How This Works

Awesome video; beautiful girl! We were told to wait 6 months before we tested my son, there were no BIG red flags--we just saw a growing difference btwn him and his twin brother, and as a parent you know when something just isn't quite right about your child. Our pediatrician told us he had too much going for him when I told him I sometimes wondered about autism. Fortunately we have a wonderful family friend (& PNP) who is currently working to get more developmental testing as part of regular well checks here in Colorado. She urged us to move forward now, since it can take a while to just get the evaluation. Fortunately, he does not have autism, just displays some of the "quirks", he was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, lack of coordination, and had some language (comprehension) delays. After 2 months of speech/lang. therapy + 3 months of occupational therapy he is a different kid. He has totally come out of his shell, gained confidence, loves (pre)school now & is much less dependent on his twin. He may need more help down the road, who knows. He'll start Kindergarten next fall and I cannot tell you how grateful we are to have learned already what we have about him & addressed his issues. He is off to a MUCH better start, now, for school. I would urge anyone, who is concerned about their child's development to ask and keep asking...early intervention is so important!
posted by Christie on 11/26/07 11:35: AM

God Bless you and your Family with Love and continued strength and in all your efforts regarding this honorable fight.
posted by El on 11/26/07 9:19: AM

Tony and Charlotte, Claudia is such a beautiful child, I know she has been blessed with a strong and loving family. Always know your friends are with you. Love, Brian and Kate
posted by brian on 11/25/07 12:40: PM

I just received the video from my oldest daughter. I am a CranioSacral therapist. Please go to the following web site to read about this therapy. Dr. Upledger and this therapy have helped many children with Autism. I, myself have helped children with Autism. http://www.upledger.com Do yourselves a favor read about this noninvasive way of improving these young people's lives.
posted by Linda on 11/25/07 7:06: AM

Reading all the comments of support and understanding is very comforting and moving. Our son was diagnosed with PDD when he was 14 months old, he is now 18, still on the spectrum and in the process of applying to colleges. I wish there had been the level of awareness that exists today. The hardest part of parenting a child who is different is feeling alone in the process. Thank you to Claudia's parents - by helping your daughter, you are helping all of us who spend every day trying to figure out the puzzle of autism.
posted by Lorin Klaris on 11/25/07 7:05: AM

When I saw my son delivered, I never new the journey he was going to take me on. I know he loves us because he can tell us now. When he was 2-3 years old he would not even want us to sit next to him. He is now 5 1/2 years old and I get a kiss everytime I ask for one. He also always wants us to play games with him. I think we probably were the only ones in the country playing go fish at 630am. Early intervention works.
posted by Jason Saavedra on 11/24/07 6:42: PM

what a beautiful tribute. to know a individual with autism is to know a an individual who loves life like you and i but may not be able to express it in the way we would expect them to. autism in many cases robs us the opportunity to understand these individuals. as my son often says, I wish you could walk in my shoes for one day, and see how confusing life really is. my alex has grown up into a mature functioning individual with autism. he will never out grow it. he will adapt to it, he will always feel like a square peg fitting into a round hole, but he will function. he will always need some guidance and assistance, but he will live a full life. but as his mother i will constantly worry about the grayness in his life, the areas of life that pass him by and the areas of life that overwhelm him. as a mother i want him to have the best life he can and to find his soulmate. she will have to be a strong and understanding woman. i will cherish her, and so will he. alex will graduate from high school in May 08, he plans to attend college and major in vocal music performance. Autism Speaks, Alex Sings!
posted by Karen Hale on 11/24/07 6:20: PM

What an amazing amazing awesome enlightening video! Thank you for that! I have a 5-year old nephew with Autism and he's in therapy about 35 hours per week. He's changed so much since he started; he could barely communicate at first and now he's doing so much; I can't believe all he's accomplished. My brother had to fight for his employer to pay for part of the necessary therapies for my nephew. Many others have and will continue to benefit from what my brother and sister-in-law did for their son. It has been and continues to be my absolutel honor to be Matthew's Auntie Danielle!
posted by Danielle on 11/24/07 5:02: PM

Keep fighting! We also are parents of a boy diagnosed with autism, a mild form called Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Just as you feel about Claudia, Edward's fight is ours and we will never surrender. Tony & Antonietta Mount Hope Ontario
posted by Tony & Antonietta Hughes on 11/24/07 10:24: AM

Keep fighting for your daughter!! My son Kevin has Autism. How was he diagnosed? Well he didn't talk much if at all until he was 3 years old. I noticed something was going on with him when he was about 18 months. He was a happy baby always smiling but some things he did just was "interesting". I saw an article about Autism in "Parents" magazine and I said that is Kevin!!!! On his next docs visit I showed the doc the article and I said, "that is Kevin" he is autistic!!! {I am noooooo doctor but I knew my son! The doctor put it off for almost 2 years and we went from, your son may be deaf, to he may be cognitive impaired to well he just may need tubes in his ears!!! My son could hear!!! After numerous hearing tests, etc. my son WAS diagnosed with mild autism at the age of 3 1/2!! He could have received much needed help before then!!! I know my son, to anyone out there who "knows" your child knows something just isn't right stay vigilant, research and change doctors if you have to!! My son is now 9 years old, speaks clearly and wishes to be a Marine like his older brother! With a lot of prayer and persistence we have made Autism a journey our whole family can conquer. May God bless your little girl, keep fighting!!! Mrs. Sheara Hall
posted by Sheara on 11/24/07 8:39: AM

How lovely your daughter is. My son was diagnosed at 11 with his ASD. To late for early intervention and just in time for high school. Where God seems to close a door he opens a window. Hope is a cheeky grin.
posted by AmandaG on 11/22/07 4:43: PM

What an absolutely beautiful video!!! I am happy to know that more and more people are talking about autism, but what is often not discussed is the financial crisis many families face in getting the help their child needs. I can't thank you enough for bringing that to the forefront. In Michigan, there are no state-funded programs and the largest insurance companies here also pay for NOTHING (despite one's recent ad campaigns that state they offer "access to health care coverage for everyone, regardless of circumstances.") Unfortunately, with the nation's highest unemployment rate at 7.7% and the drastically reduced property values we've seen over the last three years, losing major money on our homes and moving to a state with one of those long waiting lists isn't a very good option either, leaving many with nowhere to turn. Finding out your child has autism is heart-wrenching, but finding out that you can't afford the treatment proven to help him/her is DEVASTATING. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I can only pray that those in the position to make insurance and legislative change will hear our stories and be truly touched by them, because they are stories of dreams just waiting to be born.
posted by Rita C. on 11/21/07 10:38: PM

This is Great and I will share it with others. I staff a DDA/Mental Health Consortium and they will appreciate this public serivce announcement and opportunity to educate others. Thank You
posted by K. Nelson on 11/20/07 6:39: PM

This is a wonderful video. I have to give a speech to High School students in the near future and wondered if an attachment copy could be acquired for showing to the students. I would be willing to purchase if necessary and would use it to educate others. Please let me know.
posted by Brendan McCormick on 11/20/07 2:09: PM

We need all THAT and more. We need professionals who know more than we do (I felt like I was the one educating the UW 'specialists'). Parents have to know more because WE HAVE no other choice. Our son would have been diagnosed high functioning Autistism, but we did not wait, we intervened ourselves. We turned to putting natural God given foods (organic, gluten free, casein free, flouride free) as well as a nutritional product called "Now for Kids" by reliv.com. Each step made a difference, hands-on schooling has made a difference. Any of our friends will tell you the boy we found in there is much different today than a year ago. So many parents have seen this occur after "safe innoculations". If you have a healthy child, don't damage them with innoculations. Keep on praying - and thank you for increasing awareness.
posted by Jami Wright on 11/19/07 2:53: PM

You have a beautiful family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
posted by Erika on 11/19/07 12:07: PM

Charlotte, From one mother to another... I feel for you and know what you must be going through. I have two sons... Evan, 7, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 1/2 (and is non-verbal) and my other little guy Connor, 2, who was just diagnosed this last Monday and also has yet to find his voice. My heart is heavy but my faith and spirit remain strong and focused on giving my angels all that they need and are so deserving of. I can tell by your video that you love your little girl with all your heart... so hold tight to your faith, say your prayers and don't be afraid to ask your friends and family for help when you need it. I wish your precious angel every happiness in the world and, so far, with a loving mother like you it looks like she is already well on her way. Good luck and God bless... Debbie
posted by Debbie on 11/17/07 6:54: PM

charlotte,you are the powerful mom. It's not too late for anything you're little angel is going to be betterbecause she has all you love. I have a 7 years old autistic son and he's diagnosed 2 years ago .and he's doing really well. I'm happy to be in touch with each other to talk more about your lovely Claudia .
posted by souad kleit on 11/17/07 6:15: AM

Your daughter Claudia is a beautiful child. My heart and prayers go out to you and all the other children with Autism. She is lucky to have you as her parents. I will do all I can to help share this video and help make a change for her and the other children. God Bless You!
posted by Lebby on 11/13/07 3:02: PM

YOU MUST DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET TREATMENT FOR HER. MOVE TO A STATE THAT DOES PAY FOR TREATMENT! I live in Pennsylvania, my son(not yet three years old) has been in early intervention for a little over a year and was just diagnosed. Now I am putting him in an intensive wrap-around program, as well as a D.A.R.T. preschool when he turns three. It will be 25+ hours a week combined. The Hospital that diagnosed him gave literature of how to get medical assistance through the state regardless of income. Medicaid. Your video my me cry, our children seem similar in many ways. I have made some remarkable progress with him with the computer as far as vocalization. If you would like to know how we did it please e-mail me.
posted by Krisa on 11/08/07 8:56: PM