Hello! Pre-Windy City

Hello! Looking forward to Chicago! Thanks for stopping by!

Introduction-Jessica

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Mustain and I am a research assistant for Combating Autism from Within with Ashley Reynolds at KOMU. I have been piecing together one family's story and will be traveling to help with the series. I am from Olathe, KS and am at Mizzou majoring in Convergence Media Journalism. This is my first big project at KOMU and I am very excited to be involved in the action!

Introduction-Justin

Hi my name is Justin Short and I have been working very hard with Ashley on the Autism series. I am researching different topics. I have been calling many people and setting up interviews. I'm researching various topics ranging from chelation and autism behavior. I am helping on shoots with families and doctors. I would love to hear any ideas you may have. Feel free to comment!

Introduction-Katie

Hello! My name is Katie Dohse and I'm a Research Assistant for Combating Autism from Within. Since we began researching a month or so ago, I've learned so much about mercury-containing vaccines and state vaccination laws. I've also been familiarizing myself with as many studies as possible and especially those written by our interviewees. Please create a post or comment if you have any input - we'd love to hear your perspective!

Introduction-Meredith

Hi Everyone, my name is Meredith and I am one of the research assistants helping out with the Combating Autism from Within series. As I have been working on this story I realized just how complex the world of autism is, I have learned so much so far working on this series and I am looking forward to learning more as we continue.

Since the start of my research I have looked into information concerning the vaccine debate including how many and what types of vaccines a child receives from infancy to the start of schooling. I have also tried to become very knowledgeable about various studies that relate to autism as well as the research of doctors that we interview.

If anyone has any studies or articles that you believe we should look over for the series, please let me know. I look forward to seeing this series unfold and to your feedback.

Introduction-Mark

Hi everyone, my name is Mark Kelly and I'm a Research Assistant for the series Combating Autism from Within. The last couple weeks, I have focused on adults with autism. Our team found that previous news coverage on autism neglected to discuss the journeys and challenges of this significant adult population; we hope to change that pattern by sharing a story with you of an adult who has autism.

The most significant challenge adults with autism face is a lack of services once they leave the public school system and enter "the real world." Eventually, the 1:150 children who have autism will be adults - what opportunities will society give them?

Please feel free to share with me your experience with autism care once an individual reaches adulthood. You can comment or post.

Introduction-Robert

Hello readers! My name is Robert Kessler, I'm a research assistant for the series "Combating Autism From Within." I have been researching chelation therapy in particular. Feel free to tell me all about it!

I'm glad to be here

Hi! I am the mother of three children I want to post two things tonight. The first is a speech that I delivered to the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism. The second is an essay that I wrote about my son.

I am 45 years old. I have identical twin daughters that are 16 1/2 (They make me add that). I have a son that is 14 1/2. My son has early infantile autism. He is the reason that I have started this journey into autism.

Sherri

Story Ideas!

Hi there...My name is Ashley Reynolds. I am with KOMU TV 8 in Columbia, Missouri.
I am the reporter for the series, "Combating Autism from Within."
I did a story back in July about Autism. Through the huge response I received, we have decided a series is needed. We have a team for the series to make sure we do our best to cover this passionate topic.

Any and all ideas are welcome...for now we are using this blog as free flow of information.
Our goal with the series is to inform the public about the spectrum...you tell us what you think we should cover!

Thanks!
Ashley