How This Works

Do you have any idea how powerful this video is? I felt so many emotions as the stories were told - thank you for sharing and giving hope that our kids can succeed.
posted by Becca on 4/12/08 8:15: PM

To all those parents who have children that are diagnosed with autism, one importnat aspect you need to figure out is they have any sensory integration problems. Many times I have patients who have sensory issues so bad that they are not able to sit and pay attention. Once you get away from those issues then the learning and communication will come. Try to see if your child takes to swinging or if they enjoy playing in pool full of balls. Allow their bodies to get used to the sensory aspect. If they chew on their clothing or if they dont like to wear clothing then get them past it. In therapy typically children will be brushed or massaged or swung in a neoprine swing or filling a bucket with beans and rice to allow for that sensory aspect. Speech and occupational therapy is a MUST at 2-3 Years of age, you need to bombard your child with sounds and music and language all day long. This makes a world of difference. Try to force their communication and language skills by taking pictures of their favorite foods, toys, and drink ect. place them on your refrigerator to allow them to tell you what they want. Try potty training with a picture of a toilet, ect. Do it consistantly and this will give them a head start.
posted by Candy on 2/28/08 10:45: PM

Thank you for giving me hope. Brody will SAY thank you too, in his time. I have hope he will.
posted by Jenny Post on 2/02/08 12:31: PM

I wish that every person could see this. That every person could understand and see what us as families go through. thank you so much for this I am going to share this one with everyone I know.This is exactly how it happened for us and wow. To know that you are not alone is a huge relief. I cried.
posted by Christy ~ Meet our Chris on 1/23/08 2:25: PM

I wish this video was mandatory viewing for every new parent. Awareness, early intervention, diligence and never losing hope are so important!
posted by Karen on 1/19/08 8:29: AM

Thank you for putting this together..where there is Help there IS Hope! Thank you Angie
posted by Angie on 1/03/08 5:14: PM

THANK YOU !!! Thank you for giving me hope. We all need hope, all people all over the world.
posted by Angela from Greece on 12/09/07 1:02: PM

you are touching my heart everytime I see your video. All I can do is work as hard as I can and Hope!... Thank you for making it easyer for me. We all need hope. THANK YOU.
posted by kia on 11/04/07 8:04: PM

Wow...what can I say, other then I have tears rolling down my face, I feel pain through out my body, and I'm scared. I have my beautiful son Liam who is autistic, and my wife and I are desperately trying to pull him into our world. Yes, I too only wanted to hear him say daddy, then I wanted I love you, then I wanted sentences, then I wanted back and forth communication. We want it all, and we won't stop until we have exhausted every once of progress from our son that is humanly possible. I feel your pain and I know what you going through...God bless you all, and thank you John for the wonderful platform and awareness you've brought to this debilitating disease called autism. It's not Rainman, thats a 2 and 1/2 hour movie and then you get to go home, autism is a life time.
posted by Mike on 10/21/07 4:17: PM

Thank you for putting in a way that I am sure we all understand. Everything you spoke about in that video was everything that my child went through in his childhood. We fell through the cracks for many years, finally getting a diagnosis at age 6. Now he is 17, a senior at Walla Walla High School this year and is doing great thanks to the Autism program they have there. Thank you again and good luck with your journeys. God has truly blessed us all hasnt he?
posted by Kim on 10/18/07 10:39: PM

Wow what a great video it really gives me some hope I have an 8 yr old daughter Madison who has been diagnosed with CP/Autistic and I was wondering a couple of things was it difficult to get your child to understand the concept of potty training which I am having an issue with Madison. My second question is which therapy seemed to be the most benefical/helpful. Thanks alot for any help or suggestions. Colleen
posted by colleen on 9/23/07 5:07: PM

What an incredible and enlightening video. I LOVE IT!!! Thanks for the HOPE.
posted by Jana Oppenheim on 9/21/07 11:36: PM

Your video was great! I have a beautiful 7 yr. old son with autism and a happy heart. Thank you for the inspiration in your words and your hope in all your voices.
posted by Monica Handley on 9/19/07 7:49: PM

Our daughter created a beautiful video for this fundraiser, too: #9, "Our Boys, Our Purpose". Both her sons live with autism. YOUR VIDEO IS ONE I WILL RECOMMEND to my daughter & her husband to view. Seeing success achieved in families offers precious hope, especially to those just beginning their journey into the spectrum of autism. We appreciate your efforts in spreading awareness. We also appreciate Bob & Suzanne Wright. Through autismspeaks.org we have learned so much, & have been introduced to so many resources. We are grateful to all families thrust into the puzzling maze of autism, who are willing to share their knowledge & experience with others. Thank you.
posted by Grammy Pammy of "Our Boys, Our Purpose" on 8/29/07 8:23: PM

EARLY INTERVENTION is key ! Our son was diagnosed with "Autistic Spectrum Disorded" by many specialists. ( After being told the same things by our pediatrician..." just wait...he'll talk soon enough..." ). As a parent, go with your instinct & never stop until you get the help you need. Our son was developiing pretty normally...until 1 year...then everything changed. We knew it was happening. We had "Birth- To -Three" at our home 5 days a week for an hour each time...teaching him & teaching us how to teach him. He is 8 1/2 now & is perfectly fine...no issues at all. It is a MIRACLE & miracles do happen...we can make them happen. My message is FIGHT for your child...never give up...Be the squeeky wheel, be the advocate...read about autism...talk to people...seek doctors who will listen & help...they are out there... Thanks for sharing this wonderful video...It is awesome to see the children doing so well.
posted by Janis on 8/24/07 7:29: PM

We do not have this kind of problem with our granchildrens, but we have found it very moving,and inspiring, also is a prove that if you are willing to pay the price time, and never give up, the good Lord will always give you almost everything you work for
posted by Laureano Garrote Jr. on 8/19/07 7:31: PM

Thanks again,- I wrote the wrong e-mail before!
posted by Chris K on 8/18/07 5:20: PM

My son is 4 and autistic. He has improved so much in the last 12 months, that we are blown away wiht his progress. We would love to put some of his video's together and show people the progress he has made. But we are computer iliterate. So thankyou for your message, in the last year we started detoxing are son with mud baths, and his awerness grew and he became teachable and learnable. He has amazed us!
posted by Chris K on 8/18/07 5:18: PM

My Grandson Gabriel has recently been diognosed with possible, I can't wait to show these videos to My son and Gabriel's Mother. There is hope. He is such a loving little boy. So special.Thank You.Pam
posted by Pam on 8/10/07 12:17: AM

WOW!!!! my son is in the so called spectrum, and this video has showed my husband and I hope. love it!!
posted by Kerry Webb on 8/06/07 11:39: AM