How This Works

To awareness and understanding, research, and finally a cure!
posted by Cindy on 5/29/07 10:09: AM

What a great video....I think what you have put together is very moving. It tears me up to know that 1 in 150 are being diagnosed and it makes me mad that more is being done. I am taking your video link and sending it to my entire sphere of influence. People need to know how tough it is. I have a son that was diagnosed at 2 years of age and this is the biggest challenge I have faced in my life. Pam and Amy what a great job! Steve
posted by Garrido de NorCal on 5/29/07 9:26: AM

My grandson is autistic and in discovering and working with him we have discovered that my husband (his grandfather) has a mild form of autism that was never understood. Autistic people think differently and react differently and feel and are different. Understanding is the very most important aspect of dealing. Little things like having anything but classical music playing in our home, going to parties with "too much going on," having friends over, shopping malls, and frustration with food are a few of the things that I have learned he can't handle. For 39 years I have been married to my sweetheart and it wasn't until we studied to learn for our grandson that I came to understand him better. He doesn't mean to be difficult. He doesn't mean to make mealtime so challenging but it has been. My husband didn't learn to read until his aunt (a wonderful school teacher of 25 years) stayed in their home and worked with him every day for a month in the summer of his third grade. He has never quit reading. He reads an entire paperback book in an afternoon and evening and into the night. He loves his laptop and researches topics and devours the subject he is interested in at the moment. He works hard to learn but with extreme effort he is "brilliant." The preschool and extra training that our grandson who is now finishing kindergarten has received has made him nearly normal. The fact that his parents and all of us in the extended family understand and work with him has changed his handicap into a blessing for us all. Whole health has helped my husband live a much happier life. He now takes herbs that tone every part of his body and the combination keeps him stable, prevents his binging on sweets and craving sugar. By keeping his system moving and healthy he has had so few out bursts and uncontrollable fits of anger. He knows it helps him and he takes his herbs every morning and every night. Parents need to look into good nutrition. Whole grains and real food are so important. Avoid all artificial flavors and colors, sugar and junk food. The benefits are worth the sacrifice. I know how difficult your challenge is for your family. Your handicap will cause you to become stronger and one day you can look back and say it was worth. It is difficult to share this about my husband because he doesn't feel comfortable sharing his differences. God bless you. Mrs. Anderson
posted by Mrs. Andersen on 5/29/07 5:25: AM

God bless you all as you continue to do your best with and for your special boys. I believe that truly great spirits come in special packages. Now we see through a glass darkly but when that which is perfect shall come, then shall we know and see clearly. Grandpa Kip shared the site with me and I have been enriched by what I have seen.
posted by David Kezell on 5/28/07 7:51: PM

My little nephew has high-functioning Autism. While he's a near genius with a massive memory, he is working toward communication and is succeeding day by day...it's a huge commitment on the part of his parents and we love and support his growth and progress. Kudos on spreading the word and work about autism and including me.
posted by Sue Baddley on 5/28/07 5:59: PM

4 years ago our sweet grandaughter, Marley, was born with severe heart defects and soon developed lung problems. 3 years ago her parents noticed signs of autism. 2 1/2 years ago she was diagnosed with autism. 1 year ago she was in and out of the hosptial with kidney cancer, radiation and chemo therapy. She is my hero and has taught me that you can still smile through life's adversity's. Today was her 4th birthday. She always has a smile on her face and is learning to talk more each day. We have hope for these autistic children. Interaction seems to be working for Marley. I see alot of interaction on the Baker's video. Thanks so much for sharing and caring.
posted by Ellen Sinquefield on 5/27/07 9:51: PM

I have 4 young children. their ages 6, 4, 2, & 1 My oldest has gone through all kinds of testing. Even for autism. Nothing has been found. But she didn't really speak clealy until 5yrs. and to this day she'll still has reponse strangley to questions. My 4 year old is doing the same thing in speech. They both have a lot of professionals puzzled. and my youngest has a large congenital nevus. With all of these things going on in my family. We love life! I always hear how special the kids must be, and they are. But I had a friend say "you recieved these children because that is how special you are. it truly takes someone special to have these children." How lucky are we to experiance life with this kind of extra love that not everyone will experiance. Thank you for sharing your video with me. You have a beautiful family!
posted by Kiyomi on 5/26/07 3:07: PM

Wow, what a great video! THIS IS THE BEST OF ALL OF THEM! You're doing so much to support your sons. I hope all children living with autism are in such loving families, with this much support from relatives.
posted by Josh on 5/26/07 4:48: AM

Amy and gary, and Bryson, and Braiden, That video is amazing, I love you all so much. What you are doing for the austism community is awsome, not to mention what you are doing for eachother and the family. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration.
posted by Tyson England on 5/25/07 7:24: PM

This is so awesome to see!It brought tears to my eyes. I have 4 boys. Theres hope for us all! Beautiful job! It means alot to me to see such commitment! God Bless you and your Family!!
posted by Shauna on 5/25/07 8:37: AM

My 34 year old son who struggled through school and parts of his life, has just recently been diagnosed with a mild form of autism. If I had known 30 years ago....his life may have been different. Thank you for sharing not only your family's trial but sharing it with a gift that few have. There is a reason....
posted by Pat Vassilaros on 5/24/07 2:27: PM

I was very inspired and touched by your video. anything is possible, truely what kind of world do you want? We can and many are, creating Heaven on Earth right now. Love & Light to us all.
posted by Jay Gierisch on 5/23/07 6:46: AM

Amy, I watched you become a new mother. I was so excited when your boys were finally born. Now I watch with amazement as you handle these trials with such strength and faith. Your boys are so blessed to have a mother(and father) fighting for them, loving them. Thanks for creating awareness. What can I do to help the cause?
posted by Jennifer on 5/22/07 11:00: PM

Dear Amy, Thank you so much for sharing your video. My son was also diagnosed with Autism just 7 months ago. Our children are the future! Warmest Regards, Tami Mackenzie Hayden - 4 years old - Diagnosed, October of 2006.
posted by Tami on 5/22/07 9:12: PM

Your video was truly inspiring! Thanks you for sharing your family's story. My prayers are with you.
posted by Audrey Gomm on 5/22/07 8:21: PM

Seeing the faces of your beautiful boys and reading your inspirational words brought me to tears. I hope your message will be spread around the world.
posted by Mindy Carter on 5/22/07 7:27: PM

First of all...I had NO idea! I love your family...especially your boys and if there is ANYTHING you need I will be there ANY TIME! It's hard just having 2 boys...so I can only imagine...thank you for sharing this beautiful video with us and opening my eyes to something I don't know a lot about. Your family had already touched my heart...and you would NEVER know your kids were anything but perfect!
posted by Carlye on 5/22/07 10:37: AM

Best wishes to all....Pam, I met you at Dandelion and will pass on this info to everyone.
posted by Ruthie on 5/22/07 8:40: AM

Amy, You have a beautiful family! Your video is very inspiring and touched my heart! Maybe this video will create more awareness of this terrible disease. I will send this to everyone I know, I'm sure it will help.I'll keep all of you in my prayers. Keep in touch. judy
posted by judy venable on 5/21/07 8:09: PM

Wow! What a beautiful family! Now that Grammy Pammy and I are becoming grandmas, my heart goes out to her and her beautiful family. I've known these kids since they were young and now they are having families of their own. It is hard to believe that time goes so fast! Thanks for sharing this with me. I will pass it on and share it with others. :)
posted by Jill on 5/21/07 11:55: AM