Marketing at Autism One

I was shocked and a little skeptical by products that are targeted at kids with special needs after attending the Autism One Conference in Chicago last weekend. I am sure some people think some of the products presented really do help their kids, but there probably are some product owners who are trying to take advantage of these parents. I couldn't stop thinking "Why is this product targeted at kids with Autism? These vitamins are something all kids could use. Or this comfy chair is something I would like. What's with all these products marketed for autism?"

I don't have a child with autism, so maybe those who do appreciate all the merchandise. I just wonder if the owners take the products to different conferences around the country and have new signs made for each disorder/disease. Can you just picture the briefcases full of signs: "Helps kids with Autism!" "Great for kids with Muscular Dystrophy!" "What kids with Cystic Fibrosis really need!" "The best invention for kids with Cerebral Palsy."

Maybe I am just being obnoxious here, but I felt like I was walking into a big sales pitch. There was a lot of pressure to buy from some of the people. I wanted to put on a shirt that said, "I am with the media and I am not doing any stories on your product." Maybe that way I could have looked around and not been so aggravated. Maybe it's just high pressure sales in general that turns me off.

Has anyone else dealt with this? Am I being too sensitive? Does anyone have any advice for parents who deal with this? How are you supposed to know which products might really help your child and which ones are just people trying to make money?

(This is not a jab at the conference at all. The speakers were great and I was honored to be invited. This whole topic of high pressure sales to certain groups of people just made me wonder if I am the only one who thinks this.")

UPDATE: Coincidently, I just found this article that kind of talks about this. Strange.

Here's what one parent said:

"I bought enzymes and supplements from America, which cost a fortune. I even paid thousands for a special mattress, blankets and pillows with magnets sewn into them that the sales people promised would do wonders but, of course, didn’t work.
‘Autism is seen by some people as big business.
‘I meet parents who want a cure and spend money in the hope they’ll have a normal child. I try to warn them that there is no evidence any of these things work, but they’ll often go ahead."

Just to be clear, I have talked to parents of children with autism who say their children have recovered. I think that is fabulous! Whether outsiders believe these children are autism free or not, who cares. If the child and family feel they have created a better quality of life, that is wonderful!

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Autism One

Wow! What an intense weekend. I have never seen so many caring parents fighting for their kids in one place. I just sat down at the computer after three days in Chicago going to seminar after seminar on all aspects of autism. This picture is posted on the age of autism blog.

I have some pictures of me and Jenny McCarthy (the keynote speaker) that I will be posting when I go buy a new cord for my digital camera. It disappeared last week so I can't load any photos right this second.

I went to the conference to be part of a journalism panel. I met a lot of great people, got pushed and shoved by a lot of moms and got very skeptical of all the products that are touted as "helps kids with autism." There were a lot of people there trying to make money. Hmmm..

So I have some interesting posts coming up next week on my experience. If you have kids, there is some information you need to know. Whether your kids have autism or not, some of the information given was eye opening.

Here's a hint.. nutrition, nutrition, nutrition...

I will give you all the details soon.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is "World Autism Awareness Day." The General Assembly of the United Nations designated April 2nd,2008 as the first World Autism Awareness Day with "the hope that in the future, improved research studies and technology, as well as increased awareness and compassion among members of society will help to improve our knowledge and understanding of and responsiveness to autism." Many communities are also celebrating the entire month as Autism Awareness Month. Easter Seals has an autism blog that is really interesting.

I have interviewed many parents and experts in the field as part of my research for the "Autism Epidemic" special that aired on WHOI in August 2007. There are so many signs and symptoms of autism and so many different aspects. Many parents have said to me, "no two autistic kids are the same." Some kids have very mild cases, others are so severe they need full time care their entire lives. There are so many more questions about autism than answers. Parents of children with the disorder often feel lost. I hope this designation will help these parents and help the rest of us better understand what needs to be done.

Autism One is hosting a three day conference this May. Jenny McCarthy is the keynote speaker. I was fortunate to be invited to attend. Local policy makers including mayors, state representatives and senators from Illinois (and most other states) have all been invited. I urge you to contact your local lawmakers and ask them to attend. The more people who understand autism, the better off we will all be. One in every 150 kids is now diagnosed with autism, one in every 94 boys. The chances are, you will know someone or your kids will go to school with someone with autism. This is no longer a topic for people who have a family member with autism.

UPDATE: The Autism Society of Mclean County held a book reading at Barnes and Noble in Bloomington, IL on Tuesday. The pictures are from the event. The little red head was telling me before I read how she has Aspergers and she loves her cat. She brought her mouse webkinz with her to the event. It just so happens I brought the book "All Cats have Aspergers Syndrome." Needless to say, I gave the book to Claire. Isn't it neat how things just seem to happen for a reason!

Thanks to David Warner for inviting me to read! The kids were so wonderful. What a great experience! Music Therapist Meryl Brown was there singing and dancing with the kids. She goes to your home and teaches kids on the autism spectrum how to open up. She said she has one child who was only doing ecolalia and is now having conversations and answering questions after about 8 months of therapy. If you live in the Bloomington area and are interested in hiring her email is MBrownMTBC [at] gmail [dot] com. Obviously use the appropriate version of email to send this. I just don't want her to get spam by posting the actual address on-line.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of autism from the words of parents and experts in the field:

-NewsAnchorMom Jen