Autism Street

In a recent discussion on the local support group I participate in here in Phoenix, one of the parents brought up the topic of “Indigo Children” as interesting for thought on evolution and spirituality, (and I assumed for how it may relate to our AS or ASD children).

New Age: Pronunciation (nü-ij) [just like "sewage" - Penn & Teller]

Now I know that many will assert that this topic is intended to be understood as more spiritual or “New Age” in nature, and I’m quite sure that’s what the entrepreneurs behind the “Indigo Child” nonsense want you to believe.

The first problem with their mask of spirituality, is that it is painted with pseudo-science: psychic powers, mystical energies, specifically colored auras - visible only by certain specialists or equipment, and so many other utter bullshit things like telepathic communication.

The second and major problem with this so-called mask of spirituality is that it is embellished with items that belong to the real sciences. Evolution, Psychiatry (ADD, and ADHD), and as a particularly annoying example, Doreen Virtue’s “The Crystal Children” article, contains a discussion of autism:

“The trouble comes about when the Crystals are judged by medical and educational personnel as having “abnormal” speaking patterns. It’s no coincidence that as the number of Crystals are born, that the number of diagnoses for autism is at a record high. It’s true that the Crystal Children are different from other generations. But why do we need to pathologize these differences? If the children are successfully communicating at home, and the parents aren’t reporting any problems . . . then why try to make a problem? The diagnostic criteria for autism is quite clear. It states that the autistic person lives in his or her own world, and is disconnected from other people. The autistic person doesn’t talk because of an indifference to communicating with others. Crystal Children are quite the opposite. They are among the most connected, communicative, caring, and cuddly of any generation. They are also quite philosophical and spiritually gifted. And they display an unprecedented level of kindness and sensitivity to this world. Crystal Children spontaneously hug and care for people in need. An autistic person wouldn’t do that!”

And that’s not all the autism references in this one, small piece of internet misinformation.

Okay, so she’s saying the Crystal Children are not necessarily autisic, but she directly ties them to causation for an increase in diagnoses of autism? Have the Developmental Pediatricians, Developmental Psychologists, and Psychiatrists lost it?

I immediately criticized the beginning of this whole discussion as a subject of pseudo-science, and admittedly, I was less than polite (which I am not proud of).

One of the group members called me on the fact that I have not actually read the “Indigo Children” book.

In reality there are many such books: and the titles (I’m not asserting that what follows are the actual titles) vary from things like Indigo Children, Crystal Children, and Rainbow Children, to multiple variations of raising and understanding such children and talking with angels.

I have not yet received permission from another group member to quote directly, but let’s just say an interesting point was suggested in that, I ought to actually read the book because it is not necessarily stranger than many of the so-called ‘cures’ for autism that are out there.

I replied with:

“I’m not going to waste the time. This is not a criticism of anyone who wants to read it! It’s an observation of what the book likely has to offer in terms of real knowledge.”

For me,
“It’s no more strange than half the autism ‘cures’ out there.”

Translates to,
“It’s as equally full of unproven assertions and scientific bullshit, as half the autism ‘cures’ out there.”

Here are the first three websites from the contributing authors pages at indigo child:

http://www.emfworldwide.com
Utter pseudo-science, wow the 2.5″ logo’ed glass “tachyon” pyramid is a steal at $155.00 though.

http://www.oughtenhouse.com
Wow! Remote healing, classes to teach you how to talk with angels, and don’t forget the page on how to turn all of this into a lucrative business [by suckering others].

http://www.rapideyetechnology.com/index.htm
Energy medicine - get healthy by special blinking, etc. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of Aura Cleanser $20.

• Notice how they are all selling worthless junk?
• Doesn’t anyone have their bullshit detectors turned on anymore?
• Is it in vogue to let people promote whatever the hell they want as ’science’?
• Is it okay to lie, get rich doing it, and screw people in the process (even if they don’t realize it or ‘believe’ they are being screwed or lied to)?
• Am I being an ass? I just hate to see friends waste their time and money on such nonsense.

If this stuff is real, it should certainly stand up to a few questions about its ’scientific’ validity.

The group member who originally revealed that I had not even read the book, responded with something along the lines of the following:

“Well how do we know the bullshit from the real stuff that works until we try it? That’s what science is, trial and error. All scientists do all day is try something, and when it doesn’t work, they start over and try something else?”

I responded with, and our conversation continued pretty closely as follows:

This represents only part of the scientific method. One of the first, and very important, parts is a valid hypothesis. The trial and error is not a random shot in the dark. You’re absolutely right that experimentation is important, but focus on a testable hypothesis is critical. Scientific theories are by definition falsifiable: they provide true (for now) or false, yes (for now) or no, or answers with mathematical statistical confidence. They are not vague or based on assertions, and in general (but not always) they are not designed to generate book sales, workshops, magic trinkets, or become-a-sacred-healer and get rich schemes.

“How did you learn to calm down your children when they became upset? Trial and error.”

Good point, but I would argue that most reasonable adults practice such trial and error with a mental hypothesis in mind (2 minutes in the grocery store doesn’t allow for realistic development of completely scientific hypothesis and testing of course, so we are forced to do the best we can within the time allowed). As an example, a brand new parent might try a soothing voice or a hug based on the hypothesis that a child will have a positive reaction to the soothing voice or affection. Trial and error for many parents would not include pseudo-scientific hypotheses and trials (waving crystals above their heads, cleansing their auras, or telepathically communicating “please calm down” to them).

“Sometimes you just need to wade through the bullshit to get to the good stuff.”

Science does a great job of this, by preventing you from having to “wade through the bullshit in the first place”. Look for valid hypotheses (testable and falsifiable) and scientific evidence (as opposed to anecdotal, or take my word for it). I question our doctors often, and they never seem to mind, and often appreciate the opportunity to provide scientific explanation. Try questioning a pseudo-scientist, and see if you get straight answers.

Wading through pseudo-science, however, is a choice, and it’s yours to make. I may criticize the pseudo-science - claiming to be ‘real’ science, but I will never criticize you for any decisions or choices you make.

Here’s why the science is so important to me.

One of our support group members is working his heart out to advocate legislation that could provide funding for autism research in the millions of dollars here in Arizona (among other efforts). We all know it’s needed, and could really potentially benefit all of our children in the future. I don’t want any of his (or his wife’s) advocacy efforts to be flushed down the toilet in the form of worthless research when he is successful. He seems to be tirelessly working on the first (and probably the most challenging) part - getting the funding.

Where does it go from there? Next comes the research itself. I don’t want to see one dime, let alone $500,000 or $1,000,000 go to any research that is not likely to provide any real provable benefit. The research needs to have scientific merit, and provide useful information, therapies, or treatments. I will work to make sure that the research itself benefits all of our children. Any amount of money spent indulging pseudo-scientific assertions, irrelevant information, or vague nonsense will irk me. I would hope we would all think this way, but I will not judge or criticize anyone who doesn’t. If anyone is going to advocate proposed monies being spent on research that is not necessarily scientific, be prepared to justify it scientifically, because I will be opposing it objectively (I will not be opposing anyone personally).

Why is it important that we focus on real science as a group? Unfortunately, beliefs and opinions attract research dollars (governmental and private) - not always the science. Here’s an example of this:

From an e-mail from a local autism ‘research scientist’ in here in Phoenix:

“Our theory is not proven, but that is the purpose of our study - to determine the validity of our hypothesis. We believe it is plausible and worthy of investigation since many parents are currently using this treatment.”

That’s right, they secured private grant funding, at least in part according to this ‘research scientist’, based simply on the claim that parents were doing it.

For more about the lack of scientific merit in this particular chelation study see my previous post.

Genetics research looks the most promising from a scientific perspective, but when you combine it with potential environmental influences, the task is daunting. Every research dollar that our advocates work for needs to count! As a group, we stand to realize the most future benefit for our children if we focus on the research being truly scientific and allocating the money wisely.

Yep, to anyone reading this, it’s probably obvious that I am skeptical. I’m not necessarily cynical or negative, but I question everything - especially if it claims to be even partly scientific. I generally try my best not to question any specific group member, or personal decisions. I do, however, question the underlying science or lack thereof, the processes employed in making those decisions, and the information or misinformation those decision may be based on. My goal is to get to as close to the scientific truth as possible, especially when it comes to our children.

I would suggest that having someone as skeptical as me, in a support group like this, can be a benefit (I know it can be irritating, my wife reminds me of this constantly) - But I question things other people might not be willing to. If I am wrong or make a mistake, I admit it. I am open-minded, but not to B.S. as ’science’.

I don’t mean to be annoying. I realize I probably should have just stayed out of the discussion of “Indigo Children” and that no one in the support group is really pushing [I hope] for particular support of this group of authors’ pseudo-scientific nonsense anyway.

I just have a tough time seeing a group of parents “buy in” to such non-scientific claims, worrying that it could impact our effectiveness as a group to push for the best research for our kids.

We need to question everything, be as smart as we can, demand the best for our kids, and accept nothing less.

I did appreciate all of their comments and questions by the way. 500 Bartholomew Cubbins hats off to all of them, for questioning my statements!

Following that discussion, I wanted to learn a little more about Doreen Virtue so I visited her website, where I learned that:

“Dr. Doreen Virtue is a spiritual doctor of psychology and a fourth-generation metaphysician who works with the angelic, elemental, and ascended-master realms in her writings and workshops.”
[Whatever the &$#! that means]

“Doreen is the author of more than 20 books about angels, chakras, Crystal Children, Indigo Children, health and diet, and other mind-body-spirit issues, including the best-selling Healing with the Angels and Messages from Your Angels books/angel cards.”

In addition to summarizing her various claimed degrees, experience at various psychiatric hospital directorships, her homepage goes on to describe her clairvoyance, her childhood ability to see and converse with invisible friends, and notes that she is known around the world for her connection with the angelic realm.

Wow, she is educated, has a fancy job description, some apparently amazing talents, and has divine connections. Perhaps, I should look into this. What if she is onto something?

So, I attempted to re-read that brief article by Doreen Virtue, PhD - “Crystal Children”

In the very same article she states:

“Crystal Children don’t warrant a label of autism! They aren’t autistic they’re AWE-tistic!”

only shortly after writing,

“The first thing most people notice about Crystal Children is their eyes large, penetrating, and wise beyond their years. Their eyes lock on and hypnotize you, while you realize your soul is being laid bare for the child to see.”

Why in the world would she use a reference to autism? Either it’s truly irrelevant (there is such a thing as these psychic, telepathic, Crystal Children, and they are most definitely not autistic), or it’s used simply to attract people attempting to understand their kids (possibly not neurotypical) by a associating some positive words.

She is all over it! She’s obviously well-educated, and concerned about helping people really understanding special kids! Perhaps the angels she can talk with will utimately and divinely convince her to go non-profit - and her books, magic trinkets, and workshops will be offered free to familes of special children everywhere, very, very soon! That’s unless of course the angels get a cut, or truly think (some angels are critical thinkers aren’t they), that she must keep the money coming in to help spread her spirituality and ’science’.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Doreen Virtue has apparently appeared on “Oprah“.

I wonder what Susan Senator would have to say about that?
[Name links to her blog entry about Oprah's book club]

Recommended ‘Real’ Reading:
More interesting reading on the ‘Indigo Children’ topic.

Recommended ‘Real’ Reading:
Susan Senator’s Website and Blog.

Although I have not read this book yet, I’ve read several great pieces on her blog, and many insightful published articles (in periodicals such as: The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and The New York Times) she’s penned (many available on her website). Yes, Ms. Senator’s book in not free, and if she adds 19 non-reality-based books, magic trinkets, workshops, or get-rich-being a sacred mom schemes for sale, this post will refelct those changes - I’m not holding my breath though.

Of course comments are always welcome, however, comments are moderated - comments about the parents themselves in this support group are never published, without their permission. Please keep in mind that this support group has been quite open-minded to the discussion. They are a fantastic bunch of people who routinely offer to help anyone, in any way they can.