Autism rates continue to skyrocket, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which released new figures today, showing a 23% increase from 2006 to 2008. One in 88 American children are now on the autism spectrum, the CDC said, up from 1 in 110. The figures are even higher for boys, with 1 in 54 8-year-olds now counted on the spectrum.

It’s not known whether these increases are due to better counting or should be blamed on something in the environment, or, most likely, a mixture of both.

Peter Bearman, a Columbia University sociologist, says better awareness has something to do with the increase but “I don’t believe the whole thing is diagnostic.” Bearman studies autism rates in California and says his data, up to 2008, is consistent with the CDC’s count.

This is, in general, good news.  More people are becoming aware of autism and are seeking diagnoses and treatment.  Maybe autism isn’t the right diagnosis for some of those, and that’s still sort of okay; it takes a while to get some of these brain disorders figured out, and some people are stuck living years with the wrong diagnosis.  (raises hand)

But this one paragraph brought tears to my eyes:

Roy Richard Grinker, an anthropology professor at The George Washington University in Washington, said he’s not surprised — even relieved — that the CDC’s autism rate is rising, because it means more children who need help are getting it.

I’m really, really, really, really glad that more children who need help are getting it.  It’s a good thing, and I know God rejoices to see God’s children supported and loved.  What brought tears to my eyes is knowing that many adults who need help are not getting it.  Many of us live on the margins, being those geeky weirdos who every so often take off on some strange tangent and have to be brought back to the fold.  We hide out as engineers, as software developers, as quirky artistic types.  And we often fear that the facades we construct — so that we will seem like normal, well-adjusted people — will come crashing down, and everyone will know we’re different.  Weird.  Crazy.

So yeah. I am really truly glad for the kids who are getting help that they desperately need to survive their school years.  And yet, I have my days when I sit at my desk and look out the window and wonder What about me?  When will I get my help?  And what about the friends and relatives I know?  When will their help come?  It almost sounds like a psalm: How long, O Lord?

(via hesychia)

Well.  Isn’t that adorable!

Mekeeda Austin: Undercover Nun is praying for your immortal soul.  And for the immortal soul of your mother.

(Source: onionlike)

So what can we do? First, we should speak out when politicians say “there is no more money.” There is money to do what we want to do. There is money to fight wars in the Middle East. There is enough money to give big corporate cuts. There is enough money for 1% of this nation to live lives of splendor. Why is there not enough money to provide the basic public services that every child needs?

• Every pregnant woman should have good pre-natal care and nutrition so that her child is born healthy. One of three children born to women who do not get good prenatal care will have disabilities that are preventable. That will cost society far more than providing these women with prenatal care.
• Every child should have the medical attention and nutrition that they need to grow up healthy.
• Every child should have high-quality early childhood education.
• Every school should have experienced teachers who are prepared to help all children learn.
• Every teacher should have at least a masters degree.
• Every principal should be a master teacher, not a recruit from industry, the military, or the sports world.
• Every superintendent should be an experienced educator who understand teaching and learning and the needs of children.
• Every school should have a health clinic.
• Schools should collaborate with parents, the local community, civic leaders, and local business leaders to support the needs of children.
• Every school should have a full and balanced curriculum, with the arts, sciences, history, civics, geography, mathematics, foreign languages, and physical education.
• Every child should have time and space to play.
• We must stop investing in testing, accountability, and consultants and start investing in children.

Do we want to be a decent society or a decadent society? Do we want to nurture, protect and inspire all of our children? Do we want children who are leaders or followers? Do we want to make sure that this generation of young people is prepared to sustain our democracy? Do we want citizens prepared to ask questions or just to answer questions posed by authorities?

We must stop the trash talk about our public schools and dedicate ourselves to making every one of them a school that is just right for all our children. Yes, it will cost more, but ignorance and neglect are much more expensive.

Let all God’s people say AMEN!!!

(Source: azspot, via hairtrending)

Boy’s shooting of sister, 4, shocks father

Really?  That shocked the father?  I’m stunned!

Honestly, being shocked by a 5-year-old shooting a 4-year-old is not news.  If the father wasn’t shocked, that would be news.

CBC, you can do better than this.  And Mr. Lachappelle?  Undercover Nun is praying for your immortal soul.