The Campaign Continues…

Follow Polly Tommey's Campaign Diary...

World Autism Awareness Day

In the forthcoming General Election, how would your family’s vote be influenced by a political party – any political party - pledging solid financial support to people and families with autism; a party pledging significant support for autism services?

How would your family’s vote be influenced by a party that made The Autism Pledge?

As Polly Tommey’s campaign continues we need you to email her at polly@autismfile.com with your thoughts on how a promise of support would translate into votes from you and your family. Here are some of the comments so far:

My autism vote would go to the politicians who could get ABA therapy paid for by all healthcare providers for all children on the autism spectrum.

Lisa Brown - mother of TWO boys on the autism spectrum

My autism vote would go to the politicians who...have the balls to stand up and admit there is a question to be answered.

Til Utting-Brown

My autism vote would go to the politicians who take support for children with learning difficulties right the way into adulthood, not stopping at 16 or 18. I'd want person-centred planning to be done by the young people themselves, their parents, carers, social workers, GPs, colleges and anyone else involved, such as local supportive charities; and I'd want that planning acted upon.

I'm a single, divorced mum. I work almost full time in the NHS and do some freelance work. I love my job and I love my son. Both are worthwhile, but balancing both is hard, especially in school holidays, and it may be worse if he goes on a so-called “full-time” college course for 16 hours per week. I work 32 hours per week part-time... work out that equation.

We all strive for fulfilled lives, not lives filled with frustration. Fear and frustration for the future are part of my everyday life with a son aged 15 on the autistic spectrum.
Lucy Child

My autism vote would go to the politicians who...dared to make a difference for an underclass that will loudly applaud any real support that could help bring them out of the dark corner of British politics, medicine and everyday life.

Colette Lewis

Dear Polly,

My son is 7 years old and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I just wanted to email you to say that I am 100% behind you with your campaign. I want to thank you for speaking on behalf of people like my son and I. I would vote for a party/leader who will support people with autism and their carers and family. In my experience it is a constant battle to get help for people with autism, as you know. I want to use my right to vote to make a positive difference to the autism community, and say that it’s about time the government took notice. I worry about my son’s future and what will happen to him when he is older.

Best wishes,
Krishna Jadeja

My vote would go to the party who took their heads out of the sand regarding autism and actually came up with a real strategy to deal with the problem including the following:

Preventative measures (looking at vaccine schedule, overuse of antibiotics, regulating the food industry etc)
More funding for appropriate education for each individual child (classroom assistants in mainstream schools, intensive teacher training)
Recognition and funding for biomedical intervention
Continuing appropriate support for autistic adults in all areas of their lives

I greatly admire your campaigning - thanks on behalf of all our family.
Susan Carson

My autism vote would go to the politicians who give autism research the same priority and level of funding that cancer research has received over the past two decades.

Steven Harrison

As a 49 year old who was damaged by the Hep B vaccine 10 years ago, I will be voting for my MP on their party policy on vaccine safety.

Irene Goodrum

Too many of our vulnerable and precious children are being damaged by dreadful and poisonous vaccines, when a healthy immune system is more than capable of coping with any of the childhood diseases naturally - and in fact can actually be beneficial to the child.

It's a disgrace that the government is under the thumb of these big pharmaceutical companies and can't stand up to their deceit and greed. It's about time we had a government who can stand up to 'Big Pharma' and that is why I will vote for any party who is prepared to give vaccine safety a priority and address the rapidly rising autism issue and the many other negative side effects of vaccines. We need a government who will actually listen to, and care about, us - the people.
Charlotte Sinclair

My autism vote would go to the politicians who stop looking out for themselves and start representing the people they work for, those with and without autism. My vote would go to the politicians that realise that a financially broke school district that is part of a financially broke city that is part of a financially broke state that is part of country that has lost sight of fiscal responsibility, cannot do anything to support our loved ones with autism. It is time to suck it up and make the tough decisions to stop lining the pockets of the politicians and start representing the people and their best interests.

Diane Fries, US

My autism vote would go to the politicians who…would create a shake up of education relating to the UNDERSTANDING of an autistic child as follows:

Understanding that the most important help to give autistic children (able, moderate or severe) is FIRSTLY to address their CORE issues - help with their language, eye contact, flexibility, control issues, stress levels. These issues CAN be eased and helped. At the moment it is assumed that we only have to manage these issues. Access to the curriculum is NOT a number one priority. It they still have problems with their core issues the history curriculum is NOT relevant, however bright the child! "Mend the boat first before you fill it with people"
Understanding that by inclusion at all costs, an autistic child has to constantly fight the environment before he can even begin to learn. One analogy is like expecting a typical child to learn Portuguese whilst climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or by placing a child in a room full of spiders and expecting him to learn and concentrate. Your mind is spending all its concentration on surviving and being in 'red alert'.
Specialist schools for autistic children of all academic abilities as choice where the issues of autism are put centre stage. A TA that keeps focusing the child within the classroom does very little to help the child ease his main problems and move forward more effectively. Autism is not like being deaf, or having any other physical disability- school is for using your brain. If your brain itself is not working in a typical way, it needs another way of learning.
Funding for home run autistic programs (particularly when their are no services or schools offered where autism is addressed.)
Understanding that parents of autistic children are not being difficult if they chose a different school to their local one - free transport should be available.
If the Education Minister pledged to attend a conference like, for example, SON-RISE start-up, to appreciate the depths of problems our children may have, and understand how the right methods can make huge differences to our children's wellbeing. Then incorporate these methods as a national way of helping our children to thrive.
Rosalie Allen

My autism vote would go to the politicians who…employ parents/relatives as carers with all employment rights; evaluate current provision and outcomes; collect data to lead to future provision. For example I have heard that my local authority lists autism as a “moderate learning disability”. This is inadequate, as autism should be seen separately in order to secure appropriate services. They should evaluate schools – my son has refused to attend his specialist ASD LA provision for two years, he receives nothing other than 1 week in 7 respite at home, attending 24/7 at all other times. Unfortunately those who provide cannot hold up their hands, they have to be seen to be unfailing regardless of the suffering of the child. It is not just the provision but it is that someone needs to be accountable and the CAF (Common Assessment Framework) has not fulfilled it's objective. These politicians need to be able to step into our children’s and our shoes knowing they can’t leave them after a week. Ask the politicians, how many deaths will it take to get them to do something?

Denis

Hi Polly

I am the mother of an 11 year old boy with Aspergers Syndrome. Harry is an amazing child, he is funny and bright and very, very good at sports.

Harry started senior school in September; he attends an EBD school, but unfortunately his school placement is failing terribly. I believe there is a serious lack of understanding of our ASD children and even the trained professionals are letting them down. There aren't enough special schools around to educate our children and as a result they are being put into school environments that they just can't deal with.

I am on the verge of taking my special boy out of school and home educating him. I can see so much potential in him, the school is completely missing this. They just think that he is an uncooperative, disruptive child and keep sending him home. I know my child and I know that in the right environment and with the correct support and trained staff he will flourish.

His dream is to cycle around the world when he is older and be in The Guinness Book of Records, he mentioned this at school and a member of staff replied 'dream on Harry...’ I was furious that they were trying to crush his dreams; I believe he will do it. I told him to hold onto his dreams whatever anyone else said to him and prove them wrong.

The Government needs to do a lot more to help our children and support the family networks around them. I have had to fight every step of the way for Harry, from diagnosis to education and so on. It’s just not fair what we all have to go through on a daily basis. I support you every step of the way. Good Luck.
Sarah Buchanan

I will vote for the party that supports addressing the vaccine safety issue, because I meet more and more parents who have experienced negative and fatal affects upon their children after receiving the big combined doses of vaccine. I believe young immune systems cannot take this amount of damage so young, and they are pushing the use of it younger and younger as I understand. This cannot be for the good. Also drug companies are adamant that they are right, putting too much pressure on parents. It is an unbalanced view and very damaging long term.

Jill Peer

Our child was harmed by her vaccinations. We will support the political party that addresses vaccine safety. Our entire extended family will support the people who take up this cause.

Wendy Crumley

I truly believe that vaccines damaged my child. My boys are 20 months apart. My oldest is fine but my youngest is autistic, which allowed me to catch his issue quickly. He was singing Barney songs on the way to the doctor, saying “Ma ma” and “Da da”... the next day it all stopped.

Trisha Rushing

Dear Polly,

I am going to tell you a story that I know will be very familiar to you. Once upon a time, I had a beautiful little baby boy who I SWEAR looked me right in the eye after he was born. He was developing normally until I made the naive decision to listen to my doctor and give him his MMR vaccine, despite having a bad feeling about it. Within 24 HOURS the little boy I knew was GONE. His speech disappeared, he started head banging, his eye contact slipped, and he was incessantly screaming and had diarrhoea. His doctors just blew me off saying it could not be the vaccine. After meeting other parents with the SAME story I decided not to vaccinate anymore. That included his infant brother, who was close in age and had already had his first 6 months of vaccines. Unfortunately, I was not able to save him from having autism, but I WAS able to keep it from being as involved as his brother.

I am telling you this to let you know that I will only vote in the next election for the party that addresses vaccine safety. Those who don't will LOSE my vote!
Thanks so much.

Rachel Lu

My husband and I will proudly vote for which ever party that is willing to clean our vaccines! We will also try to talk as many family members and friends into voting as well. You wouldn't let your kid drink a glass of chemicals, even in the same quantities, so why would we inject them into there bodies?!

The Lunds

Dear Polly,

what an inspiration you are. My family is just embarking on this journey, after a couple of very disruptive years I have finally fought for my son who is now 4 and has now started school to be assessed. He is showing on the ASD spectrum where he sits will probably be again another struggle.

I will vote for the party who will assist me and my family to get the best possible support for him. Each day consists of telephone calls and lots of research on the Internet.

Reading the emails on your website has made me feel that I am not alone and there are other people who have similar stories. Thank you and good luck.
Mrs S Purches

My autism vote would go to the politicians who....

Increase the number of midwives
Increase the number of health visitors, and their training in autism.
Keep Sure Start Centres
Improve Nursery care - cheap is not working! Include mandatory training on autism for all staff. Reduce class sizes
Make autism a mandatory part of all teachers’ training and train already qualified teachers.
Make all schools carry out an 'autism audit' (special and mainstream) so that they are autism friendly
Increase and improve the quality of social housing (i.e. better insulation, better design, better and more support workers).
Increase benefits and take away all the form filling, phone calls medical examinations by untrained doctors, and stressful treatment of people as somehow being 'scroungers'.
Rescind the Welfare Reform Bill
Support Home Education as a valid choice for parents and support that choice financially and legally
Train all public facing staff in the public sector in autism.
Improve the mental health care system, so all mental health workers are trained in autism so they can support people who have missed a diagnosis and not have them ending up on inappropriate medication or in facilities with severely mentally ill people.
Increase the number of Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists in local authorities, health care trusts and schools by at least doubled, if not tripled.
Remove SATS and loosen the national curriculum to enable special interest topics to be used to facilitate learning.
Run a national awareness campaign on autism and the positive ways people with autism can be supported.
nable/Encourage parents to be involved after 18 - not just cut them out as though they don’t matter anymore!
Improve Carers Allowance.
Train ALL police staff in autism, and the courts and the public prosecution service.
Implement ALL the recommendations from the Lamb Enquiry and the Autism Bill and Strategy - and fund them through improved taxation of the wealthiest in this country - if their kids had autism they'd be sorting it out - but of course they can pay for what they want - we can't - especially not out of £53.10 a week Carers Allowance!

I could go on - but I think that's enough for now! Thank you for your campaign.
Karen Varga

I would love for a political leader to talk about addressing vaccine safety and insisting on proper, unbiased, non-pharmaceutical funded research on side effects and the ingredients. I am fairly fixed on who I vote for but if a politician said something like that I would certainly look to moving allegiance to their party.

I feel very strongly that parents are strong armed into vaccination schedules without being given a full picture - and if they ask any questions they are shot down. These things need to be addressed before we find out the long-term effects of the childhood immunisation program. Thank you.
Sonia Gibbon

Dear Polly,
I support your campaign. In the next election I would definitely vote for the party that has the courage and integrity to investigate fully and let known to the public the GENUINE pros and cons of vaccinating. I have a two year old daughter, who has been part vaccinated and I feel the vaccination process has left her immune system weakened. Some of her friends have had no vaccines and never seem to get ill. There seems to be a link between vaccines and so many problems yet no one is brave enough to investigate properly and do the right thing. One doctor did and look what happened to him!

Julia Dutfield, UK

We will support anyone supporting us and our right of choice to choose or refuse vaccines and to make them safe. We want honesty from the system, our government, pharmaceutical companies etc. If you support this then we support you.

Michael Bruce

I am writing to tell you that I will vote for the party that puts vaccine safety, full disclosure and rights as a priority. My daughter was harmed by vaccines, and this is extremely important to me. Thank you so very much for all you do.

Jennifer Kaplan

I am the single parent of two wonderful boys, one with severe autism. I knew being a parent would be a challenge, and being a single parent would be a major challenge. But when my younger son became severely ill after his MMR, taking several months to recover, he was never the same again. He lost his speech and didn’t know myself or his older brother anymore. He would scream or be totally silent in his own world. Being a parent to a little boy and also a toddler in such pain was (and still can be) a TERRIBLE strain. I gave up my career to care for them. I have just had one of the political parties at the door asking who I will vote for, I admitted that I hadn’t voted for a while; I just lost interest in politics altogether. If I knew that a party was ready to support families with autistic children (the numbers are rocketing) and seriously look at why this is happening. I would definitely consider voting for them.

Shelagh Middleton

I am voting for the Scottish National Party at the general election because Nicola Sturgeon deputy leader of the party in Scotland initiated the removal of mercury from vaccinations for childhood diseases.

Kind regards, Keith Feregusson

I’d vote for the party that truly addresses vaccine safety for the future children of this country. It is accepted scientific knowledge that vaccines can damage children if they have certain genetic predispositions or metabolic disorders. Testing prior to giving vaccines is possible and could save the country millions of pounds of public money that would be spent on special medical care, education and social services for children and adults with learning disabilities. This is on top of preventing the human cost of stressed and broken families living with a child with a disability.

There is a lot of scientific research showing possible reasons for the current epidemic of autism and these triggers have to be addressed one by one, starting with vaccine safety.
Sue Simmons, D.N.Med., MBANT, BSc Hons.

Above Europe in my concerns now is the autism epidemic, which research indicates has reached disastrous levels and which myself and many others believe has occurred in parallel with the use of multiple vaccines. The Government ignores this at the nation's future peril. In the forthcoming General Election I shall be looking for a party prepared to put research into vaccine safety at the top of its agenda.

Derek Noakes

Dear Polly,
I am writing to let you know that my vote for the upcoming election will be for the candidate that supports a person's right to decide whether it is in their best interest to receive a vaccination for their child or themselves. I am in particular opposed to vaccinations.

Sincerely, Elyn O'Connell

Children continue to suffer vaccine damage. If the country does not wish to become a nation of autistic adults, it is vitally important that in-depth research is urgently undertaken into the matter of vaccine safety. Which political party, looking for my support at the next election, is prepared to promise such research?

Best wishes, Iris W. Noakes

THERE IS NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE! When will the government acknowledge that vaccines can cause permanent damage alongside other side effects to which they are prepared to admit? There is vital need for proper clinical research into the safety, particularly of multiple vaccines. Whichever party is prepared to promise this will have my vote at the election. Somehow the circle of denial has to be broken.

Elsie Grace Opificius

Dear Polly, just to let you know I support your campaign. My 3 year old son has autism and I would vote for any party that puts autism and vaccination safety on their agenda. Thank you for all your hard work.

Sue Werenowski

Dear Polly, my vote and those of my immediate and extended family will go to the political party that addresses the safety of vaccines in its manifesto. This is a matter of enormous importance to public health and in particular to future generations.

The ingredients used for preserving the viruses within these vaccines and stimulating a false immune reaction within the body cause permanent injuries including severe brain damage.
Best wishes with your campaign, Murray Cole

I believe that vaccines cause injury. I believe my daughter may have been very mildly injured, thus, I only got her one set of shots and stopped. I will vote for the party that addresses vaccine safety and the absurd vaccine schedule for infants/children.

Kelley Cole, RN, BSN

Dear Polly, your 'Hello boys' billboard campaign was really good. We and all of our relatives will vote for whichever party talks and promises action about autism - better support, more treatment options, more education and a better quality of life for autistic people and their carers. They also need to address vaccine safety issues. Our daughter has paid a huge price.

Andy and Linda Sutton

Hi Polly, my vote will go to the candidate for my constituency who vows to stand up for their constituents with autism. My current MP has helped me obtain a place for my son in a specialist school, and has also helped others in our area. He is standing down at the election. Therefore, I want to know what the candidates here will promise to do to support individuals and families here who are affected by autism, and how willing they are to help us fight for services from education, social services and health.

Kirsten Graham, East Ayrshire

I would vote for the party that (for starters):

Acknowledges we have a problem with so many with autism
Treats carers as valuable people – why should I lose my carers allowance if I work and earn more than £100 per week – having a job doesn’t make caring easier so why punish me for staying off benefits?
Supports the Autism Trust in the very necessary task of providing a future for my child and so many others like him.
Mandi Rodwell, Poole, Dorset

I would vote for the party that understands and acknowledges that 1 child in every 64 in this country is diagnosed with autism. Would the political apathy continue if we had (God forbid) 1 in 64 children who were blind, or deaf, or had leukaemia? Would there be urgent research on what was causing the problem? Specialist centres all around the country to deal with education, respite, causation, treatments?

Why are our children invisible? Why do they not count? Why don’t we count as carers? If we can’t count on you then don’t count on us for a vote. With two of the three party leaders experiencing their own special needs child I really thought this would be on the agenda and in the manifesto. Shame on you if it’s not.
R Dann, Poole, Dorset

Please register my support for vaccine safety.

Roderick Cochran

My autism vote would go to the politicians who... do not do a U-turn once they have been elected and completely carry out their agenda to look after the autistic community. They need to make sure that this is then carried forward, regardless of who comes to govern in the future.

I will only vote for the party that completely makes a difference to the future of my son and others like him. I will only vote for the party who will be able to support my son and others like him with employment and security in the future. Providing financial support for him when there is no work available.

I will only vote for the party that makes sure that they tell the whole truth regarding vaccinations now, and in the future, and do not side step the answers.

I am a strong-minded individual who will honour my vote by standing by the party that have supported these requests.
Deborah Smith, Tadworth, Surrey

My autism vote would go to the politicians who supported me as a single mum with four children, treating my child with severe bowel dysfunctions, impaired immune system, behavioural issues and a tailored educational programme – ALL funded by myself. I raise £50,000 per annum to pay for my autistic child's needs. I receive no help from the NHS and little help from my local education authority. I would like support with health and education for my child and believe that he has a right to it. I don't feel that I, as a parent, should be supplying this. Children and families affected by autism deserve a good education and good health treatment, I believe we are giving them neither in this country.

Karenza Cassidy, mother of Henry (age 13) Toby (age 12) Eddie (age 11, ASD) and Maddison (age 9)

I would vote for a party who said they would promote vaccine safety and re-establish research on establishing the link between autism and bowel disease. My nephew has severe bowel problems and autism and my sister gets very little support or advice from NHS and has to identify and fund any support for her son herself. She works tirelessly to find answers to relieve his pain and also to improve his social skills so that he can find the joys of humanity by connecting with others. I find it hard to identify which party I would vote for as there is so little between them in terms of policies that I can understand – a clear message about changing direction of research around autistic children and supporting families with biomedical approaches to help autistic children and families, would be something I would vote for.

I would also like to see no conflict of interest (e.g. politics, business, money) in the determination of what is safe in vaccines - I am worried about use of mercury in vaccines and also the transparency of what the public are told.
Georgina Clarke (writing on behalf of myself, no organisation)

My autism vote would go to the politicians who provide more support for home services for children with autism; and who let parents be their own child's respite worker.

Robert & Sandy Waters

My vote would go to the politicians who would set up dedicated funding in the NHS to assist these children. Who place services in the community for the wave of these autistic children coming through. Who provide better schooling and extra support in school for these children. Who direct the local councils to provide for these children in services, and provide support for the children and parents and ensure that the catering in the local schools catered for gluten and casein free diets.

Since the support is so obviously lacking in all of these areas and is at best pitiful, no party can expect to get my vote until this changes.
Lilias Ahmeira

Dear Polly, I really support your campaign – you are doing a wonderful job for all autistic children. I do hope our views are taken into account. We are the front line! My vote will go to the party who:

Provide more money for research, which would include:
a) The link with the gastro-intestinal problems. My daughter has suffered intolerably and could not be helped in this country. We had to get expert advice from abroad.
b) Safe vaccines.
c) Stem cell therapy for autism.
d) Why has autism risen so dramatically?
More choice and money for parents for education, and better advice for parents to include support for home programs. My daughter has made good progress in an intensive home program where she made no progress in her school.
NHS support for biomedical interventions. Biomedical interventions have been very helpful to us and we should not have to pay for it.
Specialist hospitals dedicated to autism. Autistic kids have very individual needs.
More investment for future sheltered accommodation and communities like The Autism Trust ideas.
Best regards, Sue Partridge

My autism vote would go to the politicians who...

Understand that children with autism become adults with autism - it is a lifelong condition that does not go away.
Understand that when a child with autism is doing well and showing signs of coping with everyday life at school, doesn't mean they ARE coping, they are showing signs of coping because of the support - taking away or reducing that support is setting the child up to fail.
Understand that autism is complex - what works for one child does not mean it will work for every child!
Understand that teaching a child who is non-verbal how to use Makaton, PECS etc is no good unless the same is taught to the main care providers. Why teach them to communicate if they are still not understood by everyone else? Surely it's not just down to Mr Tumble of CBeebies to teach us. And wouldn't it be a good idea if the schools that use Makaton with non-verbal children taught the other children and teachers in the school Makaton too. Then everyone can understand the child and help!
Instead of a member of the teaching staff being given the training and role of SENCO, why not employ and train a parent of a child with Special Needs (not just autism), most SENCOs do not understand the life of a child with Special Needs or what they actually NEED.
Support Teaching Assistants specialising in autism - not just someone who has been to college and done the general course, but a parent of a child with autism, as they will have more understanding of autism.
Employing a parent to do this would give that parent a much needed break (even working with a child with autism is different from your own child - because no two people with autism are the same.) This would give that parent the chance to mix with other adults – something that we miss out on when we have a child with autism.
Elaine McCulloch

All members of my family have reacted to vaccines. My children reacted to all of their immunisations affecting them for the rest of their lives. I suffered a stroke immediately following a tetanus booster. I am now unable to work. My husband reacted to Hep B forced on him for work. For years I have asked that our legislators help those who are vaccine-injured, address vaccine safety issues, and insure our basic rights as citizens and human beings to have ultimate sovereignty over our bodies. I will only vote for those who address this issue.

Virginia Young

I have two children (of four) that I believe were injured by vaccines. I stopped vaccinating my third child after a few months, and my fourth is clean and healthy, free of vaccines. I deeply regret not doing my own research where these dangerous and poisonous vaccines were concerned, and will go to my grave saddened by the harm I have done to my children because I blindly followed doctor’s advice and did what was considered “normal”. My second son has ADHD and my oldest daughter has eczema, and I firmly believe the poisons in those ineffective and potentially fatal vaccines are to blame. I want to ensure that anyone I choose to elect addresses the dangers of vaccines so we can change the world. We must stop the injuries and deaths now.

Sandra Stehly

I will vote in the election for the party that addresses vaccine safety because my son, who is now 23, was damaged by vaccines. He was 4 years old when he got the MMR and other vaccinations on the same day and this tipped him over the edge. I lost him to autism.

Paula Aitken

Hi Polly,

I applaud you for what you are doing. I am a health practitioner and have written to MPs twice on the subject of vaccine safety. Yesterday I received a reply from the Dept of Health containing 20 answers to the points I raised. Every single one of their answers was inaccurate. They only use studies that have some connection with the pharmaceutical industry. Independent research has shown a clear connection between vaccines and autism, ADHD, other neurological disorders and even death.

My personal belief is that all vaccines are at best ineffective and at worst extremely dangerous and I would like to see them all banned. That is too much to hope for so I will just support you by saying that I will support any party that investigates vaccine safety in a genuinely independent way. Good luck!
Judy Dutfield, MURHP, ND, Dip Herb

I will be voting in the election for the party that addresses vaccine safety. I believe that some children react badly to vaccines, and that we have too many vaccines too soon. My son reacted to the DTP at 6 months of age, he lost speech, eye contact and the skills he had at 18 months of age. We now have a 19 year old with severe autism, he wasn't born with autism, every day is a challenge. I don't want anyone else to suffer the pain my son and family have had, it’s not necessary. One damaged child is one too many.

Lindas Macleod, mother of Ian

‘I want safe vaccines for all children. It is too late for my son who suffers from Asperger's.’

Rev & Mrs Jack Roberto

I shall vote in the election for the party that addresses vaccine safety. Parental choice must be the way forward in the UK.

Rosie Cousins, UK

Polly, I want you to know that the jury is CLEARLY still out about vaccine safety and Autism. This thing reeks of a cover up by the big medical companies. I will vote only for candidates who will address these issues with a vengeance, until we have a clear answer, not sullied by the manufacturers who have billions at stake.

Dave Greene

My vote and those of my immediate and extended family will go to the political party that addresses the safety of vaccines in its manifesto. This is a matter of enormous importance to public health and in particular to future generations. The ingredients used for preserving the viruses within these vaccines and stimulating a false immune reaction within the body are lethal. As a family we have experienced the devastation caused by vaccine damage, for the life sentence that it is to sufferers and all family members for the destruction it causes. It is imperative that this man-made damage to our loved ones is stopped and not least of all for the life-long dependency and drain it places upon public funding for health, education and social care, to name but a few.

Elaine Butler

I will vote for the party that is prepared to admit that there is a problem with vaccinations and is also prepared to aggressively investigate this problem, without dragging their heels, as politicians are famous for!

David Miles

Dear Polly, I think your billboard campaign is terrific! Genius! Autism is a nightmare. If they examine the vaccines issue, my husband and I will vote for them! Simple as that! And my parents will! They too are devastated with what happened to our son after MMR, my sister and my brother also; we all worry about his future. That's six adult votes. You're spot on Polly!

Mrs Allison Edwards

Polly keep up the good work. I shall definitely vote for a party if they take the issue of vaccines and autism seriously. I have two children with ASD, one profoundly autistic and one with Aspergers. For far too long we as a community have been paid lip service and have left to drift. Thank you for being such an effective voice.

Tanya Smith

As the father of a child damaged by an 8-in-1 illegal vaccination my whole extended family will only consider voting for a party prepared to investigate the vaccine complaints.

W. Marchant

Dear Polly,

We would like to congratulate you on your recent campaign and would wish it known that my wife and I are willing to vote only for the party that addresses vaccine safety.
Sincerely, Angus and Lucy

I will certainly vote for the party that offers the best support for adults on the spectrum. Our son is 30 and has Aspergers Syndrome. We are both retired and his care dominates every minute of our lives. Not that we grudge it - we love him dearly - but we worry what will happen to him when we are gone. You can't begin to imagine the multitude of horror experiences he has suffered in his short life, mostly down to complete lack of support in the community, lack of awareness and knowledge in the medical profession, and abuse with psychiatric drugs. The ignorance of doctors about metabolic problems faced by people on the spectrum is abominable.

Thank you Polly for what you are trying to do, and I wish you every success in your campaign. Help is so desperately needed by so very many. God bless.
Janette Robb

Dear Polly,

Thank you so much for what you are trying to do for the Autism Community. I have no plans to vote for any of the 3 main parties, as autism does not seem to feature prominently for any of them, if they do require my vote then all three will have to look into vaccine safety, and the needs of the autistic child and adult.
Deborah Heather

Dear Polly,

I think it is marvellous that you have brought yourself forward to speak on behalf of our Autistic community. I have got in touch with 2 of my local MPs asking them are they going to put autism on their manifesto and if so I will give them my vote. Good luck with your campaign.
Joan Campbell, mother of autistic son aged 17, Glasgow

Great campaign, great that you’re getting attention. I’m on a list and some women there were complaining that “the Autism Trust is objectifying women” – as if you don’t have a right to show what you look like. Ignore them. I’m a woman, I’m a feminist, and there’s autism in my family – keep up the good work.

L Hall

Dear Polly,

I am writing to let you know that vaccine safety is an area of medicine that as a health practitioner concerns me greatly. I feel so strongly about this, having seen repeated cases of vaccine related health issues over the years that I will be voting in the upcoming election for the Party that addresses vaccine safety. I care deeply about the health and well-being of my patients and have serious concerns that vaccines are causing major health problems in our society.
Yours sincerely, Fiona Hackman

I will vote in the next election for the party who will address vaccine safety. This is an issue long debated with money at its root. It is time to re-evaluate vaccine effectiveness and schedule these kids' ‘well baby’ visits to be just that – WELL BABY visits.

Sincerely, Ann G. Todd, mother and concerned citizen

I will vote in the election for the party that addresses vaccine safety. Having done a lot of research into this, it is clear to see that vaccinations are responsible for chronic illness, disability and even death in so many cases! I feel strongly that this is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The government needs to put the health and wellbeing of our children first, and it's about time the truth came out!

Anne Close, mother of two happy and healthy unvaccinated children

I will vote in the next election for the party that addresses vaccine safety for all children in the UK but particularly the vulnerable ones like my daughter... the ones who CAN’T tolerate the current schedule and current ingredients and current brainwashing that all vaccines are safe for all children. My daughter’s health issues and the work that I’ve had to do over the past four years to heal her is the most significant proof I need that not all vaccines are safe for all children.

I will vote in the next election for the party that addresses early intervention for children diagnosed with autism and puts a substantial monetary figure – as Australia and America do – into the hands of all parents who have proof of their child’s official diagnosis. Those parents can then afford support and early intervention protocols for their fragile children immediately.

If Australia and America can admit to the worldwide epidemic and address the fact by committing thousands of dollars to families as a lump sum or annually until a child’s 7th birthday, and offer monetary assistance to legitimate support providers dealing with autism every day - because autism is a major problem and we need to do something NOW - then why is the UK so behind?
Yours sincerely, Simone Lanham Sewell

As the mother of a six year old daughter with autism, I applaud you. Thank you for doing all you can to make a difference. I, like other parents, believe that there are so many things that we don't know about the effects of vaccines and their connection to autism. I live in Dallas and you inspire me to do more. Let me know if there is anything we can do in Texas to help you out.

Sincerely, Sandy Joplin, mother of a beautiful autistic daughter

Hi Polly, I want to tell you that I will vote in the election for any party that addresses vaccine safety if I have good reason to believe that they will in fact do so. This would be real progress. Recently a friend’s son was given what they both thought was a tetanus jab, in fact it also contained the Polio vaccine and one other vaccine i.e. 3 in 1. He suffered adverse vaccine reaction within 24 hours, and when tested, his liver function was very low. The medics are testing and re testing the lad, looking for any other reason they can find, and so far are not admitting to the obvious i.e. a problem caused by the triple shot. We can't allow this stupid attitude to prevail, people are being damaged.

Richard Carruthers

Dear Polly, I will vote for the party that puts autism on the ballot because you can't keep ignoring hundreds of thousands of parents who say the same thing: “I vaccinated my child and something happened.

Tami Goldstein

Dear Polly,

Both my children regressed after their vaccinations, my son after his MMR vaccine and my daughter after her DPT vaccinations. Vaccines may be a good thing, but not for everyone. More research into vaccine safety, and those that are susceptible, needs to be done. I will vote for ANYONE that can guarantee that this will be priority. The children are our future, we need to protect them. Parents need peace of mind that they are doing the right thing when they vaccinate – only new research can even start to bring back that confidence!
Kind regards, Athene

Dear Polly,

I would gladly vote for whichever party is willing to address the vaccine safety issue. My son is now 18 and has Pervasive Development Disorder. I believe the DTP vaccine combination did the damage, the high-pitched scream and glassy stare I will never forget. I always thought we lived in a democracy and I will be happy to vote for the party willing to give us back the democratic choice of single vaccines or natural immunity and to address the reality of the damage the combined vaccines do.
Susan Farndell, Brighton, UK

Dear Polly I will only vote for a party that promotes safe vaccines.

Ann Hewitt

To any future Prime Minister or MP, I could write 4 pages or more on how life has been for my family over the last 14 years. Since my son and daughter have been diagnosed autistic, my wife and I have sacrificed all but our lives for our children. Due to the lack of understanding and ignorance of local authorities we have had to raise thousands of pounds to fund education programmes and various other therapies. Everything has been funded on a shoestring. The stress this has caused on top of the everyday care has been huge. My wife’s health has been affected; also I have had to quit my job (22 years, flexible working for carers? That’s a laugh!) The government really does need to work on that one! Big business does not want to know about autism, believe me!

Norfolk is very underfunded, and parents with autistic children can feel isolated, there are only two schools in Norfolk that actually specialise in autism and they are independent, not L.E.A funded. Pupils face long trips to school which can be very stressful.

I would just like to add that we love our children and if we had to start again we would not change a thing, however if people had listened and understood in the first place our lives could have been so different.
Adrian Rackham, Norwich, Norfolk

It's not just about autism. I have 2 autistic boys – one high functioning, the other severe. They both go to different special schools and I see all families, with children with differing additional needs, struggling with support, education, and leisure access. I also meet families with children who have additional needs at mainstream schools, who are also having problems accessing support, appropriate education, leisure etc. I would like to see a Government that supports its words/legislation (e.g. The New Autism Act) with suitable funding, as most authorities can't afford what central Government legislates.

Hayley Moran, UK

My vote will go to which ever party will… put some hard cash into the newly published Adult Autism Strategy, to make sure that the changes that so desperately need to happen, happen. Whoever comes to power after the next election must (now there is a word that we do not see used in the Strategy) understand that autism 'is' a specialist subject, and that contrary to what Phil Hope either thinks or says it is not just a case of our adults not knowing where to access the services that they require, those services do not exist!!! The Strategy as it stands right now reads like a badly worded statement of special educational needs. It needs a total rewrite. I find it totally insulting that the current economic situation and the fact that every organisation is facing budget restrictions and will be required to do more for less, was actually included into the strategy. The autism community have had nothing from any Government thus far and the current economic situation is hardly our fault. The Autism Act is fast becoming a pantomime horse. There are people who know what needs to be done. It's not rocket science and it need not cost a fortune. But actions certainly do speak louder than badly written words.

Carole Rutherford, UK

My vote would go to the party that puts money rather than just words into treating children and adults with autism. Providing the basics like education, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, respite care and healthcare as a right, not as things to be battled for. Just as importantly, we need completely unbiased research into the causes of autism, no potential trigger factors should be ruled out, and that includes vaccines.

Christina Wood, UK

My autism vote would got to those who see our children as human beings who are no different to anyone else in their needs and desires, they are much more than a label, and are individuals that are not and should not be treated as text book fodder. Which politicians will look to provide from the cradle to the grave? Whether genetic or not, our children's condition is lifelong, give them what they need as individuals to fulfil their potential and live life to the optimum.

Consult actively with children, young adults; parent/carers who have moved on from services and actively respond to what worked what didn't what was missing in the provision. Record and take data needed to influence service provision bear in mind local authorities are shoving ASD under the umbrella of Moderate Learning Disability.

Local Authority schools, even those specialising in ASD, are not competent in provision as training, resources, and understanding is fragmented. Schools should be N.A.S accredited to be given the title ‘ASD specific’. Good Autism Guidance should be compulsory for schools. Behaviour management policies (methods used), anti bullying policies, National Curriculum should be evaluated and reviewed for use with autistic individuals, this should include using autism charities such as N.A.S when determining appropriateness of the above.

The autistic spectrum is broad and long, one box does not fit all, but there is a beginning, a middle and an end: use this to build and create services that provide smooth transitions along the spectrum, giving the individuals the opportunity to move along the spectrum according to their developmental need.

An independent advocacy service for autistic individuals and their families/carers funded by the government should exist for everyone with a diagnosis. The advocate should be on level pegging with others involved in the care and education of the individual. For example, they should be listened to and their recommendations should be acted upon by those with the power to do so. Autistic individuals should feel valued and be respected for their differences.

Employ carers/relatives/families of autistic individuals (as these are usually the most in tune with the individual) on a realistic wage with all employment rights.

As parent/carers apparently, we do not need sleep, we do not have time to eat/digest food, we do not become ill, as well as our children we do not have a life of any sort, we are expected to attend all meetings, hospital appointments, school meetings without offer or input of any support for our children or their siblings. At these meetings we are treated as flies on the wall, we hear everything and can buzz in now and then, but we are then swatted away. We are not to become despondent and must appear happy at all times otherwise the services view and use this as an excuse not to identify or recognise the cause of the child's difficulties. I don't need to go on, there are millions of others who can continue – we are all on the same road.

The passing of the buck, no one taking ownership, continues even with CAF. The schools seem to have all the power; everyone including SENAS listens to them and them only, yet the irony of it is that the schools claim they are unable to support a child without the constant input of parents. Therefore when the parents/carers have no answers the child is left to drown in a system that blames the parents/carers. When the parents have answers the system does not have the resources to provide or claim their provision is 'adequate', so again the child is drowning. It seems like a game to them; they go home and continue with their lives but our children are precious to us and they are our life. BE THE PARTY THAT GIVES LIFE THE MOST PRECIOUS COMMODITY OF ALL.
Jo, UK

Polly, I have just seen what you are doing on the news to do with autism. I have a son that has autism and I know how you feel. There is not much help out there and even then it takes too long for them diagnose. Keep going with what you are doing you have my vote.

Rachel Turpin, UK

Hi Polly,

Just seen your campaign there on the Channel Five news. It’s brilliant the publicity you are getting for autism. I have a 22 year old brother who is severely autistic and at the moment we are fighting to get him the day care that he needs. It’s always a battle but we are holding in there and not backing down as we have had this all his life, we are not going to be walked over anymore.

Our vote would go to those who promise and follow through with updating and maintaining day care centres for those with autism, as there seems to be a lack of training, understanding and facilities post education for autism.

Brilliant work, keep it up.
Pamela McCrossan

Dear Polly,

The education provision for children with Autism in this country is dire. All children with special needs are all lumped together and treated to a lowest common denominator type education. Low demands and very low expectations. Staff are usually well meaning but inadequately trained to see the enormous potential and talents of children with autism.

Schooling needs to be separated to allow for children with a general learning disability to be treated differently to children with just a learning difficulty/delay. Speech and language therapy needs to be offered urgently and immediately upon diagnosis with the focus on speech production and verbal interaction rather than just the easier PECS badly implemented, which is all that happens in mainstream nurseries.

I have worked one to one with autistic preschoolers for twelve years and every single one of them has had an ability and desire to learn which was undiscovered by their family or nursery until they were taught in a suitably structured way. With education, speech and ability and desire to interact comes a decrease in inappropriate behaviours. Any new government needs to finance early intervention now to save a fortune on long-term care in the future. Studies support this pay now rather than pay much more in the future.

The future for children with autism should not be determined by a parent’s ability to pay for interventions and we should look to the USA where early intervention is provided in addition to specialist and mainstream schooling and it is free.

Carolyn Lindsell, Early Intervention Specialist, US

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... support practically and financially those with ASD by:

Offering “quality” support in the school/college environment.
Encourage GPs to recognise and refer children and young adults to a diagnosis centre as soon as possible.
Develop and provide training of ASD awareness amongst the NHS and teacher organisations, Local Authorities, Job Centres, prisons and detention centres/
Create Employment Advice Bureaus for adults with AS – so many talents are wasted away, due to a lack of awareness and quality support.
This will help those people with ASD to develop as useful citizens rather than getting involved with the criminal justice, which is so often the case in desperation. It will eventually be cost effective for all.
Good luck with the campaign.

Beatrice Buisseret, Asperger’s Syndrome Foundation Founder

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... actually show that THEY GIVE A DAMM about people with autism and for other debilitating illnesses.

You know talk is cheap, and there are enough politicians (past) and present, who have just promised (empty) promises, to get the vote. I want to see a government that does care (not just says that they care.)

I for one would vote for that government who gives and WILL CONTINUE to give that support.
Paul O'Grady

My vote and those of my immediate and extended family, will go to the political party who places emphasis and focuses on autism in their manifesto. For the debilitating, destructive, depressing and chronic medical condition that it is, to the sufferer and family members alike, for the devastation it causes.

Addressing such widespread concern that affects so many, will also bring benefit to issues of unemployment, family breakdown and our ‘broken society’, to name but a few.
Elaine Butler

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... increase public spending in specialist education for people with autism and put a priority on giving money to those places who do it as charities. For instance my school, www.breckenbroughschool.org.uk, is a charity run school so sought after by people that they have to turn people away due to lack of LEA funding.

Michael Hollyoake, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... Make it mandatory to teach all children about special needs, so that it is no longer a taboo subject, and those who have special needs don’t feel isolated by their friends.

Fiona, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... provide good quality provisions for autistic children and adults in their local community to give them a better quality of life and help them reach their full potential. Offering residential/1:1 support when required without having to fight for every bit of support.

Mandy Brunskill, UK

I would vote for a party that promised to raise awareness about the spectrum and helped secure a future for teenagers and adults with autism. Also look into the root cause of why this is happening to all of these children. Research needs to be done so we can stop the number of cases rising and find better help, medication and resources for families.

Ruth Fenwick, UK – being a voice for my beautiful nephew Isaiah

My autism vote would go to the party who promised to give more resources to fund research into autism and more help to families affected by autism.

Barbara Huggins, UK

My autism vote would go to the party who…At the moment I think I am definitely a no show on election day. It is all very well for people to say they want to see research and cures but I think we need to look at what we need on the ground now.

My priorities would have been help with diagnosis and people believing me instead of treating me like an idiot. Better trained hospital staff who are able to offer more regular appointments...OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS who are available to see all children for assessments - 4 years on we are still waiting, despite research professors telling us we have a little boy with a lot of sensory issues.

Schooling - well how do we even begin? I totally agree with inclusion but ONLY if it suits the child. My son has gone from wrecking a class with 30 children in it to loving school and having no problems as they all know how to deal with his problems and there are only 10 in the class.

Comments made by him over the last couple of years include: "I don't feel like I'm floating any more" on Day 1 of a weighted blanket being introduced at bedtime; and "I want to come to this school because it is not as crowded as my other one", when looking around the new SEN school.

We need to feel accepted and understood. It needs to be understood that us, as parents, siblings and extended family have their lives turned upside down by our autistic child and we need assistance.
Jan Larkin, UK

My vote would go to the politicians who are addressing support for autistic adults, my boy is only 4 years old but I am very aware that while support at the moment is quite good for him, there is little if no support once they reach adulthood. I would be very interested in anyone picking up this issue and advancing REAL support.

Sue Huggins, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who...could work towards ensuring a worthwhile, happy, safe and secure future for my son.

Alli Williams, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who…would back funding for services who are supporting autistic children in mainstream education and who would support councils in making sure all teachers receive compulsory and adequate training in autistic spectrum conditions. The party should also make sure every council gives support to the support groups involved with children and adults.

My name is Neil Bayley, secretary for Tameside Action for Social Communication & Autism Support Group (T.A.S.C.A), which supports over 100 members and their families. We have just organised our Autism Awareness open day for the second year running, with over 300 people attending looking for advice and support. These people were parents, carers, members of the public and professionals working with adults, young people and children in our area.
Neil and Valerie Bayley, parents of an autistic child, aged 9 and in mainstream education, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who…would pledge real help for our children. Proper medical attention for their physiological problems i.e. gut, immune, motor disorders. I am paying to have these addressed from a very limited budget – mainly my elderly mother’s pension.

Speech and language therapy – my son with severe language delay has had 10 appointments in 10 years! Proper education where sensory issues are of the highest priority; our children cannot learn in the noisy environments of regular special needs schools. I hope the ministers will listen, as our silent children are suffering.
Nicola Brady mum of a beautiful silent child, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who campaign for autism specific services to be provided in every local authority area and who help those on the autistic spectrum to obtain meaningful employment.

Chris Robertson, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who…agree that children that are showing signs of ASD need diagnosing within 3 months of the request, and that they get the help they need from the time of diagnosis rather than the lengthy hit and miss system we have now.

Linda Rudland, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who...

Sincerely acknowledge the complexity and terrifying scale of the ASD issue and the radical rise in the past 1-2 decades, especially those at the profound/severe end of the spectrum and the terrible impact on the individuals themselves, their immediate and extended families and equally importantly the life-long cost to society and the UK economy.
Who commit to sustainable funding (for as long as is necessary) of independent, credible peer reviewed research into the causes of ASD and importantly investigate and support early diagnosis and delivery of biomedical testing and treating approaches and educational therapies that can help dramatically mitigate or reverse the effects of ASD without the protracted delays through NICE, et-al, etc!
Who commit to sustainable investment in retraining of educational/healthcare professionals and empower and encourage them to act swiftly with diagnosis and delivery of biomedical interventions, treatments and educational, 1-to-1 therapies.
To ensure that all non-verbal children/adults are regularly assessed and provided with the most appropriate augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices to support their expressive communication, socialisation and accessibility to educational learning and development.
Who will ensure that we can be confident that our vulnerable children will be safe, cared for, loved and supported through their whole adult lives when we are no longer able or alive to love or take care of them for ourselves?

Stephen Lodge, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who…agree to commission further research into the potential causes of autism, including vaccines, and who support complementary and alternative medical disciplines, which some parents of autistic children have used successfully.

Helen Kimball-Brooke

My autism vote would go to the politicians who...become actively involved in supporting families who have children, adolescents and adults with autism. The politicians who see diversity and difference in individuals with unique talents that could have a place in our workforce, and who actively strive to build industries that support adults with autism in the workplace. The politicians who build communities of strength in our most deprived areas, where access to adequate provision is sparse. The politicians who put education at the forefront and enable all those in education to develop their understanding and expertise of working with those who have autism. I want to see change, not just hear about it!

Tess Lamond, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... investigate the links and or possibilities of vaccination and autism. And who ensure vaccination remains parent choice.

Lisa McPherson

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... trained all staff in mainstream schools to deal with children on the spectrum. Helped parents more in coping with children with ASD, allowing access to behavioural support at home when needed. Made people aware of the struggles that ASD children and adults have to deal with every day.

Kate Rawding, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who...will give more money to local councils for respite care for children and adults with autism. Will put more money into adult services. On the Isle of Wight the money is so tight there is talk of closing the only adult respite care unit (which isn’t enough anyway), which was given as a gift from Mencap. A community centre that provides daytime services and activities could be closing because of lack of funds also. We as parents need more services and activities for our children not less!

Catherine Whiten, Isle of Wight, UK

My autism vote would most definitely go to the politicians that… recognise autism and recognise that autistic people are out there, have very individual needs and have loving, caring families who have to live with the daily worry of what the future holds for their son/daughter. My vote will go to the party who can, just for a moment, imagine themselves with an autistic child who they love dearly and know that once their schooling is over that there is nothing out there for them, a party who can, for a moment, wonder what will happen when I’m not here. My vote will go to the party that can give us parents the peace of mind that there will be something for the future!

Alison Shepherd, loving parent of Harrison Shepherd, aged 12.

The votes of all of my friends and family would go to the politicians who are going to help families affected by autism.

Roselyn Saldanha

My autism vote would go to the politicians who would… ensure that my son could access the support he needs in order to have a fulfilling and meaningful life of independence.

Michelle Nix, Exeter, Devon

My autism vote would go to the politicians who pledge to raise public understanding of Autistic Spectrum Disorders, to stop our children being alienated and branded as 'naughty'. Start education programmes; first with schools and parents, then onto employers. It would be lovely to be able to go out without people frowning, tutting and commenting on something they just don't understand.

Julie – Mum of a 5 year old boy with Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome

We would vote for those who will be proactive in provision for our children/adults from the cradle to the grave. Those who will see our children/adults as human beings with a lifelong condition, that needs individual understanding and nurturing to enable them to live their lives to the optimum. To provide care, understanding and support to parent/carers and relatives. Consult with autistic individuals and parent/carers on the state of past provision – what worked, what didn't, what's missing. Is the national curriculum appropriate for all on the spectrum? Do ASD special schools equip children for adulthood? Do they have the training, resources and understanding necessary to support those on the spectrum? Do local authorities have the required funding? Do health, emergency services, social care and community services have the necessary training and understanding and resources? I have to answer no to all of the above.

Denis, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who…made sure that families with autistic children do not have to fight LEAs for the right to educational support. Provided a Government who are openly committed and promote autistic research, and one that would follow through with financial support for research.

Justine Bailey, mother of autistic 11 year old boy.

I would vote for a party that would recognise that autism is a treatable disease, and not just a condition that has a label and that's the end of it.

There are so many different strands to this disease: dietary, bio-medical, neurological, behavioural management, psychology. I think that after diagnosis parents should be put in touch with a key worker who is specialised in autism and aware of all possibilities for treatments, and that that person should guide a parent safely through all the options - lay them out on the table and see what would be appropriate for their child and then help them to access these treatments. It takes so long to find out about everything and piece it all together as a parent - and you are in such shock at the beginning, but acting quickly can make such a difference there is no time to waste - the key person could bring all this together and give parents hope that there is stuff out there and it really does help. The NHS should fund these treatments too. Parents should not have to turn into their children's doctors, which is what happens mostly - the NHS offers NOTHING to treat autism. If your child had another disease, such as cancer, you wouldn't just be sent away with a pat on the back and an "oh dear never mind!" - you would be given a course of action and treatment and support. I could go on and on and on...
Jacqui McNaughton, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who would make diagnosis a priority for children who seem to have more than general problems. Families need more support during this process and schools need to be made aware and should offer support for the children and families that are going through this process. Schools need to be more understanding and GPs need to realise that not all parents who ask for help have children with bad behaviour due to poor discipline.

Stephanie Wilkinson, UK

My vote will go to the politician that recognises children like ours need more choice when it comes to education, and that post-16 students should have more options open to them to suit their individual needs.

Ann Jessop, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... let us know how we're voting!!!! Nice to have a direction with it for a change.

Karenza Cassidy, UK

The person that would get my vote would be you, but as you are not standing then the party that helps parents the most on a daily basis. That’s more carers allowance and a minimum of 10 hours a week direct payment.

J Burke, UK

‘My autism vote would go to the politicians who would listen to us Moms or ‘Mums’.

Norlina Cochran, North Carolina, US

My votes will go to the politicians who support our loved ones who have autism - politically, financially, medically, and in their community.

Cynthia Stark

My autism vote would go to the politicians who DO SOMETHING!! 'For evil to flourish requires only that good men (and women) DO NOTHING.' Official figures in the UK are that around 1 in 65 children (mostly boys) are now autistic. It is causing immense problems within our health and education systems, not to mention the enormous pressures on families, who invariably have to 'fight' to receive appropriate medical and educational interventions. I am NOT going to enter into the debate about vaccine links BUT in our increasingly corrupt society, there is far too much political pressure from powerful (and wealthy) vested interests whose only objectives are to suppress or 'buy up' any research which could compromise their profitability. My vote will go to the politician who strives to restore integrity and honour within our public services.

Jenny A, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... make sure that vaccines are a choice; who allow the parents the right to decline them, whilst giving them all the information that they need to make an informed decision for their children. Education is a mess!! I live in Florida and we are under funded. The teachers that get our kids in mainstream classes are either horrible to them and call them out, or just ignore them. There are only a rare few that are willing to help our children to grasp their full potential.

Jennifer Kaplan, Florida, US

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... understand that there is a real need now to support autistic children and adults. Also to recognise openly that we have an alarming number of children now affected by Autism and they will need a support program in place as they approach adulthood - they will out live their parents their only minders.’

Harriet Barber, UK

My autism vote would go to the politicians who initiate and fund a study comparing the health of unvaccinated children with that of vaccinated children conducted by scientists with no links to the pharmaceutical industry or government.

Jennifer Craig

My autism vote would go to the politicians who.... actually cared for families that have all of these out of pocket expenses for children with Autism that insurance doesn't cover! And who actually knows what Autism is: not for just a vote!

Leah Craig

My autism vote would go to the politicians who not only offer practical support to parents and carers but who recognise and aim to eliminate the mental strain that we, as parents, are under.

Dawn Smith

There are parents who are able to fight for the rights of their child/children and know how to go about doing so, unfortunately there are many others who are not. If for no other reason than this, someone in power must be there to assist. My vote will go to those who can get things done – sensibly and without unnecessary delay.

Rita Joiner, UK

I have never voted in my life and nor have most of my friends, but I would do if people with autism were given the lives they deserve. My friends would as well because we all know someone with autism now.’

Donna Cook, London, UK

Since working in the field of autism I have become more aware of those within the political sphere that are inclined to help us, and those that aren't. With this in mind, my vote will undoubtedly be affected by the party that makes healthcare and education of the public sector, particularly in relation to autism, a focal point of their manifesto. Support for the 'Billy's' of the UK will in turn, have my support.

Natalie Williams, London, UK

My autistic grandson is the only one of my grandchildren that I worry about, the others are fine and will make their own way in this world, that’s part of life. I watch the desperation my daughter and son-in-law go through just to get his needs met. Autism has affected our whole family. I’m afraid to say that other issues are irrelevant to us now. Myself, my husband and other members of my family will vote for any leader that pledges real support for my grandson with autism.

Sarah Goldhawk, Manchester, UK

I have strong feelings about the world and politics, but none more so than what happens to my son when I die. I will vote for any leader that puts into plan right now a serious solution to this serious problem.

Janette Finch, mother of a child with autism, Worcestershire, UK

I was diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 25 and throughout my life I have received no support from the NHS or any other government services. I have found that they are all aimed at the less able or those with mental health issues. My parents give me a dramatic amount of support and my concern is what I will do when they are not around and if I am unable to afford private help when I need it. If I knew that if support for the more able adults on the spectrum was part of a government plan it would influence my vote.

Charlotte Stace, Sussex, UK

I would definitely vote for the party who pledge serious monetary commitment and properly well thought out policies to look after families who live with Autism. It appears to be the poor relative, underfunded and forgotten about. We slip through many of the cracks. We have to shout too loud in order to attain any services that our children (and adults) are entitled to. I have applied three times for a Blue Badge – I am still waiting to hear from my most recent application. Many people today are still ignorant of the condition and therefore do not appreciate the seriousness and how it affects sufferers' lives. And the carers are forgotten. I have had to give up a £26k job to live off £50 per week to look after my son. I am slowly sinking more and more into debt and can see no way out - which affects my own mental health through stress. It also means that I am unable to purchase any sensory items or therapy for my son, so I am failing him and he is not fulfilling his potential in life. Therefore as an adult he will not necessarily be able to make a positive contribution into society, all because we are failing him now and not giving him the therapy he needs to develop.

S Huggett, UK

I would vote for any party that will take action on what has happened to kids that get autism…what can they do to help recover autistic children? How are they going to be looked after in the future? Most of all a pledge to look outside the standard pharmaceutical led stories, cover ups and lies, to fully look at vaccines impact (and not just the MMR – although the recent GMC trial was a mockery of our law!); mercury fillings; fluoride; aspartame; MSG; and all the other toxins that our families are told are safe for us.

Any party that would look at ‘true health’ and not just ‘sickness and a pharmaceutical pill for everything’ would get my vote (and probably those of everyone I know) – before this country is on its knees from being poisoned at all angles. What are we going to do if the autism rate creeps up? If and when it is 1 in 25 – or 1 in 10 – how, as a country, will we cope? Let alone get the support that is so desperately needed and deserved for these children and their families? I would love to know if any of the parties will be strong enough to speak up for the truth.

Jo Barlow, UK

I shall vote…For the party who says that they can help to make my life and my son’s life a lot better than it is.

A party that can stop the denial of what is a huge crime of human suffering for all our family.

A group that can recognise that to spend all week with your child, as you have to home teach, is not healthy for either of us.

A Party Leader that can do something to ensure that my son gets the health treatment he needs and deserves.

A Government that will not just give lip service to the support they purport to be giving.

I shall vote...

Only for a person that sees our pain and suffering, and truly wants to make a difference.

That recognises what we go through every hour, every day and wants to help in a real way.

Someone who appreciates that we are just trying to do right by our child.

A human being to share and sympathise in what can only be described as a living hell.

To show compassion for our suffering child in a world that is so cruel: to help change that! I shall vote only…

FOR THE PARTY THAT RECOGNISES AUTISM!’By the mother of a 14 year old son with autism (who is doing her best and needs way more help than she is getting now – which is NO HELP AT ALL!).

Mo Wilson, UK

The way things are today; you would have my vote with anything you do to help the situation!

Tammie Night, UK

I just hope one of the major parties is willing to step up to the plate. If not, for the first time ever I am considering withholding my vote.

Deborah Nash, UK

I am the mother of 2 small boys, 4 years old and 18 months old. Our 4 year old son has ASD. Our main concern for the election is who will support services for those on the Autistic Spectrum and give parental choice for that support? Far and away this is the issue that will determine our vote in this election and the votes of the friends and family who have supported us in our journey.

Belinda, London, UK

The list is exhaustive, it would be great if the government would first realise that although the MMR vaccine maybe be OK for a lot of children, for many it results in the complete lifestyle change and living with autism - but alas I don't hold up hope having worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 6 years prior to being mum.

For Autism:

1. Better education of health care practitioners and teachers etc. so that they are aware that one autism child experience does not mean the next child is going to be the same; greater understanding of the spectrum and expectations applicable to that particular child; more SENCo trained with at least NAS Earlybird training and not relying on third hand information!

2. Better provision in mainstream schools for children who are not statemented; more ABA techniques used; more assessment centres for autistic children - nurseries using autistic friendly methods getting children ready for learning using PECs, visuals etc. along with regular input from speech therapists and occupational health therapists for either mainstream or special schools depending on their abilities. I know of one such place in our area.

3. More dieticians who have experience and can advise on GF/CF diets.

4. More money for carers and to support the impact that autism has on families. This is so underestimated that many, like myself, give up any thought of returning to careers with so little support. Autism doesn't just affect the child it affects family, parents, siblings and extended family in every situation from diet, day to day, school and so on.

So in general I would ask for more recognition for autism and the impact it has. Better education on autistic behaviours would be start.

Shazia Mir, mother of Mum Sara (4) and Ibrahim (3), who has ASD

I am responding to your request on Facebook about what parents would like to hear from politicians about autism. I would like to hear them say that first they will agree to stop cutting the funding for services. If the recession is bad now just wait until these children become adults. The cost of housing, feeding and clothing disabled adults is much worse then simply funding their early intervention. Have some foresight and acknowledge that given the right interventions recovery is possible reducing the need for funding as adults.

Parents also need to be allowed to have more say on how these funds are spent. ABA (applied behavioural analysis) therapy does not work for all children and there should be a more flexible attitude about allocating funds to other treatments that have been recognised as effective. Parent education is very important and continuing to fund this and providing more opportunities for parents to choose the right therapies, will, I believe, save money in the long run. Currently these services are being cut all across the country.

Health care reform: I am so sick of spending a ton of money on expensive medical insurance only to be denied coverage for effective treatments. Again, foresight. Foresight to acknowledge that if these young people receive effective treatments then they significantly reduce the chance of becoming a dependent adult.

Finally, parents need to be allowed to have a say on where the research funds should be allocated. As you know there is no such thing as a genetic epidemic. Genetics are linear and stay within that family line, they don't jump across the street to your neighbour; therefore, the plausibility that autism is a genetic disorder is getting smaller and smaller. Funds into causation research need to move onto studying more environmental factors. If politicians listened to what parents think the cause of their child's autism then I believe the research funding would be very different then it is currently.

April Boden, mother of 2 sons: neurotypical 7 year old (had his vaccines spread out and delayed because of several illnesses) and 5 year old with autism (never sick, received all vaccines on time)Oak Park, California, US

I feel very strongly about what you are trying to do as I too have a son with autism. He is 4 years old and has only been diagnosed in the last 6 months. As I am sure you know, life as a family with an autistic child can be hard and there are times when I think “Why me?” But I look at my boy and he is so loving and caring and makes me see that I shouldn’t be thinking “Why me”. I would love to be able to see the world how he does so I can understand it a bit better for him. I worry how he will cope when he has grown up and left school. Will there be people who will help him like I do? I don’t know. So many people don’t understand at all, not even schools sometimes. People should be made aware, and the government should do more to help the people and kids like yours and mine.

Sam Williams, mother of a child with autism, UK

In response to your request for opinions on voting; I would vote for any party that was prepared to be open-minded, flexible and remain uninfluenced by their commercial and quasi-political interests in their approach to autism and which was also prepared to confront and deal with the issue honestly and positively.

Frank Honeybone, UK

As a mum to a son (10) and two daughters aged 9 and 3 all of whom have ASD I have no idea at the moment how I would vote. As you can imagine the last 10 years of my life have been spent fighting to get my children the services and education they need to thrive and be supported. To say it has been a struggle is an understatement and I have devoted my life to autism because I love my children. People ask me “How do I manage?” – “Because I have no choice” is the reply, and “Because this is the way it's always been.”

My children are all in specialist provision and attend a day school and the youngest is currently going through the system at the developmental nursery.
Any political party that would help me would get my vote. It is such a struggle and I run a club for children and their families with ASDs, as we could not access regular clubs for our children. All of the parents there struggle to get the support for their children be it education, social work or access to benefits. Every time you apply for any sort of service or benefit you have to tell your story all over again and reduplicate the information. We don't have time for this. There should be a system that once you have registered your child’s details in a central database then you can update them as necessary but all the info professionals or authorities need would be accessible without you having to fill in yet another form.

I do not want to be pitied: I want help. I have none.

My husband and I are under so much strain. To try and get respite - well my children need consistency but you can't get the same person, never mind a social worker. The last one left and as our local disabilities team is two social workers short unless you are threatening to abandon your kids you are not a priority.

Despite the fact that the current PM and leader of the opposition have both had children with disabilities I bet they didn't have any problems getting services for them.

What is going to happen to my children in the future? My beautiful boy cannot read and has learning difficulties. My gorgeous eldest daughter cannot go upstairs in our house by herself, as she is so anxious. She barely communicates and retreats into herself as her brother is so loud and in your face. My precious baby girl stalks me around the house and cannot stand anyone touching her hair. What will become of them if I am not here?
That is any parents biggest fear I know, but the politicians need to wake up and realise that if they don't put resources into place now then there is going to be a whole generation of autistic adults that will end up costing the government a lot of money.

Who knows what our children would be capable of achieving if they received the resources they so desperately need.
I know so many higher functioning children with ASDs who are so intelligent but have issues dealing with anger and struggle socially. With the right resources put in place now, this group of children could go on to be working and contribute to society.

So, I probably haven't answered your question very well and I am no clearer on how I would vote. A party that would show compassion and radically shake up the system is the answer but sadly they don't exist!

Kirsty Heneghan, UK

As a parent with a child with Autism, the one thing I have learned is that governments have pushed autism off the agenda. Early intervention is key for children affected by autism and the current system does everything in its power to slow down the speed of that intervention. Parents of autistic children soon find out that to have their children's needs met, they have to fight and argue and generally use all of their time and energy to have basic and often inadequate services opened to them; all the while dealing with autism, which does not just affect the child, but everyone who cares for that child too. All politics are off the agenda now. My vote will go to the party that "understands" what the issue is here and not what promises are made.’

James Boyd, UK

We recently lived through one of the longest sustained periods of economic growth in our history, yet services for children and adults with autism were allowed to flounder. Crippled by lack of investment and the inability of successive governments to recognise the scale of the problem, families like ours affected by autism have faced intolerable financial and emotional strain. At this point my vote and that of the rest of my family will depend on who commits to wide scale intelligent investment in services – we do not accept that the recession is an excuse to ignore this growing issue any longer. Lack of decent services already costs central and local government more in the long run as individuals with autism are being made into lifelong dependants on social services due to inadequate health and education services during childhood and beyond.

Claire (parent of a child with autism) UK

To win my vote, we need schools please. Please re-design mainstream schools to cater for ASD children! So: smaller classes. Less noise. Shorter lessons. Quiet rooms for breaks. CAD design in breaks for ingenious minds. Social skills training. LISTEN TO PARENTS!’

Nikki Law, UK

Autism affects many more than the immediate family, I have parents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles that would vote for any party that helped people with autism. But we need a serious proposal and for the leaders to listen to what is really needed. It is a condition that must be placed as a priority.

Polly Tommey, Middlesex, UK

Polly’s campaigning in 2009 met with spectacular success. Billboards were posted around London inviting Gordon Brown to call Polly (and he did). In parallel the iconic Autism Mothers poster was placed in motorway service stations the length and breadth of Britain, In WH Smith windows and across the internet accompanied by a short video showing how it all began. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqiyND3RLW4

The video triggered a worldwide response from mothers of children with autism all over the world.

On Thursday 11th June Polly was invited to number 10 Downing St. to meet with Gordon Brown. There were many positive consequences of the meeting; Sarah Brown got involved by organising breakfast meetings at Downing Street for autism organisations to discuss the way forward; Polly joined the External Reference Group (ERG) which helped shape the adult autism strategy. Polly emphasises that this was just the beginning. Now as WAAD 2010 is almost upon us, the campaign is again stepping up a gear.

Polly will be working with the Autism Trust (www.theautismtrust.org.uk) and the Autism File magazine (of which she is Editor in Chief) to bring further awareness to world governments that autism is something that needs their attention NOW.

Here in the Election year. Please help Polly take her campaign to the heart of the UK General Election. Email your thoughts NOW to polly@autismfile.com

Top of page