How This Works

My 28 y/o nephew is blind & autistic. It's been a very long road but God compensates the struggles with joy that most people overlook. He didn't speak words till he was 7. Didn't put words into a sentence till 10 and at age 15 he was able to begin real communication. My family, especially his mom, knows the joy of each milestone and nothing gets taken for granted. He's a blessing not a burden!!!!
posted by MaryAlice on 1/11/08 6:19: AM

I have a 27 year old daughter Allyson with "Autism". There wasnt enough imformation on "Autism" at that time in her earlier years of growing up. It was hard for my family at times. At least i pray to God she is healthy and she is my baby. We love you Allyson.
posted by Denise Sammut on 1/11/08 5:33: AM

my 5-yr old baby boy, too, struggles w/ Autism everyday like many others. Unfortunately, the number is growing all the time. Thanks for bringing some awareness to a cause that cannot be ignored! :)
posted by Dawn on 1/11/08 5:09: AM

Maybe almighty God bless & keep your beautiful daughter & you. This video is very touching, thank you for sharing.
posted by Michele Barrett on 1/11/08 1:42: AM

I knew something was mysterious about my son when he was a new born but it wasn't until 18 months that our doctor took me seriously and then finally by two we had him in therapy 3 days a week. We were lucky. He his AMAZING. He is now 4 and a half and thriving. There would be a great void in our lives if he did not exsist. I'm certain many other families would feel the same if their "Child with Autism" also did not exsist. I too would give my vote to the first presidential candidate that "Speaks Up" about Autism. Your video is beautiful.....Thank you!
posted by Julie on 1/10/08 10:03: PM

I have a 6 yr old grandson who was diagnosed with autism. I knew there was something different about Hunter when he was about 6 weeks old but the doctor's told me and my daughter that we were wrong. He was the best baby many said, but the truth was he never made a noise and that concerned us early on. It has been a long road and there are limited resources available in TN. While I have 5 other grandsons who were not affected, it truly stops your world when you cannot get what he needs because you don't have deep pockets and the insurance companies and the State refuse to assist outside of the traditonal school system that lacks the skills to teach these special children.
posted by Cheryl on 1/10/08 8:34: PM

READ THIS ARTICLE FOR A TON OF USEFUL INFORMATION ON AUTISM AND EVERYTHING MAKES SENSE... http://www.whale.to/v/haley.pdf THIS IS PREVENTABLE
posted by Laura-Lee Kennedy on 1/10/08 8:29: PM

Being the Proud parent of a 9yr old autistic boy (Jayson) I would like to say that the first presidential candidate that mentions Autism WILL get MY VOTE !!
posted by Wyatt Connor on 1/10/08 8:27: PM

What a beautiful child! As a mother of a four year old little girl diagnosed with Autism in October of 2006, I can relate very well to this video. Thankfully we live in an awesome school district and our little girl is thriving. Academically she is doing very well. Thanks so much for sharing this video. {{hugs}} God Bless!
posted by Jen on 1/10/08 8:18: PM

We must start voting for public servants who put America's HealthCare FIRST! No matter what age or economic level of our population. God knows out taxes are spent on PLENTY of less important issues. Cast your VOTES for GOOD HEALTH!
posted by PMO on 1/10/08 7:47: PM

AS I have gone throuh this video over and over and I think of my nephew and son..both very different effects in autism but one common thread...alone and afraid Please never stop trying to help I wish there was more awareness in schools and fundraisers, how can I help????
posted by Lisa on 1/10/08 7:30: PM

www.feingold.org is the diet for autism, adhd and learning problems. My son has been help tremendously.
posted by rai on 1/10/08 7:28: PM

This is the site http://www.newstarget.com/011764.html
posted by Laura-Lee Kennedy on 1/10/08 7:18: PM

I have heard that the immunizations are now linked to this, they have kids that were fine before the shots and then developed Autism afterwards , can the insurance companies cover that? Reading the comments, I see that your story has touched many hearts including mine I pray God will bless your child and get you the help you need and others facing this same road you are now on... God bless your family
posted by Laura-Lee Kennedy on 1/10/08 7:14: PM

Ive heard a diet can help. But as a parent of a special needs,now adult by a few years, insurance other than medicaid really needs to be inplace. I also work with these kiddos and early interventin would be a wonderful thing. Your child is beautiful and hopefully the people she will encounter will see her beauty,inside and out. stay strong for all of you in your family and many prayers for you all.
posted by Lory on 1/10/08 7:02: PM

Very moving; how sad that insurance companies won't help. My personal quest is that non-verbal children, like Claudia, who will someday ride a bus, won't be abused on the bus as my son was. Please go to www.safe-bus.com and sign the petition to help mandate auditory/visual equipment on buses so that nobody can harm our most vulnerable.....our children, especially our nonverbal children. By going to the website you can see what happened to my son. I wish I knew someone famous who would help me spread the word about the importance of this becoming a bill. You wouldn't believe how many parents have contacted me saying their child was verbally/mentally and physically abused on their school bus. Thank you. Ronna Glickman Founder, Safebus Email: Homec1@localnet.com
posted by Ronna on 1/10/08 6:57: PM

Claudia is a beautiful angel,sent by God to be the messenger and 'poster child ' for autism. We have a friend whose little boy is a victim of this lonely state in life.... he is receiving special care because they can afford the best for him. He has progressed so much in three years, it should give hope to all parents. Their second child, a girl is perfect in every way and so loving and tender with her brother... Claudia and others like her will teach us all to grateful for all of our blessings... one child at a time.
posted by judi dunn on 1/10/08 6:54: PM

I was really touched by your stroy. I have a little boy seven months old and my heart aches for u. I'll remember u and u sweet little daughter in my prayers. Pslams 121 says'lift up your eyes to the hills from whence cometh your help, your help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth'. God hears and answers prayers.
posted by edris on 1/10/08 6:54: PM

I just started working with Missouri First Steps as an implementor for Autistic children ages 0-3. As a mother of a 6 year old girl and almost 3 year old boy, I feel blessed. It has made me truly appreciate how lucky I am. It has also made me want to fight for this disease. I am very aware of how diverse this can be and how much intervention at an early age can help. I will fight as hard as I can for these children. My prayers are with you.
posted by ashlea on 1/10/08 6:54: PM

I HAVE A 7 YEAR OLD SON WITH AUTISM. ITS HARD SOME DAYS. BUT I THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE BOY. THAT TEACHES ME EVERYDAY NEW AND FUN THINGS.
posted by Amy on 1/10/08 6:51: PM