Autism Awareness Day - April 2nd

April 2nd, 2026

A few notes and resources for this year's Autism Awareness Day. My home state has some great resources for Autism. 

https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/our-work/

I have always admired Temple Grandin - she was one of the first honored and publicized person with autism. Her story is remarkable and she continues to excel in her efforts to promote autism. https://www.templegrandin.com/

Two television shows I started to watch in the past year dealing with autism are:

Professor T (BBC/PBS) and Atypical (Netflix). I would add that these shows for viwing but they are for mature audiences.

The best watched TV Autism moment was ESPN's sport's analyst and former pro quarterback Dan Orlovsky watching his son Madden express his talent and feelings on World Autism Awareness Day. https://www.totalprosports.com/nfl/espn-dan-orlovsky-bawling-his-eyes-out-live-tv-video/

September 1st, 2025

I have always been a fan of the “Big Easy” Ernie Els. He is a hall of fame golfer and his manner and grace both on and off the links are also worthy of hall of fame status. 

Not many know of his son Ben who has autism, and many do not know about his foundation located in Jupiter Florida.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/ernie-els-priority-autism-foundation-204418559.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

https://www.elsforautism.org/about-us/on-our-campus/

June 1st, 2025

I have always been a follower of Mike Rowe. For the past 20 years+ he has sounded the charge for the need of vocational workers. He also states the alarm of the lack of work ethic in our country especially among young men. https://moneywise.com/employment/mike-rowe-warns-americans-that-the-will-to-work-is-disappearing 

Mr. Rowe has a wonderful segment on his website about teaching community trades to the Autism Community (TACT). Please check it out. https://mikerowe.com/2025/05/teaching-the-autism-community-trades-ep-2-pysk/

April 2nd, 2025

I first read about this new Autism group last November. https://outliermedia.org/detroit-autism-friendly-play-center/ Since this was so close to home, I wanted to promote the group and their activities during World Autism Month.

Autism in the D is worthy organization that provides many resources in the Detroit area. Please help out if you can for a worthy cause. https://www.autisminthed.com/about

Here is another excellent website with valuable information and many resources available about autism.

https://riseupforautism.com/blog/what-is-autism-awareness-month

April 8th, 2024

This is such a tragic and disgusting video. Awareness MUST also include the sad fact of autistic children being abused.

https://rmlawyers.com/littleton-public-schools-special-education-student-abuse-cases/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/littleton-bus-aide-fired-students-230200317.html

April 2nd, 2024

 https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-awareness-day

In the past month I have seen two actors that are on the autism spectrum do wonderful work. It's wonderful to see autistic actors in roles not played but non-autistic actors (i.e., Freddie Hightower "The Good Doctor"). 

I'm not criticizing Mr. Hightower his show is very good, and he does an outstanding job.

In fact, one of the actors is on his show this season.

https://www.aol.com/good-doctor-newbie-kayla-cromer-150200087.html

Kayla Cromer is the first autistic actor to play an autistic main character on a primetime TV series.

The other actor is Paras Patel in the hit show “The Chosen.” He portrays Matthew the tax collector and apostle of Jesus.

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/video/paras-patel-chosen-people-feeling-108767411

I urge everyone to watch these shows, they are really good.

April 2023

Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, in April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States.

Why April Is Autism Acceptance Month, Not Autism Awareness

Acceptance vs. Awareness

“Acceptance is about moving beyond this idea of awareness, which has been medicalized and has been used to spread ideas of autism that are stigmatizing,” says Zoe Gross, Director of Advocacy at ASAN. “[Autism] make life harder, but it’s part of our experience of the world. It’s not something to be scared of.” 

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&ei=UTF-8&p=April+is+autism+awarens+month#id=3&vid=f537484a81236db2e300515d90bff8f2&action=click

April 2022

 A Proclamation on World Autism Awareness Day, 2022

A nice message from the White House - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/04/01/a-proclamation-on-world-autism-awareness-day-2022/

P/S - Update on the Good Doctor - Much better than 2021 season with the focus returned to ASD in most of the episodes.

April 2021

With the Global Covid 19 virus I can't help but wonder about all the routine movements, processes and help that is now so fragmented for people on the spectrum. Perhaps, others can now learn what it is like to have your "normal" life in such a disarray. Autism people have known this kind of stress their whole lives.

While sitting at home with the rest of the world I found this movie that was really good about an English lad who has autism. Check it out!

https://agoodmovietowatch.com/brilliant-young-mind-2014/

And of course, I really like the Good Doctor. However, the 2021 season has lost its gusto. Too many social issues and political correctness is ruining the show about ASD.

April 23 - Update

I was sent (Thank you Matthew) this link
https://www.wizcase.com/blog/internet-safety-guide-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders/
that provides valuable information about internet safety for people with ASD.

Click link below for all my posts on Autism over the years. http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search/label/ASD%20-%20Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorders

or on the ASD Label (Left Sidebar) for more of my posts on Autism.

I was throwing away some old papers today when I came across this poem, I wrote 25 years ago for Michael, Jason, Robert and my other friends and students I have had the pleasure to know...

SHINE!

At 11:45 we start to get antsy while he smiles like an old gray fox
At noon we go to our lockers and get our Sponge Bob lunch box
He then checks our shoelaces and pulls up our socks.

Then it’s back to class and get called in to line
We shuffle to the back because he said that’s where we shine
He walks with us quietly and whispers all will be fine.

As we walk quietly in line headed to the lunchroom we go
We then search for a place at a table where a friend might show
While the man who is with us sits across the room laying low.

Often times we don’t eat, and we just play with our food
Then the lunch lady turns and signal to the man that we are being crude
He then stands where we can see; and gives us the “Look” we best eat before he gets in a mood.

After we eat, we go to recess, sometimes it’s in, but we hope it’s out
It all depends on if the flags are green hanging about
Yellow means stay inside then we groan and pout.
Today we go outside and play on the playground equipment
We hope a friend will stop and play even if for a minute
But most of the time we play alone, and it seems to be infinite.

At 12:35 the whistle blows loud and sometimes we cover our ears
You see the decibel and noise level brings out some fears
But we know we are safe because our guardian is always nearby.

Another lunch has come and another has gone by
Sometimes we get into trouble and sometimes we cry
But mostly we wonder about friends and ask him WHY?

After we line up, we will try not to talk and to stay in line
Then our teacher meets us and says you all look fine
And the man who walks behind smiles and says we SHINE!

I Don't Get it! - Partial Government Shutdown - Congress goes home for two weeks 3/30/2026

 

Another government (Partial) shutdown. According to the Department of Homeland Security's September 2025 funding lapse plan, most employees will be classified as exempt, requiring them to work through the shutdown. Although they will not receive pay during the shutdown, they are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown concludes. 

Here's who's affected: 

• Department of Defense: Nonessential civilian staff furloughed (military personnel continue to be paid under special rules).
• Department of State: Many consular and administrative staff may be furloughed.
• Department of Transportation: Parts that rely on annual appropriations may be affected.
• Department of Health and Human Services: Some programs slowed or suspended.

I wrote about this insanity last year: https://qualityg.blogspot.com/2025/10/another-government-shutdown.html

Again, I state three simple solutions:

Government shutdowns have become a recurring feature of US politics, the product of partisan stand-offs over spending that force federal agencies to halt a wide range of services.

So, what is the solution to avoid these high school antics and sissified back and forth threats. First of all, no one can leave congress for their home state the month before a balanced budget is do for approval. Second, negotiations must be on going (No leaving the capital) until a resolution can be found before the shutdown date. 

Thirdly, and most importantly ONLY congress people should NOT be paid (With a daily $500 fine) during a shutdown. All other workers should continue to be paid. And NO retroactive pay after resolution for a balanced budget. 

Congress needs to get over themselves. Most people could care less and don't even know why you are having a shutdown. When I am at the gym and one of these so-called politicians come on the television everyone starts to laugh regardless of party. You people live in your own minds and social media bubbles. 

Updated 3/30/2026

Yep, The House and the Senate are gone again (just like last year during the shutdown) on a two-week recess starting Friday, March 27, for Passover and Easter, and left Washington, meaning it could take some time for the chambers to reconcile the differences in their legislation.

There are some congress people who are withholding their pay as to support the workers who are not. One Senator from Ohio (Moreno) introduced a Bill (To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a daily tax on members of Congress during a lapse in appropriations) to impose a tax on congress members during a shutdown. A worthy effort but will not get passed or even brought for a vote.

You people are a sad representation when you continue to put party politics over working people and military people putting their lives on the line for us in the Middle East.

You are nothing but Lemmings.

Why does congress not have to wait in TSA Lines?

 It's taken numerous government shutdowns along with the current partial shutdown for someone to finally say why do congressional people get to skip the TSA lines. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/require-members-of-congress-to-wait-in-tsa-lines-like-everyone-else-sen-john-cornyn-says/ar-AA1Z15Xv

If they truly represent their constituents, then why are they afraid to fly like them? https://liveandletsfly.com/congress-skipping-tsa-lines-shutdown/

I have been to the airport twice in the last two weeks and it is a mess. Not only are the lines inside the airport long the arrival and departure lines outside the airport are insane.

It's sickening to watch these people from both parties point fingers at each other while others are suffering. As soon as I hear their voices, I turn the channel. In fact, I hardly ever watch any news (Cable and Network) channels except for local sports and weather.

https://qualityg.blogspot.com/2026/02/i-dont-get-it-partial-government.html

Ford Motor - More Recalls (Got me again) - Salary Workers to receive HUGE Bonus - Updated 3/13/2026

 

Ford needs to reimplement Dr. Demings Teachings and Principles on Quality (See Below)!

Updated 3/13/2026 - Two more recalls both affecting my vehicle, plus my rear liftgate continues to not close the majority of time. No recall on this as of yet even though it's an ongoing problem according to the internet. https://www.yahoo.com/autos/safety-and-recalls/articles/ford-recall-over-83-000-163546571.html

Updated 3/11/2026 - Ford is not putting on the break for recalls this year. Just a measly 4.3 million trailer brake light problems. https://www.yahoo.com/autos/safety-and-recalls/articles/ford-recalling-4-3-million-162500387.html 

Check this out - https://autos.yahoo.com/safety-and-recalls/articles/ford-just-broke-time-recall-184500966.html;_ylt=AwrFF4YmOrFpPAIA.atXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Nj

Ford says it's being Proactive not Reactive. Silly me shouldn't you be upfront-active by building quality up front in your design process before cars are built. Fixing problems after the fact is very costly. Ever hear of the 1-10-100 Rule? This means Ford has NO prevention type process measures at critical points in the systemic production process to let workers/engineers know there is a problem without waiting for inspection (1-10-100 rule), think of this as dollars, $100 means end of process (Proactive by Ford's definition), $10 means caught in mid production and $1 defect caught at beginning of process. Unknowable cost is when product is shipped to customer(s) also known as warranty work and recalls.

Updated 3/09/2026 - Yep, more recalls (6000,000+) and Management is all excited about the huge bonus they will receive this month. - https://www.fox5dc.com/news/ford-recalls-600000-vehicles-wiper-defects-affected-models

And ... https://apnews.com/article/ford-car-recall-rearview-camera-display-69a846973b55f00b8e7b584c7b25cd6b - This involves 1.74 million vehicles.

Updated 2/20/2026 - Ford announced last week that Salary Workers will receive a 130% pay bonus in March 2026. The increase is based on an improved initial quality metric. It measures repairs for the first 90 days of ownership. Sorry, that is not an adequate Quality Metric for a pay incentive. 

How about recalls? Guess what car company has led the list for years? Check this out - https://www.autoblog.com/news/10-car-brands-with-the-most-recalls-in-2025 For 2025 it cost more that 1.9 billion dollars in recalls.

13 million plus! 4 times the amount of second place Toyota. Oh, Ford will blame suppliers and workers, but they don't realize Ford Management owns the system for a car from start to finish and that includes everything in between. https://www.carscoops.com/2026/02/ford-bonuses-recalls-quality-gap/

Happy New Year - 

Updated 1/22/2026 - More Recalls - Just another 108,700...  Guess What? It includes me! 

This has to do with the Liftgate Hinge Cover. Mine went missing last summer (2025) and I had no idea how it could just be gone. The fix was a new part (I waited a month). I could not believe they put it on in the Service Area Bay. It is held on by VELCRO. Yep, VELCRO - no other attachment or sealant. Just clip in and push down! Is that advance engineering or what!!

Updated 8/28/25 - Two more recalls this week! Urgent - Brake Fluid Leak

More Recalls - Just another 850,000...

https://autos.yahoo.com/articles/ford-issues-urgent-recall-nearly-175744174.html;_ylt=AwrEbgNAnrFoLgIAY.5XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Nj

I have owned and leased a Ford for the past 30 plus years. I have never seen it this bad. My last lease 2022 Edge had 3 recalls. I had to wait weeks for an appointment and trying to get a loaner if the work took longer than a day was near impossible.

I loved my Edge (I leased three, before that Explore's and Escapes), but Ford decided to discontinue the Edge this year. However, the 3 recalls (One not being fixed after 2 tries) led me to turn it in with 17,000 miles on a three-year lease. I recently leased a new Ford, and a part flew off (Attached with VELCRO) the car after only owning it for one month, it has almost been a month for the part to be approved for warranty (You have got to be kidding). Now I am waiting for the part to be painted (It's been over a week). You would not believe the service bay where they are working on cars, it's filled with F-150s and Mavericks.

7/11/25 - 850,000 new vehicle recalls.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65367186/ford-recall-faulty-fuel-pump-850000-vehicles-mustang-bronco-f-150-f-series-super-duty/

4/18/25 - Five more in one day...

Ford continues to set the recall record.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/ford-can-t-stop-recalling-cars-drops-five-more-at-once-updated/ar-AA1D8z02

4/07/2025 - Recalls Mounting ...

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/04/ford-cant-stop-recalling-cars-drops-4-recalls-again/

Ford continues to have recall woes. Yet, I see nothing that explains the reason for so many other than the parts and suppliers they use are sending faulty parts. 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ford-recalls-33k-bronco-sport-110900998.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

There are no end-to-end quality measures or plans built into their processes or systems. 

qualityg says “What Gets Planned and Measured Gets Done” 

1/23/2025 - More Recalls

Ford is recalling over 272,000 Bronco Sport SUVs from the 2021 through 2023 model years and Maverick pickup trucks from the 2022 through 2023 model years. These vehicles have defective batteries that could suddenly fail while the SUV or pickup is in use. The batteries were made in China!!

1/11/2025 - Original update

Ford Motor Company needs to reimplement Dr. Demings Teachings and Principles on Quality!

 I have owned six different Ford vehicles over the past 20 years. The quality of the vehicles has gotten worse over the past five years. In fact, Ford leads all car manufactures in recalls.

In 2024, Ford ranked 2nd in Recalls. https://fordauthority.com/2024/12/ford-ranked-second-for-most-issued-recalls-of-2024/

This article was just published 1/8/25 - https://www.motorbiscuit.com/ford-recalls-f-super-duty-other-suvs-cars/

I personally have had three experiences (Recall - Power Module and Battery) this year with problems on my 2022 Ford Edge (I love the Edge and terribly disappointed that Ford will no longer make this model). My dealership is swamped with Ford Escapes (Including Hybrid), Mavericks, F -Series Trucks and Edges with many recent recalls in the past 2 months. Getting an appointment takes weeks if not months. P/S - My rear lift hatch closes on its own. I brought it in two times, and they say its fixed. I say it's not.

This has led me to remember back in the 1980's when Ford Motor company had Dr. Deming help them with their Quality efforts. 

Ford Motor Company called upon Dr. Deming to help. According to Don Petersen, former CEO and board chairman of Ford, Deming's approach was the key to the turnaround in the fortunes of Ford. Waste was reduced, labor relations improved, customer satisfaction increased, and Ford was able to stay in business and compete again. Petersen is unequivocal about the basis for Ford's success: "People want to do a good job. Dr. Deming's ideas and concepts, as we got them going through our system, gave people more and more this feeling that they had a better chance to do a good job. The rate of improvement, in many ways, was much greater than anything we could anticipate."

Many Deming disciples from Ford Motor Company began distinguished quality careers based on the teachings of Dr. Dr, Deming. Most notably was Dr. Edward Baker. Perhaps it's time to bring him back!

https://deming.org/our-team/edward-martin-baker/

It's time Ford Motor company management reevaluate their Quality Principles and begin to implement for an end-to-end perspective. 

Management owns the system. For more on Dr. Deming please read - https://qualityg.blogspot.com/search/label/Dr%20W.Edwards%20Deming

The Quality Guru (NOT) is now running for Governor of Michigan - again

February 2026

Perry Johnson recently announced that he was joining the GOP hunt for the governor’s office, with a campaign staff made up of Republican power players, Trump associates and a war chest forged from his personal wealth. He also said that he plans to spend 9 million dollars of his own money. I have had numerous texts and voice mails from him for the past week. I believe he is running a Super Bowl commercial too.

The Republican businessman and self-avowed “quality guru” ran for governor in 2022 before being tossed off the ballot in a fake petition signature scandal and then an abortive presidential run in 2024. He also ran for President (See Below).

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/26/michigan-businessman-perry-johnson-running-governor-republican/88362515007/

August 2023

Perry Johnson is now running for President. Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, who has loaned his longshot campaign for president more than $8 million and in July offered donors a $10 gas card as a thank you for a $1 donation, has failed to qualify for Wednesday's first Republican presidential debate, officials said, despite his extraordinary efforts to do so. He says he will be on stage for the 2nd GOP Debate.

Johnson, a self-described “quality guru” who made millions as a consultant on quality control standards, has so far loaned his presidential campaign more than $8 million.

Johnson spent more than $7 million of his own money on a run for Michigan governor last year only to be disqualified before the primary election after signature collectors his campaign and other campaigns hired presented fraudulent signatures.

What follows are posts from 2022:

Being a student of Quality Management, Process and Systems since 1978 I was surprised at the Super Bowl ad that introduced Perry Johnson as a candidate for Michigan Governor. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/01/27/republican-businessman-perry-johnson-joining-race-michigan-governor/9241033002/

The ad specifies Mr. Johnson as a Quality Guru. Mr. Johnson is best known for his work on the ISO 9000 Standards.

In 1994, I read his initial book on ISO 9000: Meeting the International Standards. I actually was certified as an ISO 9000 auditor back in the day of the 1980s and 1990s when I was certified in just about every Quality System that was known. I have written on this subject over the years and many posts are included in this Blog. http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search?q=iso+9000.

I will watch Mr. Johnson's candidacy with interest. I take the meaning (Title) of Quality Guru very seriously and it is usually bestowed upon someone who is a legend in their field and the title given by others. 

https://www.bizmanualz.com/improve-quality/who-are-the-top-quality-gurus.html

https://www.encyclopedia.com/management/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/quality-gurus

I could supply list after list and the same names will appear as being known as a true Quality Guru. Interestingly, I have read, witnessed and studied every name on these lists, and I have never once seen or heard any of them call themselves a Guru. In fact, most were very humble.

 The only name I would add that is not on many lists is Dr. Russel  Ackoff. https://management.curiouscat.net/articles/955-Interview-of-and-by-Dr-Ackoff-and-Dr-Deming

Sorry - I do not see Mr. Johnson's name on any of the lists.

Updated March 16, 2022

https://www.theballengerreport.com/whos-ahead-whos-a-flop-mirs-michigan-poll-tells-all/

Updated June 12, 2022, Quality 101 - Preventive Maintenance (PM)

It seems preventive maintenance (PM) was not part of Perry Johnson's campaign strategy. Basically, a sound "Quality" PM system must take in to account every step of the planning process from beginning to end to make sure all interdependent pasts are controlled and identified for possible problems or breakdowns.

A Republican candidate for Michigan governor lost a bid to get on the Aug. 2 primary ballot Wednesday in the first key court decision since election officials found campaign petitions rife with fraudulent signatures.

https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/perry-johnson-gop-candidate-for-michigan-governor-loses-key-ballot-ruling

Updated July 23, 2022 - Now What?

Perry Johnson is undecided about continuing as a write-in candidate after the courts refuse to let his name on the ballot. Wow! What a "Process" Breakdown. A "Systemic" Nightmare for a quality professional.

https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/perry-johnson-undecided-on-launching-write-in-campaign-for-governor-after-signature-snafu

Now What? - PUNT.... this game is over.