How This Works

May you find peace in her spirit to be here on earth with you. Strength will come from within yourself, and obviously you have the courage to move forward. She is ever so beautiful!
posted by Mary Ellen on 12/20/07 2:13: PM

What a beautiful girl and message. Truly touching, and a big thanks to Five For Fighting.
posted by Mike on 12/20/07 1:33: PM

Best of Luck to you and your family..I would Follow the Jenny Mcarthy treatment plan if you haven't already I know it's not the same for everyone but it sure seemed to snap her son out of after a while with correcting a diet and repitition in learning! My son has a speech disorder and was not covered for his therapy either and I really do think it's unfair that it's not considered a medical thing...well something medically happened to get him this way so they should pay to fix it! Best of Luck to you! She's really a beautiful girl!
posted by Lori on 12/20/07 12:57: PM

You and Claudia have touched my heart and soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the families who are touched by this cunning and baffleing affliction. I will pray that the powers to be will enable all of you to get what you so deservedly need.
posted by GRS Mendham NJ on 12/20/07 12:37: PM

God Bless you and your family, and may you find the help that you need. Claudia is a beautiful soul, as are other children who are going through this. Thank you for sharing your story and may your journey bring you forever resources to meet Claudia's needs.
posted by Chelsey on 12/20/07 11:58: AM

What a pretty girl! I don't know what state Claudia lives in, but I am an early intervention paraprofessional in Kansas. We are not allowed to have a waiting list for services. We are mandated to serve every child who needs services. The school districts are also mandated to provide services for children with disabilites ages 3-21. Those services may look different in different places. If your child is not receiving any services, look into your rights that are guaranteed by the IDEA legislation (Individuals with Disabilites Education Act). Your child may not be entitled to 40 hours a week of therapy, but he or she should get something. These services are provided free of charge to children who need them.
posted by Jennifer on 12/20/07 11:33: AM

Autism is an overwhelming experience and hopefully with the support and love from everyone that comes into contact w/your child....they will prevail!! **Early intervention is key** **PERSISTENCY is a must when it comes to getting what your child needs........only the parents know their child and don't let anyone tell you differently. My child has made leaps and bounds and continues to improve each day. It is not an easy road, however at the end of that road we can only hope for the best outcome and thank god for these special children! They make us all better people!!
posted by suzanne on 12/20/07 11:26: AM

Thank you. . . .my family thanks you. My son Rowan thanks you - His first word, at the age of 3 was "happy". Puts things in perspective - he's incredible.
posted by Amy on 12/20/07 11:14: AM

Recovery is possible! My son was diagnosed with Autism at 2 1/2 he is now a 2nd grader at a typical school and receives no services, not even speech. I love the message and we need more research and more money, this is a public health crisis. Early intervention, with education, medical and dietary support is not only vital help but can provide for some a complete cure. While no one can make any promises, and each child is different. Many have been able to beat this horrible disease and my son is living proof.
posted by Beth on 12/20/07 10:15: AM

There's much you can do with diet and detox that requires absolutely no "medical" intervention and can provide great results. Check out the book "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD. You may also want to know that Amish children don't get Autism. Perhaps it is their diet and their non-toxic environment.
posted by Robin Migalla on 12/20/07 9:28: AM

Thank you on behalf of my beautiful autistic son Jake.
posted by Tracey Larmon on 12/20/07 9:13: AM

I work in the health care field and everyday we see situations like this in life that we wish we didn't or don't want to see, and acknowledge these issues. I'm glad that you have the courage to face these issues not just in your life but everyone that deals with this disease. You are a strong and god willing person keep your head held high and don't let anyone discourage you. Your daughter is a very beautiful and special person, best wishes in every thing she does and god bless you and your family during this holiday season.
posted by Virginia on 12/20/07 8:16: AM

It's so great to see awareness displayed through this video. I'm a speech pathologist that specializes in children with autism. I see the effects it has on the family, not only the child. There are many types of therapies out there, don't give up. You have to believe and see the little gains, miracles! Good Luck, families!
posted by Kerrt on 12/20/07 8:00: AM

god bless all of those children. my prayers go out to them.i would like to help i some way.
posted by lisa bohl on 12/20/07 7:38: AM

Even if insurance won't cover the cost of therapy, children with autism qualify for early childhood special education that is an obligation of the school district at no cost to the family. If you believe your child has autism, contact your local school district or area education agency to demand testing and, if necessary, early interventions.
posted by chad on 12/20/07 7:26: AM

First of all this is wonderful. Lets keep the awareness going. And Billy - SHUT UP
posted by Jenni on 12/20/07 6:45: AM

What a beautiful little girl. I too struggle with a son who has been diagnosed with Asperger's. Like most other parents I could fill a page... Thank you for making and sharing that video, well done.
posted by John on 12/20/07 5:20: AM

How can it be that there are still people who don't know that writing in all caps when communicating via the internet is considered yelling? Or maybe a better question: Why do some of you think that your message is so much more important than everybody else's that you need to write in all caps so that people read YOURS?
posted by Billy on 12/20/07 4:49: AM

Many this reach the whole of our universe to make a difference for all children and their families dealing with Autism. Thanks Five for Fighting for making a difference!
posted by Alexis on 12/20/07 4:31: AM

CLAUDIA IS A BEAUTIFUL CHILD, AS ARE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN - WE SHOULD NOT BE LIVING IN AN AMERICA WHERE CLAUDIA CANNOT HAVE ACCESS TO TREATMENT IMMEDIATELYL. I PRAY NOT ONLY FOR CLAUDIA, FOR FOR ALL THE CLAUDIAS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND ESPECIALLY THAT TREATMENT WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE TO OFFER VICTIMS A FULL AND COMPLETE LIFE.
posted by Rosemarie on 12/20/07 12:47: AM