How This Works

As a parent of a 27 year old son with Down Syndrome and a professional who works with parents and adults over age 18 with developmental disabilities, I can tell you every parent faces these same feelings when they find out their baby has a 'problem'. Our hearts break not usually for ourselves, but for our child. As my son is an adult now, he has succeeded in his life with a job, and is very independent and more than a blessing to everyone to knows him. If not here to help and love each other on this earth, why else are we here?
posted by deborahjoy on 4/27/07 10:52: AM

I have seen and read so many things about raising an autistic child. Never have I seen anything that hit home quite like this video. Every word... every picture... even the music was like a reflection of how life has been since the day my sweet little man was born. I can't thank you enough for sharing your story. And to "The Powers That Be"... This video would make an Awesome commercial to promote autism awareness!!!
posted by April on 4/27/07 10:42: AM

Such a beautiful and important message. As the mother of a child that is not autistic and has a best friend that is, I am humbled and honored to know and love his family. They truly inspire us every day. God bless.
posted by Hailey's Mom on 4/27/07 10:07: AM

So truthful and loving. Made me cry but I want to thank you for sharing that with all of us. In effect, it is our story too. Best to you and your family.
posted by Bernadette Walsh on 4/27/07 7:46: AM

I found your video to be very poignant and focus on what it means to have an autistic child. Most people don't give a thought to the struggle parents face and that it is a 24/7 job. Thank you for a glimpse into your life and the life of your child. God bless you and your family.
posted by Larry on 4/26/07 9:41: PM

WoW! You put together a small glimpse into the struggles we face every single day.....We as parents are advocates for our children. I am so proud of my Son he is my World, my Purpose Thank you so much for taking the time to compile such a wonderful and tender video.
posted by Jessica Glover on 4/26/07 8:46: PM

Awesome, I am a nanny for an autistic child. He is absolutly amazing and his parents are too! Seeing him grow is wonderful. As it is Autism awareness month spread the word, and beyond!
posted by Sasha on 4/26/07 8:09: PM

Thank you for expressing all our feelings in such an amazing way so that others can understand.
posted by ~Patty on 4/26/07 7:58: PM

We are honored to be a part of your lives. We are always beside you. Thank you for sharing.
posted by Pierce's Mom on 4/26/07 7:24: PM

I have tears streaming down my face of joy and sadness. Such a wonderful and thought-provoking video. My angel has made so much progress but his journey has been a struggle. I know he will prevail! Many thanks!
posted by Jennifer on 4/26/07 5:19: PM

So very touching - I cried all the way through it. I like how you spoke from the angle of a parents perspective. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. Good luck and God bless you and your family. : )
posted by Summer on 4/26/07 7:50: AM

That was the best video I have seen on here so far including the one I made.!!! You have basically spoke what every mother and father of an autistic child feels on a daily basis!! That was fantastic. I wish you and your family the best!
posted by michelle alston on 4/25/07 8:09: PM

Loved the video. As a parent of a child with Autism this video is so true. Thank you for making it. I wish more people would understand what we all go through. Thanks again.
posted by Shelly Fledderjohann on 4/25/07 7:07: PM

Beautifully done and heartbreakingly piercing. Thank you!
posted by Monica Horowitz on 4/25/07 6:19: PM

I am a very proud grandmother of Andrew Dudley who are one of the children who can't speak but a few words. He is now 14. He is very helpful and has learned to do things on his own. My daughter Michelle and my son in law Tony has worked very hard all through these years not only with Andrew but through the schools and trips to Washington. Please write to Washington to help us get more studies on older children. Maybe in the future with studies on vacinations and all these shots the children get now, they might wake up and help us. I pray everyone who reads this will write. Thank you and God Bless You.
posted by Sharon Hesney on 4/25/07 6:16: PM

I find my grandson a blessing. Your video brought tears to my eyes, and I hope the tears are brought to heaven by the angels who look after my Glenn, so that they will be put in charge permanently for him. Thank You.
posted by Jeanne on 4/25/07 6:16: PM

I find my grandson a blessing. Your video brought tears to my eyes, and I hope the tears are brought to heaven by the angels who look after my Glenn, so that they will be put in charge permanently for him. Thank You.
posted by Jeanne on 4/25/07 6:16: PM

Your video was amazing. I am a mother of an 11 year old lively, beautiful and completely enjoyable young boy. I believe that every day is a blessing for me to have this wonderful soul in my life. Yes he was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. And my life has been improved by all that he has taght me. :)
posted by Theresa on 4/25/07 6:06: PM

Outstanding, and very moving, video Audrey. You will help a lot of folks gain a better understanding of the impact of autism on both the child and parents, as well as extended family and friends. God Bless you, and we know that He provides you and Matt with the extraordinary strength you exhibit to help Ryan be all that he can be. He certainly is a lucky little boy to have been blessed with such wonderful parents!
posted by Laura Beverage on 4/25/07 1:33: PM

I am a proud grandmother!!!
posted by Judy McGhee on 4/25/07 1:31: PM