The Autism Community lost our Father
Alan E. Moses
November 22, 2006
Yesterday, on November 21st 2006, the world lost a pioneer in the battle against Autism. Bernard Rimland passed away at the age of 78 He was known as the father of modern day Autism. His research and guidance was a driving force into the causes, treatment and education of those inflicted by this disorder, that now inflicts millions world wide. He also served as the consultant for the Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman movie The Rainman. As in his real life he was allowing the world to understand what Autism is all about.
He was founder of the Autism Research Institute based in San Diego, California. Dr. Rimland was the type of person to return phone calls and write letters in support of those parents who are the leading force into the need to know just what they are battling. He gave support just as a father would, he would instruct parents where to look for answers. He was a man of great sympathy as he understood the fears and pain that parents feel. He was in the front lines as he was dealing with the same issues.
Mark Rimland, Dr. Rimlands’ son was what led him into this field in 1967. Unlike many he made it his life’s work to learn and understand just what he was experiencing. Dr. Rimland was not intimidated, a full frontal attack was needed and as a General he moved forward not allowing this enemy to defeat him. He will be looked at in the same light as those who left their mark on the world.
There are still too many that never understood or are willing to understand what autism is and just how troublesome this disorder can be to those inflicted, parents and family. He was that person out there saying Hey!!!. This was well before the rest of us ever became aware.
I just want to say to Dr. Rimland, Thank you sir, you have helped me to understand. You were right, most don’t listen or care. But you sir have left this world a better place and I am sure that there are many more who feel the same. God Bless Dad.
It is time that everyone understand what the spectrums of Autism are. What the likely causes are and how to treat them. This is no game as when the costs are added up we will understand. Or we can continue down this path of empathy as we do with everything else.
ASD (Autism spectrum of disorders) includes ADD, ADHD, Aspbergers, Autism, PDD and many other alphabet syndromes. There are treatments and as you know “Seek and ye shall find.” Dr. Rimland taught me that.
He was founder of the Autism Research Institute based in San Diego, California. Dr. Rimland was the type of person to return phone calls and write letters in support of those parents who are the leading force into the need to know just what they are battling. He gave support just as a father would, he would instruct parents where to look for answers. He was a man of great sympathy as he understood the fears and pain that parents feel. He was in the front lines as he was dealing with the same issues.
Mark Rimland, Dr. Rimlands’ son was what led him into this field in 1967. Unlike many he made it his life’s work to learn and understand just what he was experiencing. Dr. Rimland was not intimidated, a full frontal attack was needed and as a General he moved forward not allowing this enemy to defeat him. He will be looked at in the same light as those who left their mark on the world.
There are still too many that never understood or are willing to understand what autism is and just how troublesome this disorder can be to those inflicted, parents and family. He was that person out there saying Hey!!!. This was well before the rest of us ever became aware.
I just want to say to Dr. Rimland, Thank you sir, you have helped me to understand. You were right, most don’t listen or care. But you sir have left this world a better place and I am sure that there are many more who feel the same. God Bless Dad.
It is time that everyone understand what the spectrums of Autism are. What the likely causes are and how to treat them. This is no game as when the costs are added up we will understand. Or we can continue down this path of empathy as we do with everything else.
ASD (Autism spectrum of disorders) includes ADD, ADHD, Aspbergers, Autism, PDD and many other alphabet syndromes. There are treatments and as you know “Seek and ye shall find.” Dr. Rimland taught me that.
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