How This Works

Thank you for your video. When I first viewed it, I was suspecting that my 2 1/2 year old son Billy was autistic. Everyone around me thought he was fine. I followed my gut and was placed on a 5 month wait list for a developmental pediatrician. After viewing your video, I called and begged to get in sooner. My suspicions were confirmed and Billy was diagnosed. I thank God your video came and gave me the push to get him diagnosed sooner. We pray that therapy will help him and all other children affected by autism. God Bless
posted by Katie M on 3/26/08 10:11: AM

Your story has truly touched so many people. We would like to use your story as an awareness tool at our Public Health Dept. Would you mind sending your story to use at presentations. Elizabeth
posted by Elizabeth Hopkins on 3/26/08 7:54: AM

We have a son, Nicholas age 6 just recently diagnosed with Autism. Having insurance to pay for medical expenses would be a dream come true!
posted by Deanna Heneghn on 3/25/08 9:40: PM

Thank you for your beautiful video. My Nephew has severe Autism. He has made great strides with therapy. It is a constant struggle to get the town to help pay for his therapy. Unfortunately unless we find a cure, he will need care for the rest of his life. He is our beautiful gift! I can tell that Claudia is your's as well. Much love to your family!
posted by carolyn gallagher on 3/25/08 3:15: PM

Thank you so much for sharing this. My son, Johnathan, was suspected of having autistic tendencies at age 3, and entered early intervention. He was finally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism, at age 4. He is still in a special education classroom, and is in 1st grade. He loves video and computer games, reading, drawing on his marker board, riding his scooter, and he wants to be a pilot when he grows up. He is the smartest kid I know. When I see the way he struggles, it tears me apart, because I know his potential. I'm not sure that there will ever be a cure for autism, but I do hope that ways will be found to better help children and parents. Each child who has autism is different. No two are alike. Though many autistic people do not like physical touch, my son craves it. This is just one example of how no two are alike. And because each one can be so different from another, being the parent of an autistic child is like finding your way through an unfamiliar dark room without a flashlight. All I want them to provide me with is a road map. I just want someone to help me help my son.
posted by Jayme Bruce on 3/25/08 2:30: PM

Make you realise how lucky you are when you see the problems some people have to face...
posted by English Cad on 3/25/08 2:20: PM

Thank you for this very touching video. It has made me cry. My Younger sister has servere autism. I know how you feel, my little sister cannot tell others that she loves them, well she can speak the words, but obviously, doesn't really know what it means. But she has the brightest smile ever. And that tells us she loves us.
posted by Aria on 3/25/08 11:37: AM

I hope they find a cure.
posted by Sandra Schmitt on 3/25/08 11:25: AM

My heart goes out all mothers and fathers who have children afflicted with this disease. I am thankful everyday for my children's health.
posted by Linda Lendrum on 3/25/08 9:44: AM

I am the mother of a 2 1/2 year old autistic son. This a has touched me in a very personal way. I was lucky, I noticed things very early and was able to get him early intervention, however, I have no insurance and had to take different routes in order to pay for it. You can be sure that I will pass this on to everyone I know. THANK YOU FOR SPREADING THE AWARENESS!!!!
posted by Brandy on 3/25/08 9:14: AM

YOUR VIDEO IS SO TOUCHING. WE WHERE TOLD THAT MY SON IS BORDERLINE AUTISTIC. I'M NOT EXCEPTING THAT WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO LEARN AND HELP HIM AND OTHERS.GOD BLESS
posted by JESSICA on 3/25/08 8:57: AM

I cried and I acted. What will you do? At the very least, pass the word.
posted by Jenni on 3/25/08 7:32: AM

This is such a great thing that Five for Fighting is doing!!!!!
posted by Lori on 3/25/08 7:14: AM

I was very touched by this video. I have been working with adults and children who have autism for five years now, specializing in therapy. Every child and adult I have worked with has taught me more about what it is to be human, and that we all have a need for one another. Reaching out to one child is reaching out to a family, then to the community..nation..and finally the world. Thanks for all who are making a world of a difference:)
posted by Karine Babakhanyan on 3/24/08 11:29: PM

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THIS TOUCHING VIDEO. AUTISM HAS TOUCH OUR GRANDSON "GABRIEL" 4 1/2 YEARS OLD. THIS VIDEO BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES FOR WE ARE GOING THOUGH THE SAME THING WITH GABRIEL. OUR GRANDSON LIVES WITH US AND I'M HIS MAIN CAREPROVIDER. I HOPE THAT SOMEDAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH GABRIEL. I THANK GOD FOR GABRIEL HE HAS HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT LOVE REALLY IS. WHEN I'M FILLING OUT PAPERWORK FOR A GRANT OR GOVERNMENT HELP I KEEP IN MIND THAT GABRIEL IS WORTH THE FIGHT.
posted by Susan Keehn on 3/24/08 9:47: PM

Blessings to all who face the callenges of Autism. Raising awareness and $$ for these children is a great start. I will pray for all the families going through hard times.
posted by Diane on 3/24/08 8:17: PM

This is a great way for people to learn about autism. I work with autistic children and there is know great gift then a child saying your name for the first time after working with them for 6 months. That to me is a VERY REWARDING job. Parents that have autistic children.... please never give up on them. They are little children that need your love and support. God Bless!!!
posted by Liz on 3/24/08 6:16: PM

God Bless you for such a wonderful way of expressing Autism. My grandson is five year old and has autism, it breaks my heart not knowing what is going on in his world. Please keep us all in your prayers. I do want to make a comment to Kelly Hessel ,who wrote that this expense should not be passed on to everyone else. Kelly, everyone either helps now or trust me everyone will be paying a much higher cost when these children grow up without the help and become adults that will need help forever! Think about it!
posted by Pam Mallory on 3/24/08 4:40: PM

BEAUTIFUL! I have three nephews with Autism. My sister has two boys, ages 5 & 7, with the 7 yr old having Autism & the 5 yr old having Asperger's. And my brother has a 7 yr old with Autism. Early intervention is the key. It can be costly, but aren't children worth it? They are the future of our world and early intervention allows the children to become active functioning members of society and to become self-reliant. They have a lot to contribute & can teach us a great deal including patience and tolerance. It is up to the parents to speak up for the children.
posted by Jean on 3/24/08 2:43: PM

I think it is awesome that Autism awareness has grown so much over the last 10-15 years. When my son was diagnosed 10 yrs ago (he's now 14yo)with High Functioning Autism & Asperbergs Syndrome. I felt like i had a tangled mess dropped in my lap. Here's the problem with your son,but was given no tools on how to deal with it. The need for early intervention is so important because Autism is'nt curable, but it is WORKABLE !!! God Bless !!!
posted by Judy C on 3/24/08 1:55: PM