Ask:
In the Redbook article they discussed the amount of money spent on autism research versus (sp) what is spent on HIV/AIDS research. In Dec. 2006, President Bush signed the Combating Autism Act which gives $924 million in federal funds to be used over the next five years to be spent on research, screening, prevention, treatment, etc.
Now, here's what burns me up. $2.9 billion is spent annually on HIV/AIDS research. If I'm not mistaken but way more people affected by autism (1 in 150) and I hope I don't sound too politically incorrect but a lot (not all) of those affected by AIDS are brought on by lifestyle choices (I'm not referring to the poor innocent babies). Sure people will die from AIDS and not from autism. We know how to prevent AIDS but we don't know how to prevent autism, yet where does all the money go?!?!
One other stat: There are more people affected by autism than childhood cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.
I am just so angry
Answer:
I can see why you're angry. There are probably a couple of reasons for this:
AIDS research has been around longer in the media.
AIDS has touched the lives of many in the media and Hollywood, and is still the cause du jour.
It seems that if a celebrity gets involved w/the autism thing, he or she is often admitting to having an "imperfect" child, so because there's still that stigma by the ignorant, they choose not to do it. NOW, if they think it'll help their career, that will change everything.
Autism lacks a celebrity spokesperson. I was speaking recently w/the leader of an Aspergers group I am joining, and she made that statement which I agree with. There are some coming out and talking about this, but I don't really see any big drive like with AIDS, like full blown media affairs, benefits and such. Probably because AIDS has affected those with money - Freddy Mercury, Halston, etc. It's rumoured that Steven Spielberg has Aspergers. It would make a huge difference if someone successful and perceived as "normal" were to speak out.
Autism is definitely getting more exposure, but it's slow going and there is just not enough mouth where the money is! I also think that celebrity parents try to shield their children. You will see a celebrity go full force to the media when she has breast cancer - yet male celebrities don't talk much about when they have prostate cancer. Celebrities with children who have cancer don't really hit the media, either. I think they are afraid of exposing their children, but also afraid of being accused of using it. I don't know. I definitely think there's still stigma about it in those circles. It's really too bad.
This same leader locally is trying to get Mohammed Ali (sp?) on board to help with the bullying side (he has a home here). However, he is already on the Parkinsons bandwagon with Michael J. Fox, and I just don't think he's the right person for it. Her idea is to show you can be a great athlete and strong and still have a clean life and be a nice person. Good point, but...
These are not excuses - it's just that it's always a sidebar when the media reports someone working this on Capitol Hill, even when a celeb is in front of the politicians. We know Hollywood rules the media, and often, politicians, who depend on the media. Love/hate. But get out and contact your congressmen, Senators, local leaders!
Many do reply. Just prepare to hear the same I get: John McCain and others - They take this subject very seriously. Hmm. That's been the same message on many of the issues I've sent msgs about.....
Answer:
also been thousands of innocent people that have gotten AIDS from blood transfusions, and medical people that have gotten it from getting stuck with the needle they are using.. Its not all about the life choises of people..
Answer:
Originally Posted by desertmom
Autism lacks a celebrity spokesperson.
I'm hoping the tide is turning. Today I found out that Jenny McCarthy (Jim Carrey's girlfriend) has a 4 year old autistic son. Also, Toni Braxton is now the celebrity spokesperson for Autism Speaks. Other famous people who have 'outed' themselves as having autistic children are Aidan Quinn, Edward Asner, Dan Marino, Doug Flutie, John Schneider, Holly Robinson Peete, Gary Cole and Joe Mantegna. I'm sure I'm missing a few others. Maybe the stigma will go away or at least be greatly reduced and more will come forward. Although I don't agree with a lot of the politcs that goes on in Hollywood it's hard to disregard the affect they can have on people.
Answer:
Originally Posted by itstinkerbelle
also been thousands of innocent people that have gotten AIDS from blood transfusions, and medical people that have gotten it from getting stuck with the needle they are using.. Its not all about the life choises of people..
I'm thinking the big difference is negligence by those involved with the blood transfusions (not the patients) and medical personnel not taking the proper precautions (and I know that accidents happen). We *know* how HIV is transmitted---we've barely scratched the surface on what causes autism and it affects way more people.
I'm not saying that we shouldn't spend the money on HIV research/treatment but if there is only so much money to go around I would like to see a greater percentage of that money spent on something that affects way more people.