Scott LeRette's Blog

VACCINES KILL KIDS !!!


click the link-

https://youtu.be/cMoUuwis4Z4

Dear producers of Tina Feys new series, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt- I think its great that you are promoting your program with such gusto. I too, subscribe to Google Alerts. I chose the keywords to input including: The Unbreakable Boy, Unbreakable, Austin/Scott LeRette, Austintistic, and many more. What happens is that each time anywhere on the net those key words are talked about, written about or any stories run about my book… I will get an alert. For example, in this picture you can see "one" alert that shows a midwest library that featured TUB… However, your new show is devouring my key words! I get about 10-15 alerts for your show on my email.. Getting a little droll and tiring. I spoke to Tina Fey's office on Friday and they thought it was quite funny. I only called to share just that. It is funny. And I am writing this post in hopes that
YOUR Google Alerts picks THIS story up and see how it works! Have a great day. Scott

Hello, readers of the page! I would like to personally invite you to be a part of the publication and launch of my book, The Unbreakable Boy. The Unbreakable Boy, from Harper Collins Christian and Nelson Books will be available everywhere you can buy books on November 11th.

    "The story of the one in a billion boy that saves his dad while showing him how to grow up and live. The sobering yet hilarious story will touch you to the core but in the end show you that the simplest in all things is often what makes life what it is and should be. The Unbreakable Boy has something for everybody and for sure will make you stop, and think and possibly ponder whats going on in your life?"  
I am currently recruiting readers for the launch team over the next week to take part in super-cool opportunity... Watch a book come to life!


Here's what you will receive when you join the team:
-you will have exclusive access to a private FaceBook page where you can track what's happening as well as exchange ideas and thoughts on The Unbreakable Boy. You will be able to communicate with the author and the entire team at HCC and Nelson Books.
-you will receive an advance digital copy of The Unbreakable Boy.
-you will receive a launch-team only digital copy of the The Unbreakable Boy readers guide.
-you will have the rare opportunity to look inside and be a part of the launch of a new book.

-...and other cool surprises. 
If you want to be a part of helping welcome The Unbreakable Boy to the world all you need to do is click the link and answer a few simple questions.
Join us and let's get started! Join the team and take a look inside. Join me and help us bring The Unbreakable Boy to the world.
Scott
Application Link - http://goo.gl/forms/oVzcvyxke5ps- please feel free to share!

pps- 

As things progress towards the November 11th day that The Unbreakable Boy makes it debut a few awesome things are happening. Two of those I am sharing with you today:

1- Click on this link-http://www.unbreakableboy.com and start exploring The Unbreakable Boy home base online

2- On the home page there are two videos. The black and white video is the official trailer from Harper Collins. Very unique. I love it.

The other video you see is where I announce the winner of the free advance copy of TUB. There is a special twist to this announcement!

There are several videos and audio clips on the video blog button. I recommend the one that is the synopsis and overview of what it's all about. A dear friend of Logan and Austin's help make this, and it's great! You won't want to miss this one.

Have a great day.

                Ricard "Austin" LeRette         Class of 2014       Red Oak Community High School...



This is the final version of the cover for The Unbreakable BoyI appreciate and enjoy sharing every step of this crazy and amazing story... the one of my family as well as the story of the journey in seeing The Unbreakable Boy come to life. That has been a story in and of itself. So today I want to share with you all several excting things that started last week and occurring as we speak:

This is the cover of The Unbreakable Boy. I had planned on unveiling it slowly and over several weeks, but as you will see many things happened at once that made my plan obsolete.



When I started scribbling in my little 3x5 spiral notebooks many years ago I never realized what is now happening, writing a book or even having an award-winning  blog, let alone it being successful, would ever happen... I just never imagined all this developing and becoming reality.

For those of you that have followed Austintistic from the start and watched it evolve into what it is today... It is without a doubt been surreal if not unbelievable. Well, at least I can't believe it.

Now On Amazon For Pre-Order!I had to unveil the cover on this day because of the next thing I want to show you... And this is something we have been waiting on for weeks. You can now Pre-Order your copy of The Unbreakable Boy. It's been on the site for a little while now and the early numbers are quite surprising. Please head over and reserve your copy so it will be in your hands they day it is released. Amazon will have it to your door the day of publication- 11/14.



I know it seems like we have a good bit of time before TUB will be on the store shelves, but I now understand why six months in the literary world is a drop in the proverbial bucket.

I have a literary agent... one of the finest in NYC. Stephany is easy to work with and has made the entire experience such a joy.

I also have a partner... my writing guru, Miss Susy. She's the absolute bomb to work with. She has guided me in almost every step and decision. Many of you may have met her when she was in Red Oak last summer. I would not be at this juncture without her.



And only on January first did I say the fun was really going to start. Here we are almost four months later.



I have a publisher who I was first introduced to at Thomas Nelson when they came to me and I chose them as the folks I wanted to help me bring my story to life. I now have two editors. I have a publicist and a marketing director and an entire team of literary professionals I may probably never know... People that their job is to make my work as good as it can be.



Over the coming months the whole process takes on a new complexion when PR and marketing get more and more involved. It really quite fascinating.



I have two more awesome things to lay out for you. I recently was approached by a very popular online health website- www.EveryDayHealth.com They wanted a good story to run in honor of this month, Autism Awareness Month.


The story went up last night.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/my-health-story/raising-an-autistic-child-is-easy/


You can also find the story on your AOL homepage... www.aol.com/health.


Pretty amazing when a friend messages you to say they stumbled upon a story on their AOL homepage...and it's your story! I hope you like it.


In the meantime- click on the book here to Pre-Order The Unbreakable Boy!




















You can click on the link... the book cover right above this or type this into your Amazon search bar, any one will work- (Scott LeRette, Scott Michael LeRette or The Unbreakable Boy).


I have a few more things which I will be updating to this post over the next day or so. So much happening but I wanted to get it all out there for you.




 

I, am a man of God. It’s plain and simple. I am honored to be here to tell you a story. It is a simple story about my life. Unlike most young adults I am Head strong, Goal orientated, very courageous, and mature. I am pretty sure you might have a brother or sister and you probably understand that the older siblings…Always get there way!!! My older brother is Austin. He is the older brother and he Always gets his way. He is funny, very kind, and loves meeting new people. What most people do not know, is that my 18 year old brother Austin is also Autistic, and has a very rare disease that causes him to have brittle bones. He has broken almost 50 bones in his body.  It’s very difficult at the LeRette house. Waking up every morning to yelling and constant fighting. It’s way more than the average siblings should fight and is normal. My Father and Mother are both very good to Austin and Me. They are the perfect parents that I am lucky to have. Now, I often ask myself the Question, “Why?” Why was my brother born with what I like to call “Gifts” that make My Brother who he is? Why? Why him?! Why can’t he do sports, Why can’t he do this and why can’t he do that. Why Him. Why does he have to live a life that he perceives as hell on a daily basis? Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I am driven. Every day I am driven to look out for him and protect him, as the older brother. I am driven by my family, coaches, and my brother. Driven by the word of God and his unconditional love for my brother, family, myself, and all of you. Every day is a gift and how you use it will affect the rest of your coming days. I find peace in knowing that my brother trapped inside his own world will one day be free of the chains that surround him. Knowing that God loves him, and that my brother Austin LeRette believes and loves God just the same… it fills my heart with joy. He is the older brother but little does he know, I am always looking out for him. Just as the older brother would. 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in Love.” I am Andrew Logan LeRette.


Logan competed in a speech trial a little over a week ago. He wouldn't tell us what his topic was... only that is was original oratory or something along those lines. And then this week I stumbled upon this sitting in the background on the Mac. I read it and it gave me great pause. 
Through all the blog posts and the entire experience of watching my book come to life- people always ask about the "little" brother. "How's he do with it all? Do they get along? Is he normal?" 
I debated posting this. He wouldn't want me to one bit. But he used this as the basis for a speech competition (It's fair game!), so I thought I can leave it up at least until he sees it and tells me to take it down.
The two pictures are simply random shots he texted me during school after another tough morning. He said, "I hope this inspires you on dis fin morrrnnning Ded!" And I replied, "If we weren't crazy we'd be insane."
Logan is doing just fine. Ded (Me)...

This time of the year, like many people… I count my blessings. But what is it I am truly blessed with? I think I know what a blessing is. However, even now, I am questioning my own understanding of what it is to be truly blessed? I say a blessing. I thank God often for the blessings of my children, my wife and the life I lead.
When we sit down to dinner or even grab a bite at Taco Bell… we say a quick blessing. I say “God bless you” every day for and to many things. And over the years I have shared with countless people how “blessed” we are that Austin, as an autistic young man, is both verbal and social. I say I am blessed often!
Christmas Eve I had time as I was sitting amongst friends and family, and yes, I did feel blessed… to ponder this.  But as I sat there I began to question my own understanding as to what these blessings meant. (Not the thing that made up what the blessing was, but what it meant for this to be enough for me to call it a blessing.) Regardless of that answer, I know I am blessed in a multitude of ways… But what does it really mean?
Just like the first line of this story… I “count” my blessings? It’s an old saying to me. I don’t really count them do I? And just as that saying may be cliché-  has “I am blessed” become equally as cliché?
Maybe.
But, of course, I couldn’t leave it alone.  Right there in front of the fire, friends fellowshipping and having a “blessed” time… I pulled out my trusty iPhone and pulled up a few selected pages to see what the dictionary, scripture and a few experts had to say about that word, blessing… I also wanted a textbook definition of blessed and blessing.
Do me a favor… stop what you are doing right now, pause and think about something you know you are blessed with. What and why is that a blessing? That is what I want to share with you- what I think it means to have blessings in your life and maybe learn, myself included, what makes them that, blessed. My only disclaimer would be that I am sure the next person reading this could and will have a wildly different view and picture of what this all means.
First I sought out the generic Google dictionary- blessed  1.  Adjective- made holy; consecrated  2.  Informal- a mild expression of annoyance or exasperation and 3.  Noun- those who live with God in heaven.
Ok. I know for me it is something faith based and related to my higher power. It is something I am grateful for and give much thanks.
I then found a site called inTouch.org and it gave me a few tidbits to mull over- I will paraphrase from an article by Winn Collier. “In biblical terms, to bless is to declare Gods truth into someone’s life and to announce God as the gracious, sovereign Lord who intends to flood His children with goodness and joy.
And as the author noted in using the words of German Pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Blessing means laying ones hand on something and saying, “Despite everything, you belong to God.”
The author goes on to share with us that God affirms that blessing comes to us not because of our ingenuity or effort but because God is kind and always working for our good. And further… Blessing arrives because we have a God whose being exudes blessing.
Sitting in my chair I realized that after having said some version of, “I am blessed”, for so long that the meaning of it was really lost on me. Could it really be any more than just- “I am so lucky” meaning the same thing as “I am so blessed?”
Greg Laurie on Jesus.org wrote some words that made me think of blessings and I began to realize that in order for me to say those words and understand them then I needed to know what they meant at a much baser level.
What he wrote was this- Blessed is a Christian word. It is a spiritual word. It is a biblical word. And it has been hijacked by our culture. People may talk about “blessings” in their lives, but the nonbeliever has no idea what a real blessing is, because only the child of God truly knows what it is to be blessed. And His earthly ministry was in blessing people.
I am not sure if I have any better idea of what blessings are to me. I think I do. I see them as something akin to what “grace” means. Grace is not something we seek or create. And blessings aren’t a thing we inherit or earn. Blessings are more than just appreciation and getting lucky. They are unconditional and perfect. There is no such thing as a bad blessing. Blessings are right in front of us. All of us. No matter what. It just may be our prerogative to reach out and accept them.
The words we say mean things. So when I say “blessing” today I think about what and why I am saying it. I am blessed for my health and my family and above all… my higher power. For me to have blessings I know for sure I must have Faith.
I can’t go get a blessing. I can’t go down to the store and buy a blessing. You can’t hold it or touch it! I must live in Faith and walk that walk everyday to have the opportunity to know what blessed is. Then and only then will I understand what being blessed really means.
I am blessed. Not just during this season of Advent. No, I have many blessings. I hope I am trying my best to warrant these blessings I think I have.
Merry Christmas. And may God bless you all.
Ps- it is OK in my book to say Happy Holidays. Just do a little research on the etymology of “holidays”… A post for another day!

***Disclaimer- To date I have never gone political on this blog and very rarely dipped into controversy. But this post I am probably doing a bit of both. Here is why- Our son will graduate in about 6 months and try as I might I know I have failed him in many ways and there are still many people that have been a part of his life that have never truly understood a thing about him or autism. It is more than ignorance. Some folks just don't "want" to get it. Change is hard I guess. Tolerance...such a buzzword that many a person tosses around yet may be the ones guiltiest of impugning this mere concept.***

I have nineteen years experience and I am still learning and understanding what "autism" means. It changes and evolves and shows me something new every single day. This also may lend a little fog into the understanding of the general public... enabling all of us in the autism world with an extremely difficult predicament- trying to raise awareness through advocacy to a world that is more connected than ever, but has a gazillion things on their minds so why should one care about this or that if it doesn't affect me. Why should autism be important?

I think it is a pretty calamitous proposal- trying to educate the world on a condition that my son is blessed with. Why should people want or care to understand what makes him, him. Many, no, most days it feels like it's the proverbial one step forward... and at least two back. But in the end I know what matters is trying to make a difference in the little sliver of the world we inhabit... by example, prayer and care.

Sure, there are always the few that really do understand and "get" it. In a way it makes sense and I can judge, so I will, because I'm pretty sure I can fall into this same category (ignorance)... Let me explain- Breast cancer awareness, Downs-Syndrome, Parkinsons and on and on. The list is endless. Am I aware and educated and thoughtful to all those touched and affected by these diseases and conditions? I am to a degree, but how could I possible understand and be as empathetic like I could be? If it's not on your radar and is not a part of your daily routine, why should one engage more than need be?

Now, being on the autism ball-field for as long as we have I do have a modicum of understanding for any person or family touched by special circumstances, but to truly understand what another is going through I think it takes more. One needs to proactively learn and engage to understand. And this takes effort and in the end... heart.

Why does this all matter?

Autism is by all counts, an epidemic. From the CDC to many other prominent organizations this is pretty much a consensus. The schools will be engaged with many more autistic kids over the next decade. "Many" is not a very proper indicator really as the numbers of newly diagnosed are breathtaking. But not just autism- learning disabilities over the last decade have grown to gargantuan levels.

Are schools, or better yet, society et al ready for a crushing wave of people with a condition/syndrome/disease that so many people think they know a little bit about but in reality haven't the foggiest?  I don't know the answer to that so all I can do is make assumptions and form my own thoughts based on the experience both in my home with a nineteen year old autistic. I also form my opinions from experience in the outside world, at school, in public and socially.

Ok, you can judge me... that's alright... I am going to judge as well. I don't see it that way (a bad way), but my perception... my reality... it is quite real to me, my family and many other friends and loved ones, I think. If you have a hard time buying what I am presenting maybe then that says something in and of itself.

I will simply state a few things up front- Bullying is a problem bigger than we can imagine (it's not just kids in school- more on this later). Compassion and self-compassion amongst our youth is pitiful. We live in an ultra-ME generation. Ignorance may be bliss to some but it can me hurtful and dangerous. Adults, many times are the problem instead of the role models and solutions they should and could be.

I have two scenarios that have played out over the last year that I will share. These two will hopefully illuminate some of the variables regarding bullying and compassion as well as how ignorance and "ignoring" can be just as bad as overt aggression to anyone living with a special need.

A friend, not a real close one, but one on FaceBook posted a photo and comments. The picture was of a high school gymnasium that had a number of signs scattered around the gym announcing the need to be aware of "bullying". This friend went on to espouse the need for our youth to grow up and fight back instead of being bullied. He felt that bullying was for a bunch of weak kids that only needed to stand up and, as he said, "grow a pair".

I wrote to him, in private, on FaceBook. I shared with him how so many kids, like Austin, and many adults too, may have a limited ability to self-advocate and also, like Austin will try his darndest to please the bully- only to be like all the other kids. Heres the deal- Austin doesn't want special treatment. He just wants to be like every other kid. The reality- he needs and deserves accommodative treatment and some in certain circumstances, student and adult alike, sometimes seem to have an issue with this.

I've seen it all happen to our son and my family over the last decade. It is sad, but still a fact. So how did the FaceBook friend react? I should first say that this person is a highly educated individual that also happens to be an ex-fighter pilot in the armed services.  Drum-roll.......... He un-friended me.

I am actually shaking as I write this. I have waited nearly a year as I haven't wanted to ruffle feathers or upset anyone who likes reading my posts. But I should recognize by the many people that do reach out to me that in some small way some of the stories I write mean something to some people. So I felt it was time. And if it pains you to read this, as it does me, think about why that might be...?

I will close with a scenario that is more recent. I tried as best to gather the facts as did Teresa and Logan and a few other high school buddies of the boys. All the while Austin only wanted it to all be better, nobody get in trouble... Yet he still didn't comprehend what HE did wrong. Austin felt that HE was bad.

To cut to the chase- Austin wore a T-shirt to school and was asked to remove it because some folks thought it was inappropriate. What was it? It was a Sponge Bob shirt that had Patrick (the cartoon character starfish), dressed in swim trunks on the beach with a caption of "half-baked". He had a tremendous sunburn. He had worn it before so no big deal I thought. He wears it because he LOVES Sponge Bob and especially Patrick.





I learned of all of this later that night and then over the weekend when several students called to share their feelings on what had happened.

Apparently a few students, one in particular started laughing at Austin's shirt. Giggling and carrying on and then a few more joined in. He couldn't understand what was so funny. After some more "What is so funny's" from Austin the person finally told him... "You know what your shirt means don't you?" This right there tells me the person really had no clue that he did know what "she" thought it meant. To Austin it was a super-cool and fun shirt from a silly cartoon.

The person then went on to tell him that he was wearing a shirt that meant to- Get High or Stoned or whatever. Austin was totally unaware of how this could be. This person then went on about their day as if nothing had happened. But it wasn't over for Austin. Obviously a few staff members agreed that the Sponge Bob T-shirt was just too offensive for school and he had to remove it and put something else on.

I am a little steamed about right now, actually shaking. Right, Austin just loves wearing a Lets Get High T-shirt whenever he can. People know us. We would never allow either of our sons to even think about wearing a shirt that was indeed offensive or disrespectful and promoting something illicit. And why did he get in the hot seat? What about the agitator?

So Austin ended up fretting over this throughout the day and as the day grew longer so did his demeanor. By the time I got home that day he was distraught. I thought it was a joke. What's next? Ban any shirt that says- Lets Get High On Life?  And how many terms are there for getting high or drunk? About a bazillion. Did I think that's what this shirt stood for? No. All one need do is to watch the show.

Why did this person decide to rain on my son's parade. And apparently this is not the first time this had happened. Some people like to see how much they can goad and even provoke someone they know they can get a rise out of. I don't get it, but I do.

I think back to when Austin was in middle-school. He got into a tete a tete with one of his teachers over a comment he made. The teacher had asked what each student wanted to make that semester for a main dish. (It was a home-ec type class). As many of you know Austin wants to be a chef and the first chef he ever fell in love with was Emeril- Bam! He responded with, "I want to make pasta with vodka sauce, just like Emeril." Actually one of my favorite dishes. You can actually now get "Vodka" sauce, by Emeril in your local grocery store.

On the spot he was reprimanded for saying "vodka". She said he couldn't say it and he said he could. It apparently went back and forth like a ping-pong ball. Why? He saw nothing at all wrong with what he said. He answered her question. Period. End of story. And the teacher hadn't a clue as to how to work with and talk to him. She treated him like she thought any "other" kid should be treated... no regard for any accommodative consideration. Because she hadn't a clue about what it meant that my son was autistic.

Teresa found Austin later that day writing on paper, 100 times, "I will not talk about alcoholic drinks in class".  For real! As has happened so often, why can't the adult do all they can do to get into "who" Austin is and what they can do to learn more about him and other students like him. They are his mentors and educators and role-models. Act like it! The adults... the one thing I never saw coming. The ones we have had at times the most difficulty with in working with our son.

Oddly enough, a week later, in that same class, they had a rootBEER party for a fellow classmate to celebrate their birthday.

This is why we have made abundantly clear to have a para (special ed assistant), with Austin at most all functions, activities and outings. We just never know when something will happen and the person in place may only know what they know... and while the para could be there to advocate for him and they were not... what a mess it could be.

Autism is a funny and fascinating and perplexing thing to me. And I live with it. Do you understand what autism is? Here it goes... I am going to judge... You don't. I wish you would try to understand who and why and what our son is. Just try.

Students, adults, teachers... we all can learn more. My son is different. But he is whole and he is a blessing and he was made the way he is... in Gods own eye.

Please, if you have ten minutes... watch this TED talk... It may make you think a little.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpNZJN...

This almost made me throw up when I read it.

I have provided a picture of the letter, but I also have typed it out for you-


   To the lady living at this address: 

I also live in this neighborhood and have a problem!!! You have a kid that is mentally handicapped and you consciously decided that it would be a good idea to live in a close proximity neighborhood like this??? You selfishly put you kid outside everyday and let him be nothing but a nuisance and a problem to everyone else with that noise polluting whaling he constantly makes!!! That noise he makes when he is outside is dreadful!!!!!!!!!! It scares the hell out of my normal children!!!!!!!! When you feel your idiot kid needs fresh air, take him to our park you dope!!! We have a nature trail!!! Let him run around those places and make noise!!!!!!! Crying babies, music and even barking dogs are normal sounds in a residential neighborhood!!!!!! He is NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He is a hindrance to everyone and will always be that way!!!!! Who the hell is going to care for him?????? No employer will hire him, no normal girl is going to marry/love him and you are not going to live forever!! Personally, they should take whatever non retarded body parts he possesses and donate it to science. What the hell else good is he to anyone!!! You had a retarded kid, deal with it...properly!!!!!!! What right do you have to do this to hard working people!!!!!!!!! I HATE people like you who believe, just because you have a special needs kid, you are entitled to special treatment!!! GOD!!!!!!!!

Do everyone in our community huge a favor and MOVE!!!! VAMOSE!!! SCRAM!!!! Move away and get out of this type of neighborhood setting!!! Go live in a trailer in the woods or something with your wild animal kid!!! Nobody wants you living and they don't have the guts to tell you!!!!!!

Do the right thing and move or euthanize him!!! Either way, we are ALL better off!!! 

Sincerely,

One pissed off mother!!!!!

I can't pinpoint which emotion I felt was strongest because this letter elicited so many. This letter was slipped under the door of a young autistic boys home about two weeks ago in a suburb of Toronto. The Royal police are searching for the culprit that wrote this but have already said that it does not meet the threshold of "hate" crime... they are pursuing other criminal offenses. What do you think? Pretty high bar if you ask me.

I have had a few discussions with friends about this and it has continued to gnaw at me. This past weekend while away on business I was talking with a friend about this and it made me think of all the difficult and frustrating times we live with. And I shared that... There are certain things I have never in my life said or really even thought about until this very moment... like, "Oh, you're so lucky you don't have a special needs kid" or "I wish it was never born" or "Why me?" Ok, we have asked our higher powers on occasion why we have the load which we do. But I think we all have probably felt that before and it's an understandable thought.

As for the author of this vile letter... I wonder how happy they are on life. I wonder what brings joy to their day and what makes them eager to rise and shine every morning. Hmm.

This letter is hateful. I never get political or too controversial on my blog, nor anywhere else online... but as hard as I try this letter made me see red. Even as I sit here I am trying to understands what would motivate someone to do such a thing. In the end I think it says one thing and one thing only... It says so much more about the letter writer than it does the recipient. And for that... I can only pray for this sad mother... and yes, I hope she gets caught... the coward.

ps- as I grow up and live each day it is becoming very clear to me some of the answers of life. This sad letter makes clear some of those... love, compassion and empathy are what ails our world.