A blog of a writer with high-functioning autistic savant syndrome
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
My Open Letter to Barack Obama in the Advocate
The December edition of the US 'Advocate' magazine has just appeared, with an open letter I wrote to President-elect Barack Obama. You can read it online here: http://www.advocate.com/issue_story_ektid66552.asp
9 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Well done!
I appreciate your concern for young people with mental differences.
I assume that Barack Obama, because he has made a difference in America, can be sensitive towards the issue of how people of society who are regarded as "different" should be treated.
Also, I agree with your standpoint on diversity, how in your letter you promote people of all kinds of talent and background.
Oh good for you Daniel. I looked at his official website and he wishes to implement new researched programmes for schools. You are absolutely right and I'm glad you mentioned about the critical period of when school has ended, what's next, all that talent being wasted with the lack of opportunities, it's negative for the individual and in turn negative for the community. Everyone has their role to play here on Planet Earth. When we find a closed door, we'll just have to use his words "Yes we can" and push that door open. Amen
An Excellent letter... Thank you for expressing so beautifully what I believe so many people affected by Autism feel and believe... My youngest son carries the label of High-Functioning Autism... It's my belief that he also carries a Message of Hope ~ very much so as yourself... Thank you, Daniel, for sharing all that you do, and for not keeping your "light" under a basket...
whahoo! i read "born on a blue day" it is awesome!you inspire alot of people with your job on the website you have and you also inspire my mom on math! in fact my mom can only remember 6 numbers off the top of her head!, i wish i could say more, but there is no more to say!
Thank you Daniel for standing up for those on the autism spectrum and letting your voice be heard. My beautiful,almost 4 y/o, son is on the autism spectrum,(the doctors believe that he has Aspergers, but this can't be confirmed until he is older) and I appreciate that you are willing to stand up for those who are not able to speak for them selves yet. Thank you also for the wonderful book you wrote (Born on a blue day), it brought much hope and understanding to me and my husband. Although Joel (our son) has many words, he still has trouble communicating with us, so it is so difficult at times to know what is troubling him. You book gave me a lot of insight and I am so very thankful for that! Joel has many wonderful Doctors and therapists who have helped him greatly, but it is not the same as hearing from someone who knows what it is really like. We love our son so much, and want the very best for him, so thank you for all you are doing and continue to do, because you are helping us and countless other parents to achieve this goal. I was very impressed when I watched the documentary about you, you seemed so comfortable talking with others and so kind. I would love to be able to e-mail you more with questions, to help my son. I am always reading and searching for answers to help him better. Thank you again for all you do. Julie, proud mom of Joel
Thank you for touching on the employment issue for adults with Asperger Syndrome. This topic has been a major theme of the adult autistic meetings here in Houston. While we as a people in aggregate face many needs, there should be no reason for unemployment, and in times past as well as the current economic season, there is definitely no reason an "aspie" cannot contribute their very useful skills in this day and age.
9 comments:
Well done!
I appreciate your concern for young people with mental differences.
I assume that Barack Obama, because he has made a difference in America, can be sensitive towards the issue of how people of society who are regarded as "different" should be treated.
Also, I agree with your standpoint on diversity, how in your letter you promote people of all kinds of talent and background.
I fully agree with diversity being an assett rather than a liability.
Thanks for spreading that message putting it so eloquently in message to the American President.
Oh good for you Daniel. I looked at his official website and he wishes to implement new researched programmes for schools. You are absolutely right and I'm glad you mentioned about the critical period of when school has ended, what's next, all that talent being wasted with the lack of opportunities, it's negative for the individual and in turn negative for the community. Everyone has their role to play here on Planet Earth.
When we find a closed door, we'll just have to use his words "Yes we can" and push that door open. Amen
Very nice letter to President-Elect Obama.
I was actually expecting the letter to be about Gay Marriage...
That's wonderful! Very well said. I hope it's called to Mr. Obama's attention.
An Excellent letter... Thank you for expressing so beautifully what I believe so many people affected by Autism feel and believe... My youngest son carries the label of High-Functioning Autism... It's my belief that he also carries a Message of Hope ~ very much so as yourself... Thank you, Daniel, for sharing all that you do, and for not keeping your "light" under a basket...
~blessings~
Alex's Mom... Pearl
whahoo! i read "born on a blue day"
it is awesome!you inspire alot of people with your job on the website you have and you also inspire my mom on math! in fact my mom can only remember 6 numbers off the top of her head!, i wish i could say more, but there is no more to say!
Annika, 11 years
Thank you Daniel for standing up for those on the autism spectrum and letting your voice be heard. My beautiful,almost 4 y/o, son is on the autism spectrum,(the doctors believe that he has Aspergers, but this can't be confirmed until he is older) and I appreciate that you are willing to stand up for those who are not able to speak for them selves yet. Thank you also for the wonderful book you wrote (Born on a blue day), it brought much hope and understanding to me and my husband. Although Joel (our son) has many words, he still has trouble communicating with us, so it is so difficult at times to know what is troubling him. You book gave me a lot of insight and I am so very thankful for that! Joel has many wonderful Doctors and therapists who have helped him greatly, but it is not the same as hearing from someone who knows what it is really like. We love our son so much, and want the very best for him, so thank you for all you are doing and continue to do, because you are helping us and countless other parents to achieve this goal. I was very impressed when I watched the documentary about you, you seemed so comfortable talking with others and so kind. I would love to be able to e-mail you more with questions, to help my son. I am always reading and searching for answers to help him better.
Thank you again for all you do.
Julie, proud mom of Joel
Thank you for touching on the employment issue for adults with Asperger Syndrome. This topic has been a major theme of the adult autistic meetings here in Houston. While we as a people in aggregate face many needs, there should be no reason for unemployment, and in times past as well as the current economic season, there is definitely no reason an "aspie" cannot contribute their very useful skills in this day and age.
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