Too often, we feel like we’re talking ourselves blue as we try to advocate for our special needs children. It feels like no one’s paying attention, like the only people who care are the ones who are in the same shoes. It doesn’t seem like anyone who could really make a difference is taking notice. Well, someone finally did.

I got home from work yesterday and showered, getting ready to go see a movie with a friend. As I was preparing a quick dinner for myself, the phone rang. I answered, and it was someone from our local news station requesting to come and interview me (!) about “the new Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder that was created by the Governor today” (!) “Wow,” I said, grasping for a semi-intelligent response since a) I hadn’t managed to catch any news yet and had not heard about the Commission, b) they’d probably gotten my contact info from the Autism Society of Oregon since I’m a Chapter Rep, and I didn’t want to sound completely ignorant, and c) I’d never been interviewed by the news before. (!) To be on TV. (!) At least I had already showered.

After we set up a time to do the interview, I ran around cleaning the living room, of course. Then I did a quick search to get some info on the Commission and our illustrious Governor here in the beautiful state of Oregon, which yielded the following:

Governor Creates Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder

(Salem) – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski signed Executive Order 09-07, creating the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The commission is charged with creating greater coordination and planning to better engage and provide services for individuals experiencing ASD and their families.

“Oregon, like other states, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Governor Kulongoski said. “This commission is an important first step in ensuring that individuals experiencing ASD and their families receive the services they need to face the challenges that come with the disorder.”

Across Oregon, services to people experiencing ASD have been fragmented and inconsistent, resulting in poor coordination with the various agencies and entities that provide services. The commission will make recommendations to increase coordination and collaboration through the identification of policies and strategies that will improve interagency agreements and address funding issues . . . “This commission will help make sure Oregon is incorporating all of the best information available on autism in treating and supporting those experiencing ASD,” Governor Kulongoski said. “The commission will also ensure we are getting the maximum benefit from local, state and federal resources.”

And then came my 15 Minutes! (Um, more like 15 seconds.) Unfortunately, I’m unable to embed the video right here on this site, so you’ll have to click on this link to view the two-minute news feature that aired in southern Oregon last night. They put me on twice! Not bad for an introvert, eh?