OT: Loss of Autism Mom and Advocate

[Guest guest]

Liz Birt passed away.

Many of you will recognize her name from Evidence of Harm, NAA,

SafeMinds and Dan Burton's Committee on Gov't Reform.

This is from NAA:

The National Autism Association joins with the autism community in

mourning the passing of our dear friend, Birt. The loss to

NAA's board and to each of us personally is immeasurable.

To many of us, Liz was not only a friend, but a hero as well. First

and foremost a devoted mother, her mission to find the truth for

children diagnosed with autism has impacted all who share that goal.

Blessed with a beautiful mind and dauntless courage, Liz has shown us

what it is possible for us to achieve when our focus remains firmly

upon the future of our children.

Even as she dealt with the day-to-day challenges and anguish an autism

diagnosis places upon parents, Liz was able to maintain a tenacious

drive to find the truth for all of our kids. Her investigation into

government data regarding the rise of neurological disorders among the

children of this country led to groundbreaking revelations, the

effects of which will be felt for generations to come.

The legacy Liz leaves to us is profound. Perhaps the greatest tribute

we can make to our friend is to continue her work to the best of our

ability, always keeping in mind the simple words Liz often used at the

end of her emails, " I will never give up. " Her unwavering

determination to find answers for all of our affected children will

live on through those of us she touched.