Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds

Child torture and murder

This book is about one woman's quest to torture her child, and to get others to do the same. Many of the "treatments" she describes have been proven to either do nothing or cause harm, in addition to causing great pain and discomfort to those receiving them. A hyperbaric chamber is a scary, painful experience for fully-functioning adults, and she suggests throwing autistic children in them on a regular basis. This is after all the studies showing that it in now way helps with anything. It is almost as if she goes around looking for the craziest Newage crap to shove into her unfortunate child's body. Please, if anyone loves and cares for children, do not do this to them, and discourage anyone you know from listening to this crackpot. At most, following her advice will cause pain and discomfort to your child, and may even cause death. People do learn things going to medical school, and I for one would rather have a doctor help my child than a playboy playmate with no medical experience.

4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Not autistic

For all those who read this, did you also know that there has been recent evidence and news that came out saying that Jenny's son is not actually autistic? He was simply a child who developed and learned slower than others. The behavior which they found to be autistic that Jenny "cured" was later determined by doctors to be behavior that was just typical of a child. I do not think Jenny is a hero in any way...if she felt this strongly about autism, why not publish her books earlier? She is just someone who wanted attention and felt sorry for her son. And after the doctors told her her son was not autistic, she believed she had "cured" him with home remedies. News flash Jenny, there is no cure for autism.

2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

MOTHER WARRIORS is the perfect title

This book was well written, touching, heartwarming and sorrowful. I am a retired Teacher-Assistant who at one time worked with a pre-school class of 3-4yr.olds who were autistic. They started the year boucing off the walls, in diapers, stemming, crying, screaming,many couldn't feed themselves. By June without exception they could sit, listen, walk in a line,follow instructions, were out of diapers and were happy little people.I am not saying there were not little fall-outs along the way but it was remarkable at their progress because 2 teachers really cared and the parents worked with them. So much of this book had me in tears because I know how frustrating Jenny must have been through those years she wrote about in her book but I could also celebrate with her the many major steps her son has made. Thanks for writing this book, it will help so many parents as they struggle.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is idiotic

First of all, Jenny McCarthy should not talk about things she really knows nothing about. This book is premised on the fact that Jenny thinks she "cured" her son of autism. Every health professional, occupational therapist, special ed teacher, and professional who has adequate training and expertise can tell you that this is absolutely bogus. It is nothing short of fabrication and misrepresentation to say that these "inspiring" stories are real. For instance, Jenny's child most likely was misdiagnosed with autism when he likely really had a form of epilepsy. Furthermore, Jenny McCarthy's crusading to get rid of miracle vaccines is based on an entirely false premise that vaccines cause autism. The Lancet, the British medical journal that first published a poorly conducted study in which the author claimed a vaccine link to autism retracted the study in February 2010 because the study was fabricated. Furthermore, the doctor (Andrew Wakefield) that made these claims from his "data" was recently banned from practicing medicine in the UK. All in all, a book like this simply giving false hope to desperate, sleep-deprived, hurting parents. It is nothing short of misleading and ethically unacceptable. Read a book about coping strategies, progressive therapies, or something else useful instead.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Jenny McCarthy became my hero the day I bought this book

We all know we're constantly being lied to by advertising, mainstream media, the FDA, and the medical establishment, to name a few. It takes real guts to do your own research and make your own plan in a family medical emergency, especially when it would be so much easier to get "expert" advice and follow other people's instructions. This book is important and people who have not been touched by an autism event in their own lives should read it too. Jenny sets a great example for bringing your own intelligence to bear on your own medical crises and developing your ability to smell a rat when someone's trying to sell you one. I couldn't put this book down and finished it the night I bought it. I immediately had a copy mailed to my best friend, who has an adult high-functioning autistic child. She had done a lot of research too, centered on excellent nutrition, and felt very validated by the book. Everyone needs to know that heavy metals, including mercury, are definitely damaging to the body and mind, and informing yourself can help you guard again being bamboozled into accepting them in your food and medications. Reading this book gave me the courage to keep on standing up for myself in my own battle with a nasty disease accepted as permanent by everyone but me.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

As a seasoned mother of a 14 year old I felt this was needed...

Jenny utilized the stories to explain the very rational way these different families chose to proceed with their child's diagnosis despite those who felt they were being irrational & unconvential. It did not promise cures but demonstrated the very relatable struggles that we as families of children with Autism Spectrum disorders face with this diagnosis. She targeted a variety of ages and abilities being blunt to the real issues, concerns, and dilemas we face daily as we walk this unknown path of where we are going or why it is happening. Ironically, half way through reading this book my son's epilepsy resurfaced after being seizure free for 9years. This book became a comfort knowing I was not alone and that my feelings of terror (as his lengthy gran mal seizures just wouldn't stop), were responses so similar to hers & others who had gone through it too. For once in my life during this journey of 14yrs I didn't feel like I was lost in my own little world of just being a parent of a child with autism-Others had been there with me too!! I think if you are not a parent or caregiver of a child with autism this book will give you a real flavor of the magnitude of emotions, roller coasters, and decisions that we must face. If you are a parent, I believe it will bring you comfort knowing you are not alone in your struggle. Although, Jenny does describe her brief experiences as she faces some celebrites head to head before interviews as a strong advocate for individuals with autism, you now clearly understand the true stand she is taking despite the politics. This a great read about the journey through Autism, not a "fix it" book, but she does offer valuable links if you chose to explore the DAN! protocol.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

YOU YOU HAVE ENLIGHTENED ME!

I am a special education teacher and have been in the field for over 35 years. My training and experience is very limited in the area of Autism. I was unaware of the physical health problems and was uncertain about how vaccines entered into the picture. You have opened my mind.

I have a 13 year old ADHD grandson and am convinced that there are some bio-medical connections that need to be pursued more with this disease. I am looking for more natural means of improving his attention and behaviors. You have given me the incentive to do more searching for a means that is not tied to PILLS and the pharmaceutical industry. THANKS!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Excellent reading.

I first read Belly Laughs, because I am always reading baby books, and because I enjoy memoir style books. I wasn't impressed, but I bought Baby Laughs and Life Laughs when they were on the clearance shelves, and had a similiar impression. I get it, Jenny McCarthy, you're an every-woman! But then I read Louder Than Words, partially because of my experience with autism and mostly because I'd read the previous three and was very interested in seeing the author's transformation from silly author to crusader for autism. I found her story of Evan's diagnosis and treatment interesting and appealing. Jenny McCarthy continues her fight for safer vaccines and accountability of the medical community with Mother Warriors, as in warriors for their children, whom the majority of the medical community would rather cast aside than change the status quo. Most appealing I found where the personal accounts of other mothers describing their own children's diagnosis and treatment. I will certainly be reading her new book. I would recommend both Louder Than Words and Mother Warriors.

The Same As Her Other Book

I read Jenny's other book, "Louder Than Words," first. And when I got to this book all I could think was, "This is the same book." McCarthy doesn't give you any additional information in this book. She doesn't tell you anything you haven't already read. And If you haven't read her other book, I would buy that one instead of this one. Also, this book is more of a manifesto against vaccines. And the jury is still out on whether or not they have anything to do with Autism. I have still yet to find a book about Autism that focuses more on the genetic possibilities than the vaccines argument. It is like being an Atheist surrounded by Mormons. I have nothing against the argument, but as a mother who does not believe vaccines are the cause of her son's Autism, it is a little frustrating not to be able to find a book that maps out the scientific and genetic possibilities.

MUST READ EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A LOVED ONE WITH ASD

This book completely exploded my perception of Ms. McCarthy as a blonde bombshell. Her determination and insight, not to mention her fighting spirit, are enlighting, inspiring and humbling. As the teacher of a young child with ASD, I found the research and findings tremendously useful in the classroom and in my interaction with parents and therapists. What a powerful tool for parents of these remarkable children, and what a gift it is to those of us whose lives are simply touched by their presence. You can't read this book without being impressed and touched by this powerful story of victory, no matter how you define it.

Good for women who need to feel empowered. This book assures mothers that we are not crazy when it comes to doing the best for our children no matter what.

I'm a mom of two young children both still in the stages of receiving their vaccinations. This books assures us that we should ask doctors more questions and keep pushing until we get straight answers. I enjoy Jenny's writing style and have found this book to be great for new mothers. It made me feel like I was not alone in my quest for always wanting the best for my babies. The families Jenny writes about in this book have gone through so much-it must haunt them and strengthen their spirit at the same time.

A mother who wouldn't give up on her child

This book is a MUST READ for anyone interested or concerned about the issue with autism and the connection to vaccines. I did cry at times feeling the pain and needless suffering that children with autism go through. It made me recognize the strength that each parent and family goes through once a diagnosis is confirmed and it made me angry when I felt the lack of compassion coming from the Pediatric Assoc. and the sheer greed displayed by the pharmacutical companies that are not regulating the purity of the vaccines and are only wanting the BIG BUCKS and how bucking the system has its challenges as well.
I salute Jenny and all the other parents who didn't give up on their children, even when it all seemed so bleak. My heart goes out to the ones who didn't make it. They are the "Angels" guiding families to make more informed decisions and giving them all a VOICE.

A MUST-READ for parents of children with developmental disabilities like autism

This convincing, passionate book sends the message that autism can be healed (as well as prevented) with biomedical interventions AND that parents can drive the process. Celebrity Jenny McCarthy begins her book by relaying her exciting and sometimes harrowing TV experiences broadcasting this message. Despite personal sacrifice, her deep convictions and heart-felt compassion for afflicted children and their parents plunge her into the role of an outspoken warrior for effective biomedical treatments in autism. She also tells of her rigorous, yet unsuccessful, efforts to enlighten the American Academy of Pediatrics through an information exchange with Defeat Autism Now!, a worldwide organization of medical doctors and research scientists known for healing autism through biomedical interventions. However, the bulk of this book is about the personal stories of several heroic parents who strove to reclaim their children from the clutches of autism. They make tremendous role models for the rest of us to emulate. The book is also available on CD-ROM if you'd prefer to listen than read.

Jenny Does it Again

Jenny is such a wonderful person for putting together another great book encouraging autism awareness. This is an important book whether you have a child with autism or not.

Encouragement to Comrades in Arms

I appreciate Jenny using her celebrity and her big mouth to bring attention to a serious subject.  As one of the warrior mothers she profiles pointed out, we have no Ronald McDonald houses we have no wing in St. Jude's.  I certainly feel like a warrior in the crusade to improve my son¿s life and I enjoyed reading the profiles of some of the moms 'and a dad' that she has encountered in her travels who are fighting for their kid's well-being.  I certainly support the personal choices that each family makes about the care of their child but I can't for the life of me understand why people 'especially doctors' would be against things like specialized diets and supplements that can't hurt and often help. Why can¿t vaccines be made safer and given on a slower schedule? I don¿t understand why the medical establishment ignores it¿s own findings about the links between toxins, infections and autism. ¿In the medical literature I found 31 peer-reviewed articles discussing infections in autism.¿  I also don't get why the anecdotal evidence of 100,000 families is not considered 'real' evidence.   The biggest thing that I like about Jenny is her 'wake up call' to the medical establishment that parents, and especially moms, are THE expert on their own child.  It doesn't matter how little education they have or if they even can speak proper English, doctors do not know what's better for your child then you do. Your gut instinct as a parent gives you information about your child that should never be discounted.  I feel so blessed to have found a doctor at last who believes this too and is willing to combine her expertise with mine to help my son. She ran mainstream tests on my son that had never occurred to his previous doctors to run and found a body that was essentially attacking itself by overproducing white blood cells. After a few short weeks of taking vitamins and minerals, he is already better. This book is a testament to hope!

A Fellow Mother Warrior

A Fellow Mother Warrior, September 23, 2008 I am one of the thousands of Mother Warriors who Ms. McCarthy spoke with during her tour. In fact, it was one year ago that my son was diagnosed with autism. At that time, I had no knowledge of autism or the possibility of treament. Fortunately for my son, Jenny went on Oprah shortly after he was diagnosed and gave us hope and the information we needed to start the healing process for my son. Our story of autism began when my son went for his 12 month well check. It was December in the NW and he had a bad flu and a high fever. I called to cancel his appointment but the nurse assured me that it was more important to keep his vaccines on schedule and it would be perfectly safe. They told me to give him tylenol and bring him in. He recieved his vaccines including the live virus MMR vaccine along with a flu vaccine containing mercury. That was the beginning of my son's demise into autism. I do not believe one single influence caused my son's autism, however I do believe my son was genetically predisposed 'we had some strange markers in his ultrasounds.' I believe his immune system was compromised at the time he recieved the MMR. 'His blood work shows he carries abnormally high level of Measles titers.'I know what Jenny talks about is controversial and not all cases of autism are the same, however many of us, a large majority share very similar stories. I wish I could vaccinate my children but it is just not safe for me to do so. I wish they would develop tests to see if a child is more likely to react to a vaccine. I wish there was more funding going towards research and programs for autism. I am so grateful for this book because it is bringing much needed attention to the FACTS about autism and how no one is listening to the thousands of parents who KNOW that vaccines triggered our children's autism and that there are biomedical protocols that are helping our children get better. After only one year of a GFCF and SCD diet along with DAN! protocol, antiviral protocol and homeopathy my son is on the verge of recovery. He has lost all previous symptoms of autism, is social, affectionate and although his speech is still slightly delayed, he is in the early stages of being conversational. One year ago he was non-verbal. He is mainstreamed in a general education preschool and has lost all previous sensory problems. I have gone to hell and back with no help from the government, medical community, insurance companies or anyone else. My son's recovery is possible because of the parents who have come before me leading the way and because of Jenny McCarthy bringing this epidemic to the media. I want to be clear, my child was born a healthy happy baby who met all his milestones. There was a definate clear change after his 12 month well check. We as parents are not trying to 'fix' our kids. Our kids are MEDICALLY ill. We have thousands of dollars of lab tests and blood work to prove it. Autism is a medical disorder and when we provide our children with medical care and give them proper nutrition, they get better! I hope this book reaches those affected by autism as well as the naysayers. There is a real epedemic happening with an entire generation of our children and we need to start opening our minds, start a discussion, band together and create change. A huge thanks to Jenny McCarthy. She is our autism Angel and because of her, we have our son back. We are forever grateful! For those people out there who do not believe Ms. McCarthy, I say, how do you have the right to give your opinions when you have not gone through what all of us parents have gone through?? I wish this book was out when I was first pregnant because it would have made me question vaccines enough to go out and do more research. Now that I have done the research 'although after the fact for my children' I am horrified to learn the ingredients in vaccines, the number of vaccines and the rush to get them in our

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The REAL story of autism

Autism IS treatable. Anyone who knows a child afflicted with this disease should read this book. It will offer hope and guidance.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Help Is On The Way!!

If you have been struggling with deciding which path to take to get your child with autism on the road to recovery then this book is the answer to your prayers! Ms. McCarthy has presented several stories of recovery to inspire you and the advice can be followed thanks to the wonderful resources cited to help parents. A wonderful read and so very helpful!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

There is HOPE!!

Jenny, once again thanks for spreading the word. There is hope for our children. Our children's autism was caused by toxins and insults created by man. It's not their personality. It's not who they are. Who they really are is beautiful souls trapped beneath a toxic layer of silence and pain. Anyone who does not want to free a child of diarrhea, contipation, pain, and the agony of not having a voice does not need to read this book. If you want to read about love, strength, courage, and HOPE then this book is for you. Jenny gave all the mothers out there working their butts off to recover their children a voice and the world needs to hear it. ND...bite me. Angela

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Mom CAN Change the World!

Want to know what is more powerful than Big Pharma? Or who can stand up the the Status Quo to defend a child? It's a group of warriors motivated by love: mothers of children with autism. If you want a story of a love that defies all odds...if you want to read about miracles that are happening right before our eyes....if you love stories where the underdog wins, then read this book! Jenny's battle cry leads an army of Moms who will not rest until a generation of children are safe, and until our government does everything in its power to protect them from the pitfalls of corporate greed. Kelly Langston: Author of 'Autism's Hidden Blessings' to be released March 2009.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.