Susan's Blog

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

An Easy Way to Say Thank You

I don’t often write this kind of post, but the Autism Science Foundation is worth it. The ASF formed a few years ago, from scientists that used to work for NAAR (National Association of Autism Research) way back in the 1980’s and ’90’s. NAAR was founded by extraordinary autism parents Karen and Eric London. Eric and Karen spoke to me about their experiences raising their autistic son, when I first put together Making Peace With Autism. They were kind enough to read my manuscript and endorse it.

What I like about ASF is their emphasis on science that is hard as steel. They’ve got some impressive people on the board: Seth Mnookin, as well as Emanuel DiCicco Bloom, a lovely scientist whom I met on a panel reviewing autism research grants awarded by Congress and the military (CDMRP). That guy really, really listened. I trust these people and I truly admire what they are doing to help us better understand autism and creating bridges between autistics and neurotypicals.

ASF is doing a fundraiser this month, Send a Thank-You Note to A Special Doctor. Here is the text for the fundraiser:

Send a Special Thank You to Your Favorite Doctor!

March 21, 2012 by autismsciencefoundation

Doctors care for us in our time of need. They work nights, weekends and holidays. They spend years preparing for careers of service and healing. Their focus is on you and your family.

Say “thank you” to the remarkable doctors in your life and show them how much you value their commitment to your family’s good health. Make a donation in their honor on National Doctors’ Day to express your gratitude.

For over twenty years, National Doctors’ Day has been observed on March 30. It is a day that offers us all an opportunity to express our admiration and appreciation to those who improve our lives and the lives of our children through clinical practice and research.

Make a donation today in honor of the many wonderful doctors in your family’s life. With each $15 donation to ASF, we’ll deliver a card to the doctors you have honored. Thank your child’s pediatrician, your own internist, your OB/GYN, all of the physicians who touch your life, and show them you care by donating to autism research and education in their honor. The cards are suitable for autism related physicians as well as those in other areas of practice.

Every doctor will appreciate a donation made in their name to support medical research. And your charitable gift will go directly to support our autism research programs to help develop new treatments for children, teens and adults with autism.

4 comments

Glad to see you standing behind such a great organization. I did a similar post for them as well.

— added by Sunday Stilwell on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:14 am

Is this the organization run by the horrid Alison Tepper Singer? You know the one who wanted to drive her daughter off the GW Bridge due to her autism? If so, no thanks. I would never stand behind her or that organization and I am surprised you do.

— added by no thanks! on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 12:18 pm

Debi – I know, that was a horrendous film and I hated her for saying that. She doesn’t feel that way, though. I believe she has recanted and apologized. I hope so. For her child’s sake. But I still know others on that organization who are simply doing good work, and so I do support them. But no, I would never support someone saying something like that. Our children are precious.

— added by Susan Senator on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 1:01 pm

She doesn’t feel that way though? And you believe her? Don’t be so sure. She is a critical woman and no advocate IMO. I have no doubt in my mind she meant every word of what she said or she wouldn’t have said it. She’s not a stupid woman. Annoying, but not stupid.

— added by no thanks again! on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 10:02 am