Dachel started a dialouge about her view of the politics behind the autism explosion and you came to twist it into something about demeaning autistics in general. This happens every time you post on an article – there never is any real dialouge when you make it all about you.

As for my use of the word bastard – you can hardly sit back smug acting like THAT word would shock you……… your use of the F-word in a YouTube video prompted me to contact the actual Christ School and this was their reply:

“This gets stranger and stranger. I can see where he lists Christ School as his Alma Mater, and I can see the images of our web site, we just can’t find him in our database anywhere.”

Stranger and stranger indeed…..

Tim Kasemodel
Wayzata, MN

This is what happens to an actual “dissident voice,” i guess. Anyway, i happen to like his videos. Probably will be hearing from my alma mater soon (if someone here hasn’t called them already).

Well my alma mater is still soliciting me for donations so they must not be too displeased.

Why the language?

I hoped to perhaps start a dialogue but I see that may not be possible. Again, all the best to you and your child.

CS
“Self love is an act of definance to some in society” -Malcom X

You visited my youtube and made a really nasty comment. I have seen some of yours but did not leave a comment. They were mocking and unenjoyable to view. You make incongruent points about autism and express an opinion that I don’t agree with. You on the other hand, leave snide and mean posts often.

I am curious how and who made a diagnosis of autism to you? You appear to have more traits in the umbrella of narcissism. I have met some very nice hf/asperger adults and they are not mean at all. They are very accepting of parents being concerned about their children who have medical illnesses. They have shown an interest in the environmental/vaccine paradigm of today and do not cling to the “gene only” theory.

I am not sure who elected you spokesperson of all autistics but I think it’s time for a new vote.

Teresa… aka redhead
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=redhead60707

I want MY son, who I hope will someday read thru the biomed help he gets, to read how I did not give up on him and his sensory issues.

“MAY be interpreted as being in pain”??????

You are one sick bastard.

But enough about you – Lets bring this conversation back to Anne Dachel’s comments please. She simply wants the world to wake up to the reality of autism, the one you so deparately want to ignore……

Tim Kasemodel
Wayzata, MN

What you will find is dozens of videos showing the “other” side of autism that doesn’t get much exposure in the mainstream media.

Also, please note the link to The National Autistic Society of America’s fund raising site. It’s just a start but we hope to raise money for scholarships for autistic students, changes in the law to accomodate autistic people and others with neurological differences. Look for bigger things to come from TNASA.

CS
“Self love is an act of definance to some in society” -Malcom X

Glad you watch my videos. I’m agnostic as I’ve explained before.

As far as sensory issues, I believe in accomodation. I’m sure biomed parents love their children, its what they some of them say about their children that bothers me, but, I don’t think that is a trait unique to only biomed parents. Go to a youth sports game to see some of the ugliness out there. You won’t see any video of mine where I say they don’t love their children (that I can think of).

As far as the public reaction to me or my child and his and my dignity, I don’t want my child to live in a world where someone else defines his dignity other than himself. Utopian? You bet it is. But its a cause I’m willing to take on.

However, it will take time. As the Gay community has learned (whom just not long ago were also defined as having some sort of mental disorder), changing public perceptions is a very hard thing to do. But, they are making progress with much of society. I want the same thing for autistic people as well. I also look to the deaf community as a good model for self awareness and self advocacy.

I do ridicule. Perhaps its not the best method, but that is how I sometimes relate. I speak like a blunt instrument (that’s my autism showing I guess, which I don’t apologize for).

If your child is in discomfort, accomodate the discomfort. There isn’t any medical evidence by mainstream science to show autistic people are all naturally inclined to be discomforted, whatever that is. There are issues where our sensory issues are not addressed and sometimes that may be interpreted as being in “pain”. Sometimes the lack of accomodation can cause all sorts of reactions often misunderstood.

Many autistic and non autistic people use moniker’s Eric. If you choose to use the name you have for me, you can use that if it makes you more comfortable.

JB, you sound as if you feel threatened? I was only replying to what you said about your child. I know nothing about your child other than what you have said. I too am proud that my preschooler reads, socializes and speaks. I credit him completely. He has a kind soul. I like to think I have helped him by understanding him better than anyone else in the family (other than my nephew who is also autistic), but it really has come down to his natural progression. He’s a great kid. Tough sometimes, like his Daddy, but I couldn’t have asked for a better child.

Anyway, I only hope the best for your children. I hope they grow up to be proud and full of self esteem. The world out there is unkind to autistic people and they will certainly need your support and encouragement to be strong autistic adults. I’m forever indebted to my mother for always believing in me and always “protecting” me by way of the self esteem she gave me.

CS
“Self love is an act of definance to some in society” -Malcom X

You clearly suffer from some deep-seeded issues with your own self-esteem and you’re projecting them onto OUR children, assuming you can relate. But look how you relate to people. You ridicule and curse them in your videos when you disagree with their methods. You compared me (and people like me) to Charlie Manson! You’re unbelievable and completely unlikeable.

And stop using “CHRIST” in your moniker. You are far from christian in how you treat others. Your name is Kent Adams. Use it with pride or shut your pie hole.

How dare you infer that you have any idea what my hopes are for my child or what sort of message I send him!!

For your information, my son is talking (now, hundereds of words), reading, socializing, and attending pre-school and I have extremely high hopes for him to lead a great life. I credit all of his gains to biomedical treatment.

None of that changes the fact that I have met many children in their teens who are non-verbal and struggling. To imply that the parents are some how responsible for that in any way is wrong and conjures up memories of refrigerator moms.

You are way out of line Christschool, and you’d be best served to keep your nose out of my house, as you have no idea what you are talking about when it comes to my son.

JB Handley

I hope you’ve been listening and reading the transcripts of the Autism Omnibus Hearing.

JB, it pains me that another parent can say with such certainty what their child will “never be able to do”. NO parent should ever say such a thing.

It also pains me to read how people have such low expectations for their children. I hope you never reveal those thoughts to your children and that they never come across such words by their fathers and mothers on the internet in the future.

I want my Autistic Disordered child, who will one day read, who will one day come across my words to know that Daddy loves who “he” is, that Daddy will never ever betray his dignity which is his birth right.

Have a good day JB, Eric and Tim.

CS
“Self love is an act of definance to some in society” -Malcom X