How This Works

I have worked with autistic children and would love to see more done to help them. They are so lovable and just want to be understood!
posted by Prudence Young on 7/02/09 2:37: AM

My son was diagnosed @ 26 months with Moderate Autism. For a while I felt like the therapies and diet were helping, but of recent he is worse than ever. I lost a daughter to still birth and now I fear I am losing another child. He is such a wonderful boy trapped inside. I miss my baby. Please watch this video so we can find a cure.
posted by Solangee on 7/01/09 2:19: PM

my twin sister was diagnosed with autism when we were eleven. we are now fifteen and the struggle my family and myself have had trying to cope with this disorder is unbelievable. please donate so that people like my sister can one day find help exactly when they need to rather than waiting any longer.
posted by amanda on 6/29/09 11:30: PM

this video is very emotional.i'm in the 4th grade and my sister is in the 7th.Being a young sister of an Autism child is sometimes hard because she hurts me for no reason but i can't get mad because i know that she doesn't mean it. i hope there will be a cure for autism in the future so my sister will be saved.
posted by Stephanie Than on 6/22/09 3:30: PM

All I can say is wow how powerful! My son Ian is 5years old and was just diagnosed with autism! Its so amazing how we can all come together and help people we dont even know thanks to all who watch and who care!
posted by Trisha on 6/18/09 3:16: PM

All I can say is wow how powerful! My son Ian is 5years old and was just diagnosed with autism! Its so amazing how we can all come together and help people we dont even know thanks to all who watch and who care!
posted by Trisha on 6/18/09 3:16: PM

I have a cousin who has autism and everytime I see him it brings tears to my eyes. When I get older I am going to find a cure for autism.
posted by Audrey on 6/17/09 6:21: PM

For an update on Claudia's incredible progress, visit www.changeherworld.org
posted by Change Her World on 6/07/09 5:27: AM

This page is so inspiring...I can see from the statements of misunderstanding to the advice and hope that autism is speaking! In a year I will be an occupational therapist and I already work with a family who has two children with diagnoses on the spectrum. I honestly didn't realize the ridiculous-ness of the "wait and see" and waiting lists that are happening out there...it makes me SO eager to get out and practice therapy with children with ASD--there are lots of us out there and I think it's amazing that you're all out there and speaking for your children--you're all wonderful, patient, and kind and I know your children would tell you that if they could! I can't wait to get out in the 'real world' so I can help do my part...God Bless you ALL!
posted by Beth on 5/31/09 5:43: PM

My daughter is has autism and is in regular ed classes receiving A's and B's I am very proud of her and I have never cried due to the fact she had autism. " The death of your normal child ?" I have never thought of my daughter as not being normal due to her disablility.
posted by deb on 5/28/09 12:21: PM

I have older twin brothers with Autism. Please read this New York Times article. It's a problem that needs to be addressed. Thank you. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/opinion/24greenfeld.html?_r=1
posted by Timothy on 5/26/09 4:19: AM

I have a son with autism. He was a level 2-3 when he was younger but seems to be a level 1 now (5 years later). He's gotten help from social workers, but so much more is needed!! I have another son who is about to undergo some tests for the same thing. I kept trying to find that light switch that I can just turn on and make it all go away for him...but I've realized that I had to cry for the death of my "normal" child, and grieve my loss as a parent, and start new. Only then was I able to care for my son. He's a bit older now, and I have trouble with him at home and since he doesn't fall under the "early intervention" criteria anymore, I'm left to my own devices. We need more support for early intervention and we need more support for older children. We are especially lacking support for parents who just need a shoulder to cry on sometimes.
posted by Cynthia on 5/21/09 3:33: PM

I never cried so hard in my life as when my grandson Jay was born and in the NICU. Later, just before he was 3 he was diagnosed with high functioning autism. He was put into an Early Intervention group that did therapy with him. Just learning to walk was such a chore for him, but he did it!! Now I cry because this sweet little boy finds ways to show us he loves us. Early intervention is definately worth it's weight in gold.. so let's get the word out!!!
posted by Caroline on 5/21/09 6:03: AM

we are doing exactly that, trying to raise awareness from our government for more health benefits for the children. join us at www.tadiya.webs.com and for every member we'll put 10 cents toward the health benefit charity. We all have to work together to see this through
posted by Amanda on 5/15/09 7:57: AM

The range of comments speaks volumes not only about the lack of knowledge and understanding many have concerning Autism Spectrum Disorders, but also the very real pain and difficulty relating and understanding that those who suffer with it must live with. Thank you for posting this very personal and touching video.
posted by Rebecca on 5/07/09 8:57: PM

Wonderful video... I am an adult with Aspergers. It seems to surprise people that I have a Ph.D. and live an independent life. These children need the support to successfully overcome the daily challenges that are part of this life... but they can and do overcome!
posted by Eva on 5/05/09 1:08: PM

that video hits so close to home...
posted by Brian on 5/04/09 12:57: PM

Disappointed: No they are not on the same level..They are not comparing the sicknesses as far as medical severity goes..they are comparing the digosing.. more children are getting diagosed...than aids..has nothing to do with the levels of severity between them they arent comparing the life threating matters to pervasive mental disorders...aids and cancer are fatal illnesses, what they are saying is there are "more cases" more people with this disorder than the two illnesses...
posted by chrisalyne on 5/03/09 12:45: AM

"More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than AIDs, Diabetes, and Cancer combined" You really think they are on the same level, really? A neurological disorder that affects social functioning vs. terminal illnesses that may be fatal.
posted by Disappointed on 5/02/09 6:02: AM

I have a 7 year old son who was diagnosed with autism by 2 years old. Because of this early diagnosis (and his relentless mother) he has made great improvements. However, there is no "destination" when it comes to autism. It is a constant battle and struggle for the rest of the child's live. Starting the fight early gives them more opportunities to progress faster and easier throughout their lives.
posted by Ryba J. on 4/30/09 6:12: AM