The Debate

There are so many things I could comment on regarding last night's debate. I agree Obama seemed flat. I agree that John McCain had this maniacal smile on his face everytime Obama was speaking. I agree that, for the most part, they both said the same old thing...except this...

How in the world does John McCain make a connection between Sarah Palin having a nine month old with down syndrome to her understanding the needs of children with autism?!?!

First: She has a child with DOWN SYNDROME - that is not the same as autism. Down Syndrome is considered a physical impairment, therefore the child qualifies for health care and therapy services under most insurance plans and government programs. He will receive numerous interventions and qualify for significant therapy services. Autism is considered a neurological impairment and, depending on where the child falls on the spectrum, is NOT covered under most insurance plans and government waiver programs. Most families are completely lost in the system and some receive no help at all because their child cannot receive an accurate diagnosis; "he looks normal..."

Second: Her child is only nine months old AND she has been running for Vice-President for two of those nine months, 24 hours a day. How in the world does she have any clue what families with special needs children are going through? She hasn't had to deal with a two year old who screams and bangs his head on the floor because he has no other way to communicate; she hasn't had to deal with a four year old who walks around 24/7 with a wrist in his mouth to self stimulate his overloaded senses while the other hand is raised over his head to hit anyone who stands near; she hasn't had to deal with a six year old under his desk at school because he wants to be a bear in his cave; she hasn't had to deal with teaching a ten year old to tie his shoes because his fine motor skills are so weak; she hasn't had to deal with a twelve year old who obsesses over imaginary holes in his sports jerseys and has major screaming meltdowns if you say you can't fix it...

She hasn't had to deal with a child with Aspergers or any other autism spectrum disorder and I am deeply offended to think she has any clue what WE go through everyday.

So John McCain, don't tell me Sarah Palin knows what it's like to have a child with autism and has fought for our rights. Give her 12 years to live with it everyday and then we'll talk.