How This Works

My 15-year-old daughter has autism. She was not "diagnosed" with it other than having "pervasive developmental disorder" listed in all her reports. No-one ever explained that to me, I just knew she was different. Since she also has other concomitant disorders, she started receiving services at 1 1/2 yrs through early intervention, and then at age 3 those services were picked up by her school district. I didn't learn about her condition fully until I quit my corporate job to go to work in a school for children with autism....Now I'm a single mom of 2, getting my MASTERS degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Like you, I am determined to make a difference.
posted by Annette on 4/30/08 11:46: AM

Very emotional video, i hope you raise more than enough money, a very dear friend has a son with autism and this reminds me very much of him, he is a wonderful little boy we would love to be able to have a conversation with him one day.
posted by Kim on 4/30/08 7:43: AM

My 16 year old granddaughter has autism. My son was fortunate enough to have insurance so she had intensive therapy. I was not aware that not all people can get this. This is so wrong! How would one go about changing this? God Bless you and continue to give you patience. Barb
posted by Barb on 4/29/08 10:58: PM

My nephew was diagnosed a year ago. He was already 5 going on 6. And I question why it took doctors so long to find out what was wrong. I think if my Sister would have had the funds. He would have been helped alot sooner. He has improved SO MUCH since he was diagnosed. I just feel if it was noticed sooner. Like the little girl in the video things would have been a little easier for my confused sister who didnt know what was wrong with her little boy. And could have received help from the start.
posted by Jen on 4/29/08 9:47: PM

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posted by Doug Hudson on 4/29/08 4:36: PM

Awesome video. Many a tears shed. My incredible 9 year was diagnosed when he was 3 and has made great strides. Your video bought back all those early confused/sad/angry feelings but everyday I see what a great kid he is and pray that God has a special plan for his life.
posted by Claire on 4/29/08 2:01: PM

hope this helps
posted by Toni on 4/29/08 5:48: AM

Beautiful moving video. I want a world where there is no autism, no disease, and no illness. We must all work together for the common good of the children to make our world a better place "now," but ultimately this dream will not be realized until Christ returns. There are so many hurting children, and sadly it will only get worse in many ways...www.adhddrugatrocity.com
posted by Anita on 4/28/08 10:42: PM

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VIDEO,SO TRUE PARENTS ARE THE FIRST TO KNOW,I HAVE A CHILD WITH AUTISM...HE IS 6 YRS OLD .WE WERE TOLD AT AGE 3.THIS IS A VERY HARD THING TO DEAL WITH.ITS VERY FUSTERATING,TIME CONSUMING.BUT ITS OUR CHILDREN ..WILL KEEP YOU IN THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS...
posted by ANGIE DENNIS on 4/28/08 9:32: PM

I am deeply moved by your video. I hope it helps fund many of the bills associated with autism and aspergers syndrome. I too have a son with symptoms associated with aspergers and have watched him grow with many struggles. He has a difficult time associating with peoples feelings. He has been this way since he was very young. I remember one incident when I was crying and he could not understand what the tear was rolling down my cheek. These internal feelings are very difficult for these kids to comprehend. Good luck to you.
posted by Kristi French on 4/28/08 5:52: PM

Sherry, aspergers syndrome is nothing to cry over...It just means your kid will most likely be smarter than the crowd, but he will have trouble relateing to them aswell. The easiest way to deal with it is to NOT cry about it. Treat your kid like a human, encourage him to go out side and hang out with other kids, and help him learn to relate to people. Offer your help, because he's not going to ask for it.
posted by Bobby Joe on 4/28/08 5:28: PM

ok
posted by mary smith on 4/28/08 2:14: PM

Great Message! This just touches your heart.
posted by Rose on 4/28/08 10:12: AM

I have a 8 year old son that we are still in diagnosis processing. The school psychologists and special ed team notes this as Autism (mild), however the doctor's office states not just needs focusing issues. I have seen and read several diagnosis and symtoms of autism and my son has: tantrums, security of toys, pacing, holding toys and twisting of them, shaking of head, 3rd party speaking of himself, noises irritation (covering ears) and several others. I will have to research the Aspergers symptoms. I have applied for SSI for him, my insurance only covers so much and the medical bills are starting to add up. Please advise what can be done to assure SSI can help and/or be encouraged especially for the medical insurance and doctor referrals for my son. What else can I do to assist my son. I actually have to have a daily schedule on the wall for him consisting of Waking up, put on his scheduled clothes, brushing teeth, wash face, get back pack, etc. There is also a schedule for nights and weekends.
posted by Rachelle on 4/28/08 8:33: AM

Hope this helps.
posted by Laura DiNatale on 4/28/08 7:23: AM

Sherry, It may seem devastating now, but as time goes on, the your son's diagnosis will help you to understand him better and will answer many questions you may have had about him. My son is 9 and has Asperger Syndrome. He was diagnosed with it in Kindergarten and I have learned to become his advocate. He is a very bright boy, but he lacks certain social skills and has a very difficult time focusing on his school work. At school he recieves Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Resource Room services. He is in a general ed. classroom and is at the top of his class, but he works hard. My advice is to demand that an educational plan be put into place for your son. Contact your school's counselor and get as many services through your school as you can. Hang in there. We had the same reaction at first and now all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.
posted by Sue J. on 4/28/08 2:28: AM

Sherry, I am an OT and have a BA in special education. My brother also has CP and Asperger's. He is intelligent, hard-working, and a beautiful person. My advice is to get your son involved in social groups that encourage independence. Please email me if you have any questions- I would be more than happy to help! paigehutson@gmail.com In Him, Paige
posted by Paige on 4/27/08 3:02: PM

My son has been diagonsed with High Functioning Austism,, its a long road to travel and I want to be there with him step by step- hand in hand..
posted by veena on 4/26/08 6:16: PM

My son was just recently diagnosed with Aspergar at 8 years old. It has been extremely hard coming to terms with it. So much so, that I fought hard against the initial diagnosis. I have gone through the denial stage, the "why me" stage. The whole process thus far has been very costly. All of our medical appointments thus far have had to be paid out of pocket. I am trying desperately to get him help and unfortunately there are no qualified care givers in the area that I work in. I have to drive 2 hours away to get help. In addition there is a 18 month waiting list for occupational therapy. My husband and I have not yet told my son of his diagnosis. He was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago and it just about ruined his self esteem. I can't imagine what this diagnosis will do. I would love to hear from anyone that has gone through this and can offer helpful suggestions.
posted by Sherry on 4/26/08 5:09: PM

This video touched me deeply. I'm a single mother w/ five year old twins that r Autistic. I have a boy & a girl. I'm fortunate that they were diagnosed at an early age & have been receiving services & schooling which has made a profound differance. Early Intervention is the key! I have sent this message to all my friends & family. Thank you for sharing ur story:)
posted by Carrie on 4/26/08 10:07: AM