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We also have an autistic daughter. I was told over and over that she was just being picky, at one evaluation with a developmental clinic, my husband, our daughter's early supports therapist and I were told that our 2 year old was " a red-headed drama queen." It was not until the day before she turned 4 (March 2006) that we learned she really is Autistic. I knew from the time she was 18 mos. At 12 mos, Ashlyn wasn't talking much. But not all babies do. I wasn't worried. At 18 mos, the ARNP we were seeing (we changed from a Dr who told me our daughter's not eating was behavioral (even though she literally went 5 days without eating!!) gave us a much needed prescription for Pediasure (Thank God! It has been her main supply for nutrition since then, and she's almost 5 now!). Our ARNP believed that a little help was needed. Then I started noticing things like singing "Happy Birthday" seemed almost physically painful to Ashlyn. She wouldn't touch almost anything wet. Bathing, brushing her hair is still a horrible chore as she screams as though we're hurting her the entire time. Ashyln is most comfortable with her daddy, uncles and grandfather (But then again, being a daddy's girl isn't necessarily a bad thing...unless you're the mom, ha ha!). The little things started to add up. She wouldn't smile when her sister played with her. Physical play, music and Baby Einstein movies, and little figures were the only things she liked. She loved to drink her pediasure, play with her figures. As she got bigger, we noticed Ashlyn would take her favorite teddy bear, pacifier and figures and line the figures up in perfect rows on the sill of our bay window. That was how she told us she didn't want to be around anyone at that time. But even the therapist didn't believe it was Autism. We had to go to Children's Hospital Boston ( as we live in NH). We'd been told the waiting list was 8 mos...it took almost 14 to get her in. Now we know for sure what it is. As time goes, we are all learning together. We do not have Ashlyn in any therapy due to waiting lists. So we do it at home. All of our girls are homeschooled. We do what Ashlyn guides us to do. Computers, sign language, movies ("scripting" - quoting lines from movies) have been major assets. Thankfully, Ashlyn is in the top 30% of children diagnosed with Autistic Disorder. She is considered high functioning...but even so everyday is a struggle. But everyone is right...the smiles and love from an autistic child make everything seem ok somehow. We know we are lucky that Ashlyn is not terminally sick, that she is not as delayed as other autistic children. But we also must make others aware that some with autism do function everyday. It's not all just the worst case scenarios portrayed on tv and in the news, etc. And recognition, help, and therapies must still be required to continue to help our children grow and function. Your little girl is beautiful. We do not have insurance for our daughters at the moment. (Hopefully soon). So while my husband works hard to pay the bills, I stay home, teach our girls and I am constantly research ways to help Ashlyn learn and grow everyday. I am sorry this is so long, but hopefully it will help someone stop and think "Hmmm...maybe" and allow that person to help the child they are thinking of .
posted by Leanna on 1/11/08 4:30: PM

We also have an autistic daughter. I was told over and over that she was just being picky, at one evaluation with a developmental clinic, my husband, our daughter's early supports therapist and I were told that our 2 year old was " a red-headed drama queen." It was not until the day before she turned 4 (March 2006) that we learned she really is Autistic. I knew from the time she was 18 mos. At 12 mos, Ashlyn wasn't talking much. But not all babies do. I wasn't worried. At 18 mos, the ARNP we were seeing (we changed from a Dr who told me our daughter's not eating was behavioral (even though she literally went 5 days without eating!!) gave us a much needed prescription for Pediasure (Thank God! It has been her main supply for nutrition since then, and she's almost 5 now!). Our ARNP believed that a little help was needed. Then I started noticing things like singing "Happy Birthday" seemed almost physically painful to Ashlyn. She wouldn't touch almost anything wet. Bathing, brushing her hair is still a horrible chore as she screams as though we're hurting her the entire time. Ashyln is most comfortable with her daddy, uncles and grandfather (But then again, being a daddy's girl isn't necessarily a bad thing...unless you're the mom, ha ha!). The little things started to add up. She wouldn't smile when her sister played with her. Physical play, music and Baby Einstein movies, and little figures were the only things she liked. She loved to drink her pediasure, play with her figures. As she got bigger, we noticed Ashlyn would take her favorite teddy bear, pacifier and figures and line the figures up in perfect rows on the sill of our bay window. That was how she told us she didn't want to be around anyone at that time. But even the therapist didn't believe it was Autism. We had to go to Children's Hospital Boston ( as we live in NH). We'd been told the waiting list was 8 mos...it took almost 14 to get her in. Now we know for sure what it is. As time goes, we are all learning together. We do not have Ashlyn in any therapy due to waiting lists. So we do it at home. All of our girls are homeschooled. We do what Ashlyn guides us to do. Computers, sign language, movies ("scripting" - quoting lines from movies) have been major assets. Thankfully, Ashlyn is in the top 30% of children diagnosed with Autistic Disorder. She is considered high functioning...but even so everyday is a struggle. But everyone is right...the smiles and love from an autistic child make everything seem ok somehow. We know we are lucky that Ashlyn is not terminally sick, that she is not as delayed as other autistic children. But we also must make others aware that some with autism do function everyday. It's not all just the worst case scenarios portrayed on tv and in the news, etc. And recognition, help, and therapies must still be required to continue to help our children grow and function. Your little girl is beautiful. We do not have insurance for our daughters at the moment. (Hopefully soon). So while my husband works hard to pay the bills, I stay home, teach our girls and I am constantly research ways to help Ashlyn learn and grow everyday. I am sorry this is so long, but hopefully it will help someone stop and think "Hmmm...maybe" and allow that person to help the child they are thinking of .
posted by Leanna on 1/11/08 4:30: PM

I work in Early Intervention as a Behavior Specialist for children on the Autism Spectrum. While I spend the majority of my time looking at things from the educational side of things, it touches my heart to get a glimpse into what it feels like for a parent. This video will make me think twice next time I feel like I am being "hassled" by a parent who just wants answers. Way to go Five for Fighting!!
posted by Meredith on 1/11/08 3:38: PM

Come on ..just watch it and you can help....the world can only get better if we care enough mot to turn away
posted by GennyR on 1/11/08 3:14: PM

My Cousin has Autism. His mother knew something was wrong and wouldn't take "wait and see" as an answer. He was diagnosed at 1 and has been through therapy and put on a special diet. It has done wonders for him, he is in normal 1st grade! So never give up, keep pushing for answers, don't "wait and see" just to find out you were right later. But most of all keep faith that they will prosper like everyone else!
posted by Cousin Jenny on 1/11/08 2:59: PM

Lovely Video - but do not wait. Run to a DAN Doctor and start diet and biomedical NOW! My 9 year old grandson is well on his way to recovery through Son-Rise and diet and biomedical treatment.
posted by Jill Southgate on 1/11/08 2:15: PM

I have an autistic son, so I understand first hand the frustration and anger that parents have with the insurance companies. It is disgusting that these companies are getting richer, while parents of autistic children are getting poorer trying to help their children. One other comment I feel I must make is one of caution. To all those who are searching for a cure or hoping that research finds the cause of autism... for all those hoping they find the gene that causes autism... Please think of what that would do. People would rid the world of all autistics just as they are ridding the world of children with Down's Syndrome. Is that a good thing? Personally, I don't think so. If there were no Autism, I would not have my Joshua (a horrible world that would be) and the world would not have its Einsteins, Edisons, Michaelangelo's, Andy Warhols, and Billl Gateses. Autistic people add to this world we live in. Not everyone needs to conform to what the masses consider normal. BUT let's help those who need help to lead fulfilling lives. And lets keep up the fight to have resources for this help and for education of the public. This way, our children can feel like they are not less than worthy of love and respect from others.
posted by Melissa on 1/11/08 1:23: PM

I am teacher that works with children that have autism, and it is such a rewarding job. There needs to be more awareness. I am blessed each and everyday to work with my students. This video is so touching that I cried all the way through it.
posted by Amanda on 1/11/08 1:06: PM

Thank God for things like this. Too many people don't understand autism and it's effects on children. My nephew has autism and it breaks my heart that he is not able to speak to the world. It is because of things like this that getting the word out has become so much easier. My heart is with all children who have been taken by this. Their spirits are hidden because they are unable to communicate and they are wonderful children.
posted by Aunt Jenny on 1/11/08 12:56: PM

The video was a very touching and reality check for most. We as parents and grandparents I being one do not realize the impact of Autism. We as a society take every day for granted and do not stop and think about the funding that needs to be done for OUR CHILDREN. Our government spends and allocates money on things that are totally sensless, why not have everyone in congress step up to the plate and allocate money to help with programs fro our children rather than research in Zimbobia!!. Our children are our future and how can you look at the precious innocent faces and not be willing to invest in that. I have a neighbor who has a grandchild that is Austistic and he is the most precious and loving child I have ever encountered. Please if everyone that opens this e-mail would right their congressmen and demand new guidelines for our children we would hope that they would not turn a deaf ear.
posted by k.Wise on 1/11/08 12:48: PM

It brings tears to my eyes. They are truely special, intelligent people who little by little, day by day, will change the lives of all those they come into contact with. I know this because it is what my son has done for me and all those who have come to love him. Don't give up the fight!
posted by Alison on 1/11/08 12:38: PM

Thanks for this beautiful presentation and support for the children diagnosed with autism.
posted by Sue on 1/11/08 12:28: PM

thank you for sharing this with us
posted by Holly Johnson on 1/11/08 12:09: PM

I worked with children with autism for a total of 8 years. They are angels and so special. My brother in law has a son with autism and my heart goes out to them and all of you. It is so sad how insurance pay for everything else and they don't understand how important is to give their speech theraphy and OT theraphy at early age. God Bless all of you.
posted by Denise on 1/11/08 11:59: AM

I have a 3 year old son who was just diagnosed with autism. He also is unable to communicate meaningful words. I feel so angry that he will not have the opportunity to get therapy until summer of 2009 if all the paperwork goes well. In Wisconsin we need to push Bill 178 that Gov. Doyle is putting forth which would require insurance companies to pay for in home therapy that our children need NOW, not in 2 years! My prayers are with you and every other parent who is lucky to have an autistic child:)
posted by Lynda on 1/11/08 11:43: AM

I am a mother of 5 boys and thank God they are all healthy and ok. My heart goes out to ALL of you whose child/children suffer from this disease. God Bless all of you! I am a strong believer in Faith and I know something will eventually get done.
posted by Angelina on 1/11/08 11:16: AM

There is not much more to say than it is time for universal health care to cover all children with illness & disabilities - be it ASD, Cancer, AIDS, speech delays, FAS, whatever. Taking care of the health of the next generation is paramount to the overall health of a society at large. As for CG's comments and others below - I have refinanced my house TWICE, live frugally, and have no large expensive 'toys', jewelry or other such assets to sell anymore. I can tell you it is NOT EVEN CLOSE to enough capital to cover the therapies and medical treatments for my son. It is painfully hard when you have to 'willingly' let some therapies go because there is just no way to pay for them. The psychological guilt of 'not being the best provider' for you child is something I'm not sure I'll ever fully be able to cope with. The irony is seeing record compensation for high-level insurance executives and overall record profits, while children and adults with these disorders and illnesses are being pushed aside. This is a sign of a society lacking compassion and love for fellow human beings. Those within the Autism community try to find the love and compassion with each other, struggling laughing, and crying with the complexities of life with ASD. Day-by-day is where most of our community is at and it is a stressful life. Thank you for doing this - it made me smile and the outreach looks to be just amazing! It is these things that will help make a change for the better.
posted by Kenneth on 1/11/08 11:15: AM

I watched the video and cried and cried. I am the grandmother of two grandsons with autism. The video is powerful and sends an important message. Arizona has scheduled a Candlelight Vigil at the state capitol building on Jan. 29, 2008 at 6 p.m. in support of the Arizona Autism Insurance Bill. If you live in Arizona please contact your legislators to ask for support of this legislation. It would include coverage for diagnosis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavior therapy.
posted by Nancy on 1/11/08 11:05: AM

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. I HAVE BEEN DOWN THIS DARK SCARY ROAD. AUTISM HAS MANY FACES AND EACH ONE DESERVES THE BEST CARE AVAILABLE MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER
posted by Dana on 1/11/08 10:53: AM

Our first grandchild was born wednesday the 9th...we just hope and pray all is healthy in the years to come...bless you for this site...
posted by Mark on 1/11/08 10:37: AM