NPR seeking parent input for story

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http://www.publicinsightnetwork.org/for ... your-child

For those who have kids with additional diagnoses beyond Autism and Asperger's, this is an opportunity to shape the news or call for reform.

It is also an opportunity to teach the media the difference between Autism, Asperger's, and other conditions. So even of your child has no mental health diagnosis, please consider helping them.
When you read the reason they want to write this story, it will be obvious why you all need to post with or without a child with mental health issues.

So instead of just posting here. You can reach a national audience.

Please remember reporters are not knowledgeable in this area, so an informative tone would help. They are asking to be taught. Here is your chance.

It appears to me that this survey is looking for evidence to support a predetermined conclusion so I will not participate.

I don't know if it could make a difference, but I hope you let them know how you feel and why.

Edit: I will also say, that having read the survey, I don't think it is designed to lead to any conclusion. It is very open. Unlike, say, the political surveys that give you A,B,C and D to choose from, where no one sane would answer 3 of the 4 and the last is highly politically charged anyway. But, we all carry different experiences and perceptions, so it is good to let those seeking information know how you feel about their approach.

If you read the word "Asperger's" in place of "mental Illness" the questionnaire takes on a different tone for this forum.
e.g.-
Of course, most adults and children who are dealing with *Aspergers* are not dangerous, and we shouldn't equate *Aspergers* with criminal behavior. But the tragedy in Connecticut has made it clear that some people *with Aspergers* in our communities need help that they're not getting now.

The supposition is that the tragedy is linked to Asperger's and that Asperger's is a mental illness. I don't think it's what the authors intend, but, by asking for replies here and the wording of their intro, that's what they are doing.

For what's wrong with that, see the thread entitled "Sandyhook Comparison and My Son."

Perhaps some parents should respond in order to clarify these points for them. I would if I were a parent.
To be fair, they do ask to be educated on these matters.

Perhaps that's so, but since they demonstrate a clear bias prior to education, I think there's a much higher probability they would selectively edit and manipulate my words to fit their agenda.

The Lanza family was rich. Access to public resources was not their problem. But the surveyors are trying to impose their own agenda over the facts of this situation.

The actual radio show is up on their website here:http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/what-mental-health-resources-do-parents-and-kids-need/