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I also have two gorgeous boys with Autism, 7 and 3 years old. As with many siblings they are like chalk and cheese, only they are both on the spectrum. Australia has just started to fund Autism and its about time. Loved the video, wish I could send it around to people I know. Good luck Clauidia!
posted by Andrea Cusack on 1/14/09 7:20: AM

How beautiful. My son is 8 now and I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to be his mother. His Autism has been the craziest adventure I have ever been on. One I would not have missed for the life of me. His words keep me going. No matter how bad it may get, I remind myself how easy I have it. So for those of you fighting the good fight, NEVER GIVE UP, AND NEVER BACK DOWN!
posted by michelle delagrange on 1/13/09 6:39: AM

See an updated video and learn more about Claudia's amazing journey over the past year by visiting www.changerherworld.org
posted by Change Her World on 1/11/09 6:42: AM

What a beautiful and moving video. Claudia shares all the same symptoms as my 15 year old little brother who also has Autism. He has no speech, dislikes large numbers of people and hates a change to his routine. One of the little things that makes him happy is water-play. No matter what the weather, rain or shine, thunder or snow, he always wants to play in the back garden with his water and empty bottles. That's what he loves so leave him to it. He's happy so why should we stop him? Not being able to play outside with his water only causes him distress. He's such a happy little boy and loves his family. Because of his inability to speak, he is seen as the baby of the family. We all love him more than anything else in the world and would all do anything for him. We don't see his Autism as a problem, we see it as a challenge for us all to conquer. We never have and never will see him as a disabled child, he has no physical disabilities and he is just seen as a beautiful, intelligent and unique child. His Autism cannot be changed and doesn't need to be changed. He is a very loved child and has so much love and affection to give to his family, carers, teachers and his friends. I wish both Claudia and her family much love, hope and good wishes for the future x
posted by Carly Harris on 1/10/09 6:54: AM

This was an awesome video. My Son has Aspergers Syndrome and I remember 17 years ago fighting with the insurance companies over the kind of therapies he needed. I got responses like it wasn't in their code system and its to experimental. After three years I was finally able to get them to pay 20% and leaving us to do everything he needed on our own. I am happy to say that every hard moment was worth it. He is going to be going off to college next year and couldn't ask for a more amazing person to have touched and enlightened my life. Thank you to those that keep fighting for what all these children need and deserve!
posted by Tammi Josephs on 1/08/09 7:23: PM

That is a sweet video, and very cool that Five for Fighting is donating money per viewing. It is mind boggling to see what parents with autism go through to merely get insurance coverage. My sister, who has an autistic son, went through hell and back to finally get the support, and insurance she needed. It took many years, but has made all the difference in the world.
posted by Allyson Stinchfield on 1/07/09 6:09: PM

Great video. My son is now 13, and lives with autism. His cognative age is probably 3 or 4, but has the heart of a sage. I've been following the Travolta tragedy (son "Jett" died)- You could tell how special Jon and Kelly Preston knew their Jett to be. Heartbreaking. But my heartbreak is twofold. It had long been rumored that the Travolta's didn't recognize their son's autism because their religion (scientology) didn't recognize it as a legitimate disorder. Seeing the video of him on TV, and knowing that epilepsy and autism are strongly related (much research to back this statement), I am sad that the Travolta's, who could have been terrific advocates, have been silent. We need help. I hope somewhere in Spirit world, Jett encourages his parents to help us....
posted by stacey on 1/07/09 11:24: AM

I am crying as I write this message, just like so many people before who watched the video. My child is 9 years old now and is a living example of what Early Intervention (EI) can do. I am in NC and I am very fortunate to live in a state that offers Early Intervention and services for him. He was wasn't diagnosed with Autism until 5; however, he was diagnosed with developmental delays at 2 1/2 which enabled him to receive EI and qualified him to go to a special Pre-K for two years until going to Kindergarten. He also has received Occupational and Speech Therapy since the age of 2 1/2. He hardly had any speech at 2 1/2 and believe me within in a month of receiving services, he was stringing two and three words together. I was an instant believer!!!! Today, at 9, my son is in both a self-contained classroom and he mainstreams a few hours a day in a regular 3rd grade classroom. He is on grade level academically (above); however, with the social part, it is a day-to-day struggle. He is totally verbal and uses words that are incredible. I truly believe in my heart of hearts that if he did not receive services so early he would not be where he is today and where he'll be in the future. My heart breaks for the families who do not have the services so easily available and who do NOT want to lose the precious days, weeks and months that make such a HUGE difference in our children's lives. My heart braks for the families that arethousand's in debt to pay for the services that should be readily available to them! I am also heartbroken for our society who makes these familiies make these tough choices. Our society would be such a better place if it valued the services for our children. Thank you so much for making this video. Thanks again.
posted by Karen B. on 1/07/09 7:57: AM

Visit www.changeherworld.org to learn more about Claudia, her journey over the past year, and her amazing progress.
posted by Change Her World on 1/07/09 7:27: AM

i just watched this video and was hysterically crying. both my children are autistic and non verbal. my son heard me and came running down the stairs to sit on my lap. I too hope that all the insurance companies will cover therapies that will help our beautiful children.they have so much love and potential in them all-
posted by stacey on 1/06/09 3:59: PM

Wow! Amazing video. I have rarely veiwed anything that has touched me like this. I have a wonderful friend, a single working mother with a beautiful young daughter who has autism. Being around the both of them, I see the kind of struggle it is. To see your child struggle and have no control to truly help. I do see that some of the big obsticles is the lack of awareness by the general public, insurance companies and legislation. It can be very expensive to support a special needs child and that alone can create alot of stress. Prior to meeting these two amazing people, I knew little about autism. And it appears that the more you know about it, the more questions you have. I feel blessed meeting these two people... knowing them has truly enriched my life. God bless you and your family and may your future be brighter.
posted by Jon Lucas on 1/06/09 3:43: PM

God bless you!! I just watched, crying. My son is on the specturm but thankfully here in our area, early intervention is encouraged. He has been in treatment for 2 years now and has made leaps and bounds. I pray that those of you who can not get the early intervention that your angels need can get it with bringing attention to this. I love that you stated that there is no cure because with some people who are in the limelight saying there is, just gives false hope. Just know we are out here and we all pray for you!!!
posted by cindy on 1/06/09 8:41: AM

This is very emotional for me to watch as I have a 5 1/2 year old son with Autism. He is non-verbal but is the most beautiful and loving creature I have ever set eyes upon. Thank you for sending this out about Claudia and spreading awareness. God Bless You!
posted by Kathy on 1/04/09 7:15: PM

Good luck to you all and just think of how much stronger you really are as parents to deal with such special children!!!
posted by danielle on 1/03/09 8:41: PM

I have a friends son who has autism and I'm very close to him.
posted by Rachel Schild on 1/03/09 12:58: PM

My son, Benjamin, is PPD. That is a very low spectrum form of Autism. He wasn't diagnosed until he was 4 1/2 because, although he was a little different, it wasn't easy to see. He is now 11 and in Middle School and doing well. We need a cure. This is NOT caused by vaccinations, environment, etc. Benjamin's was actually caused by a brain trauma before he was even born that I didn't know about and couldn't control. We need a cure. Please donate.
posted by Julie McBrayer on 1/03/09 8:25: AM

Visit www.changeherworld.org to see an updated video and to learn more about Claudia's amazing progress over the past year.
posted by Change Her World on 1/02/09 12:43: PM

this is a sad video but i kno more now & will tell my friends 2 join this cause
posted by Britnee on 1/02/09 12:35: PM

Beautiful video. Answers for all of these Neurodevelopment disorders now is upon us: With understanding as to how and why this is happened..comes the means to start helping and recovering. www.BrainGuardMD.com - Tolerance Lost DVD series... xplains all there are simpler, abnd crucial, approaches than supps and vitamins in and of themselves... A
posted by Dr Andrew Moulden on 12/28/08 3:30: PM

Hi! June 2008, my son was diagnosed with Austim and language disorder. Nathaniel is 3 years old. I am the proudest mom to have Nathaniel in my life that includes my two other daughters. I totally understand what these parents and families are going through. Life get very difficult at time but I know that we will get through this. Our fight with austim will never stop and I know he will recover with his family beside him. We love you very much. Thank you for putting this video and standing up for Austim for people need to know more. It made me cry!!
posted by Joni on 12/26/08 12:39: PM