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We got lucky when our son was born, he was 3 months old when he was DX with Downs Syndrome, but wasn't DX with Autism til he was almost 6 or 7 years old. We were told he was Mentally Retarded and had ADHD. We believed the Doctors and treated him as a normal child as we did our other children. He struggled in school because the teachers couldn't understand him, he was non verbal so he was behind as luck would have it we met a wonderful woman whon told us to have him tested and we found out what was really going on in our sons mind. He is now a 10th grader in school (P.E.P) at the high school but he has since been DX with Epilepsy so he has a lot going on with his health too so PLEASE HELP FIND A CURE FOR AUTISM. You never know who it might affect or help. thanks
posted by Juanita Fiehler on 1/08/08 12:40: PM

My 5 year old has Asperger's Syndrome. He was lucky enough to have received Early Intervention for Speech and OT before he was diagnosed. Because of that, and the work of his Pediatrician and therapists, we were able to identify his symptoms and get him properly diagnosed. He now attends a public special ed preschool and will go to regular Kindergarten with the assistance of a para-professional. If you suspect your child may be on the spectrum, push push push for Early Intervention services!!!
posted by Kim on 1/08/08 12:00: PM

We have a grandson who has Asberger's syndrome and we feel blessed with the progress he has made in his socialization skills. Never, ever, give up your hope for a child that will thrive in this oftentimes very difficult world.
posted by Grampa Grumpy on 1/08/08 11:42: AM

I love this video. As my child does, this video breaks my heart and inspires me at the same time. God bless each of these children. Help us parents find the best ways to support them.
posted by Margaret Brady on 1/08/08 11:20: AM

Beautiful tributes to the families and children affected by Autism!!!! I am a parent of a fabulous 10 year old boy who has changed our life in so many ways it's indescribable. And how inspiring are these kids and adults facing these challenges everyday?? Of course, the professionals with the stamina and passion to stick with these kids is amazing as well!! Thank you for bringing more attention to this critical situation!! From all of us "fighting" and "advocating" every day for these guys, thank you for any help you can provide!!!
posted by Angie on 1/08/08 10:19: AM

Thank you so much for your efforts toward finding a cure for Autism. My daughter is Autistic and she struggles every day of her life with things that should come so easy to a 6 year old. I can only hope and pray for a cure so that our children no longer have to suffer in their world.
posted by Kristie on 1/08/08 9:48: AM

Beautiful video. Very well done. Good luck with your search for services and financial assistance.
posted by Mary Beth Miranda on 1/08/08 8:42: AM

I am the grandmother of an autistic child. Even though he was diagnosed before he was 2 yrs old, he struggles every day to make his speech understood. I pray daily for my son and daughter-in-law that they will have the strength and good health to be able to continue to help their son. Joseph is a very loving child but can be a terror at the flip of a coin. He is advanced in both his reading and math,especially on the computer. Having a computer at home really makes a difference. All health insurance as well as the goverment should do all that is possible to help these children develope skills that will help them get through life. There should also be an organization that will provide computers and internet connections to those families that can not afford this luxery. Say a prayer for all familes who have a autistic child.
posted by Renee Fontana on 1/08/08 8:41: AM

Thank you!
posted by Shawn on 1/08/08 8:37: AM

I repeatedly asked about my son's speech development when he was young, each checkup, told sometimes boys don't develop all of their speech skills until age 6... wait and see... then it was diagnosed as ADD and meds were prescribed. Later in elementary school they rated him on the autism spectrum scale as high functioning autism or possibly Asbergers. and he has had an IEP throughout school to address his needs. Three years ago we voluntarily stopped the meds and he has been doing better than ever. He graduates from high school this year and plans on going to college. Though he has never had a medical diagnosis, I believe he shows some signs of Asbergers, even seems gifted in some areas like memory and directions. When he was little he could recite how many minutes in length every movie in our collection was, or tell you the order of every song on every CD he had. He is a history genius, especially when it comes to WWII. But, like so many others, insurance would never cover the testing we really wanted him to go through when he was younger. So the doc has always just said ADD. Too bad, I wonder how many other autism cases are misdiagnosed, or never at all. LET'S FIGHT THIS!
posted by Jackie on 1/08/08 7:49: AM

Our children are our lives. Claudia is blest with a wonderful mom who cares to take a stand to help others too.
posted by Nancy on 1/08/08 7:28: AM

As a new mother I am touched by this video. I hope everyday that I am doing to right things and making the right choices for my child. It is not fair that things we can not control effect them in such a detrimental way!
posted by Carie Radford on 1/08/08 7:00: AM

My son is autistic, I pray everyday for a cure, an end to the damage of our young children, our perfect babies who are damaged by the toxins in vaccinations and other environmental products. My son was perfect until he had his 18 month shots then he regressed, we work on him everyday he is now 9 and has made gains with diet, suppliments, detox, but it is a daily struggle and many times I look at him and think....what if?
posted by sharon on 1/08/08 6:30: AM

Thank you for the beautiful video. Lets help find a cure.
posted by Missy Friedly on 1/08/08 6:17: AM

After seeing those beautiful children you really dont know how lucky you are when your children lead a prodictive live with no health issues. Say a prayer for all those poor parents and children and thank god research is always being done
posted by Cathy Porada on 1/08/08 5:48: AM

In my lifetime, I want the terminology to change from "these children", to "our children." It is the most challenged of our brethren who bring us together and create bonds where there were none before. I do ask God for help, but I also ask that we give of ourselves to help find a cure.
posted by Suzan on 1/08/08 5:33: AM

good wishes
posted by parvin on 1/08/08 5:25: AM

I have two dear friends who have children with autism. I see their struggle. I pray for healing of this disease, wisdom for a cure and until both occur, that the insurance companies will cover these costs for these families and/or those with wealth will help by giving their extra to families directly to help them. I will keep praying.
posted by Pam on 1/08/08 4:40: AM

Beautiful video!
posted by Teresa on 1/08/08 4:17: AM

Be generous with your heart, your time, and your money, these families need help. There but for the Grace of God..........
posted by ally on 1/07/08 8:49: PM