In case you didn't know, it's Autism Awareness Month. The big news? It is starting to appear that CNN is making the turn when it comes to autism. I love their tagline, "Why is autism still a mystery?" That is a very good question, and I'm convinced it has some very ugly answers. On the good side, Larry King has done a number of very positive shows with parents of autistic children over the past two months. Bravo Larry!
In general, the major news networks have bowed to their drug company advertisers and CDC talking heads, while making parents of autistic children look emotional and ridiculous. By far the worst is CBS. Last year, Bob Wright, former CEO of NBC, found out that his grandson had autism. To his credit, he and his wife began Autism Speaks, which is a fantastic organization. Since then, NBC has been very careful to show parents in a positive light. Now it's CNN.
The second thing I wanted to note was a story about a girl from Kentucky (where I used to live). Natalie Pope, a 17-year old girl scout, will kick off a new autism awareness specialty license plate for the state of Kentucky. Her younger brother was diagnosed with autism, and this was her Gold Award project. This was not an easy thing to do, and I applaud her for it.
The last thing I want to mention is a long running story of frustration. Once again, Dr. Paul Offit, inventor of thimerisol, is being quoted that a mercury/autism link has been disproven "over and over again." In the face of conflicting studies, and the growing numbers of autism, he's sticking to his "story." Why? Offit makes money when thimerisol is used. His entire medical reputation is wrapped up in it. Would you listen to a tobacco executive telling you that nicotine is not additive and cigarettes don't cause lung cancer? Of course not! Then stop reading Paul Offit. One day, I believe he is likely to be regarded by future doctors as a misguided and reckless. He is our modern day Walter Freeman. Freeman was considered an expert, a hero during his life. History is often very cruel, with a ling list of doctors who are today considered monsters. Offit's name, just like Freeman, will one day be added to that list.
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