How This Works

Wow. I NEVER post comments, but that was a beautifully done video. I know this isn't the point, but any child who has parents who can move people this way ought to be moved up on that 2 year list. I am an early intervention teacher and as long as there is a list, early intervention does not truly exist for everyone. I wish you a miracle.
posted by Tammy on 1/15/08 11:50: AM

As I watched the film about autism, my mind raced almost 22 years back, because it was then that my 3rd child, who is one of 8, and is almost 25 years old, was diagnosed with autism. Actually, it was my first confrontation of a disability that had previously led me to believe that my son actually had a hearing problem that would require a hearing aid and him not being accepted into a special school for hearing and speech problems while I lived in Rochester, New York. Little did I know that I would live with many challenges that would not only affect his life, but would also prevent me from being accepted in various public places such as the public library and family restaurants. The most hurting fact that after moving to Florida many years ago, which is my birthplace and encountering many other people who are victims of various disabilities, many people are still ignorant to such. I've been surrounded by others from various walks of life who shun a shoulder as I still sometimes pass by holding my son's arm so that he doesn't run off. I'm sure that by now there must be at least someone with a disability in almost every family's life, or even as a friend. The difference is that autism is the most misunderstood diagnosis, which is evident by the sudden spurge of media coverage and those who seek to determine what is the true cause for it. Little did I know that my son would become a statistic of probably the most debatable disability around the globe. However, although I've struggled many years to try and seek natural remedies to put my son to sleep at night, most not working, if I had to do it again I would, because I do believe that under God's sky is a perfect plan for everyone, and that realistically, he only choses special people to do special things. It is also true that my son has inspired me to not only come to understand disability from a non judgmental standpoint, but to also be able to assist those who are less fortunate. For instance, he is the drive that forced me to return to college after 15 years and add coursework and training, outside of my previous major of juvenile justice, to become what my initial goal had been many years ago, a special ed teacher. Little did I know that all my years of struggles were only to prepare me for an assignment that was predestined at birth, but that I would have never been qualified to fulfill, had I not been blessed with this same child. Today, I have served several years in the school system; first, in the area of EMH, which is centered around mentally handicapped students who struggle academically and the last two years, as an instructor for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Through my current position, I have been able to create various strategies and lessons geared toward each child's individual growth level and have learned that there are various levels of this illness. I've also learned that not all students of this umbrella are etremely aggressive as opposed to what I mostly saw years ago. The one thing that I would like to encourage all parents to do is to never give up and to come to view it as God's perfect plan. I will hold you all in my prayers. Linda Jordan
posted by Linda Jordan on 1/15/08 11:30: AM

As I watched the film about autism, my mind raced almost 22 years back, because it was then that my 3rd child, who is one of 8, and is almost 25 years old, was diagnosed with autism. Actually, it was my first confrontation of a disability that had previously led me to believe that my son actually had a hearing problem that would require a hearing aid and him not being accepted into a special school for hearing and speech problems while I lived in Rochester, New York. Little did I know that I would live with many challenges that would not only affect his life, but would also prevent me from being accepted in various public places such as the public library and family restaurants. The most hurting fact that after moving to Florida many years ago, which is my birthplace and encountering many other people who are victims of various disabilities, many people are still ignorant to such. I've been surrounded by others from various walks of life who shun a shoulder as I still sometimes pass by holding my son's arm so that he doesn't run off. I'm sure that by now there must be at least someone with a disability in almost every family's life, or even as a friend. The difference is that autism is the most misunderstood diagnosis, which is evident by the sudden spurge of media coverage and those who seek to determine what is the true cause for it. Little did I know that my son would become a statistic of probably the most debatable disability around the globe. However, although I've struggled many years to try and seek natural remedies to put my son to sleep at night, most not working, if I had to do it again I would, because I do believe that under God's sky is a perfect plan for everyone, and that realistically, he only choses special people to do special things. It is also true that my son has inspired me to not only come to understand disability from a non judgmental standpoint, but to also be able to assist those who are less fortunate. For instance, he is the drive that forced me to return to college after 15 years and add coursework and training, outside of my previous major of juvenile justice, to become what my initial goal had been many years ago, a special ed teacher. Little did I know that all my years of struggles were only to prepare me for an assignment that was predestined at birth, but that I would have never been qualified to fulfill, had I not been blessed with this same child. Today, I have served several years in the school system; first, in the area of EMH, which is centered around mentally handicapped students who struggle academically and the last two years, as an instructor for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Through my current position, I have been able to create various strategies and lessons geared toward each child's individual growth level and have learned that there are various levels of this illness. I've also learned that not all students of this umbrella are etremely aggressive as opposed to what I mostly saw years ago. The one thing that I would like to encourage all parents to do is to never give up and to come to view it as God's perfect plan. I will hold you all in my prayers. Linda Jordan
posted by Linda Jordan on 1/15/08 11:30: AM

This video and the voices of those impacted by autism are so desperately needed! My brother was recently diagnosed at the age of 37 with Asperger's- a bittersweet revelation for my family as we now have some clarity but have seen him struggle through many aspects of his life. He has achieved a college degree and is now trying to attain suitable employment and structure in his life. Kudos to Five for Fighting, Claudia & family and everyone else out there spreading this message!
posted by Eileen on 1/15/08 11:24: AM

I love this video. My four (almost five) year old son Adam has Autism. We are about 3 years into the world of Autsim and every day I am still amazed that how a simple video, such as this one, can bring me to sobbing tears. Our son has been competely non-verbal his whole life and in the past few months has finally started to vocalize words. Thanks to our DAN doctor, the diet and lots of hard work from his therapists, teachers, Mom and Dad - This is just the beginning - There is hope!!!!!!
posted by Anissa on 1/15/08 11:04: AM

Wow, that was the most touching and moving video of my life, the part that hurts the most is that, she can't even tell her mother "I Love You". It makes me want to call my mom and tell her just because I can. I think everyone else should too!
posted by Melissa on 1/15/08 11:03: AM

I was deeply touched. Great Job! Thank you! Our youngest son was diagnosed with PDD when he was almost 4 years old. He did receive services, but we were told the insurance company would not cover services, so we signed up for medical assistance and he had to be onsidered "disabled". Whatever it takes to get the help you need. God be with you and your beautiful daughter. Our son is 9 now and doing very well.
posted by carrie on 1/15/08 10:57: AM

I to have a nephew that has Autism and hope that a cure will be in the near future. I am appaled at how many childred are diagnoised with this disease every year. Hopeful the all can lead a normal life. It has taken 3 years for this child to learn how to talk. He has come along way.
posted by judy on 1/15/08 10:54: AM

As a preschool teacher, I am so aware how critical these first few years of a child's life really are to their development. Communication, social skills, peer interaction and so much more are learned at this time. It is a crime that any baby should have to miss crucial experiences just because insurance companies refuse benefits. Thank you Five for Fighting. Your cause is noble and deserving. God Bless.
posted by Lorri on 1/15/08 10:49: AM

My son Tom is 9yrs old now and has PDD-NOS. At 2, he was speaking gibberish and biting his hand. I was told to wait. I did for several months. But I went back to his doctor and insisted something was wrong. We started private speech therapy. It wasn't until we moved a yr later and changed doctors that the word "Autism" was mentioned. We are blessed to be in a school district that has a terrific Early Intervention program (and a persistant Mom). His is now in 3rd grade with no further need for any intervention. There is hope. I send my thoughts and prayers to all those dealing with Autism.
posted by Janet on 1/15/08 10:48: AM

We need more bands like Five for Fighting. Thanks for raising awareness.
posted by Joseph on 1/15/08 10:39: AM

My wife worked with a family for years with a autistic child. She watched him go through fits of violence and depression. As the years passed, she watched him go through different obsessions, (star wars and video games mainly). I met my wife and started going up to visit with the family from time to time. Over the years, I have seen the young man grow up and gradute from high school and start college. He is living with his brother now and working hard to get his degree working on computers, (Next Bill Gates). Autism is a hard thing to live with, but this young man proves that love and patience make all the difference in the world.
posted by Brian on 1/15/08 10:28: AM

My youngest son has autism and anytime I think I am having a bad day, I turn this video on and think of how he must feel. Thanks, for putting life into perspective.
posted by Brian on 1/15/08 10:27: AM

What a beautiful little girl who carries a wonderful message. Life is too short, may we all rise up and do something while we can for all these children. The best to her family
posted by laura on 1/15/08 10:23: AM

I have a grandson that is almost nine and has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and PDD in this last year. It is imperative that these children receive this therapy as early as possible. Thank you Five for Fighting. This is not just for Claudia but, for all children with Autism Related Disorders.
posted by Kathy on 1/15/08 10:21: AM

Sending love to those who put this video together - the more we can do to spread the reality of how Autism is effecting our children the better we can find a solution to healing and preventing this disorder. My sister Cambria who is challenged with Autism everyday thanks you too... Love, Nikki
posted by Nikki Pallesen on 1/15/08 10:18: AM

I watched the video with tears, and though no one in my immediate world is faced with this malady, I agree with the intensity and severity with which we need to confront (lax) insurance companies. My thoughts, prayers and support are with you as you continue to seek the best care and life for beautiful Claudia. Blessings, faith and power to you all...
posted by victor on 1/15/08 10:14: AM

I can only hope that our children can finally receive the help that they so desparately need. I fear what will happen to my son when I am gone if I can't help him become independant before I die. This video touches me and I am thankful for the effort put into it!
posted by Kristi from Indiana on 1/15/08 10:12: AM

My autistic son Jacob would love watching this video, he smiles when he sees young "punkins". The best luck to Claudia, she brings good karma to the world....
posted by Karl on 1/15/08 9:56: AM

Incredibly moving. Would help to provide people with some suggestion on how people can support efforts and funding for care and the elimination of this terrible disease, e.g. What helps? write your congressman? What charity organizations to donate to? What else can people do?
posted by Lisa Stocks on 1/15/08 9:53: AM