How This Works

I also have a child with autism, my son Demetrius. He brings out all our emotions and shows us what's really important in this world - love and compassion for all. Lift your heart and heads to this love from these wonderful children.
posted by Kim Grasso on 12/13/07 5:55: AM

What a beautiful song and video. It has helped me to be more aware of this terrible illness. May God bless Claudia and her family and other families affected by autism.
posted by Marilyn on 12/12/07 6:12: PM

It is hard to believe that in we shell out millions of our tax dollars to the world and we can't take care of our own children by having health insurance to take care of them when they have these type of illnesses. Our world has gone completely cockeyed and this issue is one of them. Our govenment needs to wake up and start caring (really caring) about the people and children in the United State as much as they do for the foreign countries. I don't mind helping children everywhere, but, lets start at home first. A very concerned citizen. Linda Beatty
posted by Linda Beatty on 12/12/07 5:14: PM

Let's all work together to make universal health care a reality and to ensure that insurance companies can no longer selectively choose treatments and recipients. Good luck to Melanie, her family and all of the other families struggling with illnesses. Five for Fighting, you guys are awesome for your assistance!
posted by Anne Sasser on 12/12/07 4:46: PM

What a beautiful song written for a more beautiful little girl. God bless your whole family and I hope a cure is found.
posted by Diane on 12/12/07 4:38: PM

Thank you for sharing this information with others. My sister has granddaughters that have a form of autism. Now the fworld can understand this better. Thank you again.
posted by Michelle Clingenpeel on 12/12/07 2:50: PM

the video touched me and i pray that she will not have to wait and i pray that insurance will soon cover the treatment..let me know how i can help to make it become legal faster..GOD BLESS melanie
posted by melanie on 12/12/07 12:46: PM

I have a 20-yr-old who was not diagnosed with PDD/NOS until he was in Middle School. Numerous professionals assessed him and missed it from preshool on. Even after the diagnosis, many, including the school district, refused to approach him as someone with PDD - instead they placed him with seriously emotionally disturbed students in schoo for 4 years until he almost completely broke down. There were no appropriate placements for him. The only place experienced with his population would not take him due to his agression. He has Bipolar also which complicates his life. He now is receiving appropriate services from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services with consultations with a PDD / Bipolar expert for all staff, providers, and family. Even after not receiving early intervention, after being placed in an environment that caused more damage, I still have hope for him. I am so pleased to see all the efforts and research going into this area. Never give up.
posted by Janette Phillips on 12/12/07 11:30: AM

I am a special educator who has been working in the field for 25 years. In that time I have seen this devastating diagnosis grow to outstanding numbers. I am now an Ongoing Service Coordinator working in early intervention. The programs work, children are given back a childhood and parents are able to enjoy their children....programs like early intervention give back hope to parents with kids on the spectrum.
posted by barbara on 12/12/07 9:47: AM

Great work you're doing! Thanks for caring!
posted by Pam on 12/12/07 7:24: AM

my son is 3 and he has austism. he can only scream to communicate. we have him in a preschool and now he can say mom and dad and thats it. i hope that they can find cure. god bless, take care.
posted by paul odem on 12/12/07 5:18: AM

my nephew is 6 years old and has autism we were told that he has it when he was just about two never talking always yelling and trying to figure out what was wrong when i went to a class for autism we learned that there is a diet you can put them on no casin and no gluten he is on a strick corn rice and soy diet since he has started this diet almost 4 years ago he has learned to communicate with others and live a normal childhood try it it will work i will pray and you keep you in my prays good luck
posted by candice on 12/11/07 9:42: PM

Very moving video!! I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and work with many children with Autism. Waiting lists for therapy are frustrating. More therapist are needed - colleges and universities need to do something about the shortage of OT's, PT's, and Speech therapists. We need to get these children engaged and open up their means of communication. Thank you for your touching video. Kim Rodriguez
posted by Kim on 12/11/07 8:32: PM

My four year old son Jacob is autistic and he too is unable to say the simplest of things. The hardest thing in the world is too see him so frustrated because he can't say what he wants and feeling so powerless as a parent because we can't afford to give him what he needs. THERAPY. These angels deserve their chance to fly.
posted by debbie on 12/11/07 6:54: PM

God Bless You. The video is beautiful. I am a special educator in the public schools. Your daughter is entiltled to a free public education. Contact you local public schools, there are programs for three year olds.
posted by Mary Whitmer on 12/11/07 6:38: PM

I am a 7th grade reading teacher who appreciates those parents of special needs children. I loved your video and will pass it on to many other educators within my district. Take care, be strong, God Bless, Myria
posted by Myria Denniston on 12/11/07 6:34: PM

These beautiful children should not have to wait. I am in tears now praying that things will be changing shortly for all of you out there that need this help so desparately. My prayers are with you for strength and a cure.
posted by Chloe on 12/11/07 6:24: PM

As a special educator and a friend/family member of children with asbergers and autism. It is crutial to be aware of your rights and what is available in your area. There is national care for newborns to 3/4 year olds that is completely free to ALL people. It is called Zero to three nationally ask your physician or school system what is out there for you. As the video says... early intervention is CRUTIAL. God BLess you all for your fighting efforts.
posted by Robin on 12/11/07 6:01: PM

A friend sent this to me. A friend who does not know that my own son was diagnosed at age 3 with PDD/Aspergers. He lost his diagnosis at age 5 said not PDD, but ADHD, we are now at 7 and having more tests, to confirm what we in our hearts know is true. He is both ADHD/Aspergers. We can't ignore the symptoms as much as we want to and pretend any longer that odd behavoir is just him being shy. Early intervention is key, it helped my son tremendously and without it he would be further behind than he is. We need to find a way to cure this epidemic. Is this becoming the plague of our generation.
posted by Melanie on 12/11/07 6:01: PM

too many parents, friends, family members, wait to voice the signs that they see and are too scared to say aloud what they've noticed all along. what if the child is "just behind". what if i'm wrong. what if the parents hate me because i'm wrong...what if they blame me because i'm right. i am one of those people afraid to voice their concern. thank you for all you're doing and helping me to find my voice.
posted by erica on 12/11/07 4:23: PM